Hip-Hop Photographer Jonathan Mannion on Helping Creatives Keep away from Velocity Bumps in Their Profession

Jonathan Mannion is working to encourage the following era. The legendary photographer has taken a few of hip-hop’s most iconic images–pictures that captured all the things from candid moments to album covers for superstars like Jay-Z, DMX, Aaliyah and extra. Now, he’s teaming with Nike to offer a guiding gentle for younger photogs. Nike NYC’s Light Work photograph exhibition is highlighting rising, proficient photographers. 

In a convo with Billboard, Mannion shared why Light Work is about greater than pictures. 

“There’s always meaningful work to be done in arming the next generation with information,” he defined. “All the bumps, walls, and speed bumps I hit, I want them to avoid as many of those as possible. They’re going to hit their own, for sure. But if I can craft a little bit of their way of thinking, keep them creative, give them a heads up, that’s my responsibility.”

The exhibition showcases summer season basketball tradition via the lens of rising photographers, however Mannion sees what it does for younger expertise by way of offering much-needed expertise. 

“Working in the creative field can be incredibly joyful, but there are things to watch out for,” Mannion explains. “Helping them avoid some of those speed bumps feels like my duty. I’m passionate about people winning and being able to explore the contents of their mind to achieve great work.”

Mannion praised Nike for being dedicated to supporting new photographers and offering mentorship and entry. He says it’s a uncommon alternative.

“You have to take your hat off to Nike for embracing photography,” says Mannion. “They’re arming young shooters with tools and insight from legendary creatives. It’s not just about what I did, it’s about giving them access to layers of experience and perspective.”