Founder story
Born and raised in the Maldives, Aksham Abdul Gadhir grew up as the youngest of ten siblings — a position that gave him both freedom and perspective. While his older siblings followed traditional paths, Aksham was given something rare: the space to dream differently. With his family’s encouragement, he began exploring creativity at an early age, discovering that storytelling could be more than just words — it could be seen, felt, and captured.
At just eleven years old, Aksham began photographing the world around him using nothing more than an iPhone. What started as AKSHAM Photography slowly evolved into something more intentional. In 2015, he opened his Instagram page and later introduced the name ishot.mv — where the “I” stood for iPhone photography — a reminder that storytelling is not about equipment, but vision. Over time, the identity evolved and became widely known as @ishotmaldives, a platform dedicated to capturing the essence of the people & Maldives through emotive imagery.
A defining chapter of his journey began when he joined Soneva, one of the world’s leading ultra-luxury hospitality brands!
It was more than a workplace, it was an environment that shaped his creative identity. Working alongside industry leading experts and mentors, Aksham immersed himself in every aspect of visual storytelling: from flying drones over turquoise lagoons to operating cinema cameras, Collaborating in live productions, and crafting meaningful, authentic visuals that reflected Soneva’s philosophy of “barefoot luxury.”
At Soneva, Aksham discovered the soul of Social Media Marketing & Creative Direction — how emotion and authenticity can transform a story into an experience. The brand’s focus on craftsmanship, sustainability, and storytelling deeply influenced his approach. Each frame he created wasn’t just content; it was a reflection of connection, atmosphere, and artistry. His time there remains one of the most defining chapters of his life — where passion met purpose, and where creativity became his language.
Some of his work was organically shared by respected platforms such as Forbes Travel Guide, Travel + Leisure, and Beautiful Destinations, and contributed to projects featured in publications including Forbes, Vogue, Architectural Digest, and The Times — recognitions he holds with quiet gratitude.
In time, he became the first and youngest photographer from the Maldives to be verified on TikTok — a milestone he holds with gratitude. For him, verification was never about status, but about responsibility, a reminder that storytelling can travel far beyond what he envisioned, and grateful for this milestone.
Another defining moment in his career came with his move to Sun Siyam Resorts, one of the Maldives’ leading local brands.
Eager to grow further, Aksham transitioned to Sun Siyam Resorts, becoming the youngest Social Media Executive within the group. What began as a new chapter quickly turned into a defining period of growth — learning everything from the ground up, leading projects, and running visually driven marketing campaigns that strengthened the brand’s digital presence.
Working alongside a fully Maldivian team, he found his direction in marketing and, more importantly, learned the value of collaboration, trust, and shared ambition. He was given the space to experiment, to take ownership, and to help shape the visual voice of the resorts during a major rebranding and transition phase — from managing social platforms to repositioning properties through content.
It was a time of long days, fast learning, and real creative freedom — the kind that builds confidence, sharpens instinct, and makes you realise you are exactly where you are meant to be.
Throughout his career, Aksham has been part of many collaborative milestones. He’s been part of a team that achieved milestones such as helping Soneva reach 1.2 million followers, including helping his team achieve recognition as the Best Content Creators’ Resort for three consecutive years for Siyam world, and contributing to projects that reached global audiences.
His participation in the Storytellers Conference, where he was one of the youngest Maldivians to win among fifty global creators, marked another meaningful chapter in his story one that celebrated creativity rooted in place and purpose.
From an island boy capturing sunsets & portraits on his iPhone to a creative professional shaping narratives for global luxury brands, his journey reflects quiet resilience, gratitude, and a deep respect for meaningful storytelling.
Through travel, collaboration, and constant learning, he hopes to inspire young creatives — especially those from small islands — to believe that their stories can reach far beyond their shores.
this only at the beginning.....
IT BEGAN WITH A DREAM