A look into the career of the photographer behind some of hip hop’s most iconic albums

 

 

Photographer Jonathan Mannion has captured some of the most iconic images in hip hop history. From Jay-Z album covers to gritty portraits of Nas, the Ohio-born photographer has carved his path through the world of hip hop and photography.

Along the way, he’s gathered plenty of stories and many lessons, a few of which he has shared in an interview with lifestyle blog Cool Hunting. In the three-minute video, Mannion briefly speaks to his journey into the world of photography, shares the stories behind his most iconic images and even shows off his cameras, past and present.

Mannion also discusses his thoughts on how photography has evolved over the years, with the addition of digital photography and manipulation:

’The playing field has leveled significantly […] but I still think it comes down to the moments. Can you get the moments? Are they authentic? Do they feel like something? Do they evoke an emotion from the viewer?’

You can find more of Mannion’s work on his website.