Every year the cameras in our smart phones receive upgrades, blurring the lines when it comes to how and where you can get a quality image from. With these upgrades, the internet has progressively become oversaturated when it comes to the photography market. Due to this, individuals have had to find ways to differentiate themselves.
Along with these upgrades, the inception of Instagram in 2010 has caused the rise of the phony photographer to become an epidemic online. The attention to the fundamentals of photography, coupled with marketing strategy and networking ability have helped a few photographers rise in popularity amongst Hip-Hop artists specifically. From the home of thirst traps and overly-filtered photos, we have pulled together this list, shedding light on a few Hip-Hop photographers that are definitely worth following on Instagram.
Photo Credit: John Canon
Gunner Stahl
Getting his start with photography on his 18th birthday, when he bought his first camera, Gunner Stahl has become one of the most dominant photographers capturing moments within the hip-hop industry specifically -- although he’s been known to cover a pop star two, Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey among them. Four years after making this initial purchase, he began working with industry artists, getting a photo of purple-haired-Wiz Khalifa-- the first to capture his new hairdo, which would set the internet ablaze. Gunner recognizes and attributes some of his success to his relationships, as these have helped him land in even more opportunities and work. From there he’s continued to build connections, document events, and share them via Instagram.
His most recognized work, currently, might just be Playboi Carti’s self-titled mixtape cover. Without using watermarks, it is extremely easy to recognize Gunner’s work, as he specializes in film, utilizing flash photography-- thus he has also created a very specific aesthetic and branded look for what a “Gunner Stahl” photo looks like. Check out some of his work below, and hit that follow button.
The Honduran-born, Maryland raised photographer/videographer has been making moves within the industry for the past 4 years, with over 6 years grinding to get into the position that he is in today. Though he started shooting with a Sony handycam, these days he has upgraded to a Canon 5D MKIII and an Sony A7s II for his video productions. After getting his start by working mainly with Lil Durk while the Chi-town MC was on his upwards climb, he soon began working with 2 Chainz, and grew an organic, but full-time, relationship with Tity Boi -- who has since become Chainz’s personal photographer, although during Tity Boi adventures, you’ll often catch many more popular artists in his photo feed.
Check out some of his photos below.
Cam Kirk
Specializing in exhibits, as well as being published in Billboard Magazine, XXL, The Source among others, Cam Kirk has been capturing moments with artists ranging from Kendrick Lamar to Gucci Mane, since his first shoot in 2012 with TDE’s ScHoolboy Q. This opportunity occurred as compensation for helping to organize Q’s first headlining concert in Atlanta at the time.
Describing himself as a fly on the wall due to his quiet nature, Cam specializes in capturing moments of artists when they are unaware.
Rising to prominence in a time when artists recognized their constant need to capture their activities from day to day; he’s made a name for himself and has developed a sizable Instagram following by filling this demand. He is currently one of the most sought after photographers in Hip-Hop today, and has started his own photography school-- which students attend free of charge. The only requirement is a passion for the craft.
In the future he hopes being a music photographer will be viewed as a viable career path -- that children aspire to work towards. Check out our interview with him, along with some of his most iconic photos below:
Chaos Chytist
Chaos Chytist has gained notoriety mostly by providing content in the form of Youtube vlogs, How to videos, and Behind the Scenes content, predominantly from Southern acts. Coming out of Atlanta (but a native of Charlottesville, VA), he most frequently shoots rapper Ralo, but by extension, manages to work with a of variety southern artists which Ralo has relationships with, including Gucci Mane, Future, Migos, and more.
Check out highlights from his Instagram page below, and his along with his Youtube page for behind the scenes content.
Chi Modu
Chi Modu is a legendary Hip-Hop photographer, who has cemented his spot in Hip-Hop’s history by shooting rap legends in their own right: Notorious B.I.G, LL Cool J and Tupac Shakur, among them.
He was the man behind the lens of some of Tupac’s most iconic photos, and has compiled them into a 200 page photo-book called Uncategorized.
With his self-described “simple” images, he has been featured on over 30 covers for the Source magazine alone. Currently, he is working on installing blown-up versions of his photographs onto various New York city buildings, as he continues to remind us of the Golden Age of Hip-Hop-- through his Instagram posts.
LOUIEKNOWS
Beginning his content creation career as a hip-hop blogger in 2010, LOUIEKNOWS has elevated his craft over the years by monetizing his YouTube channel, earning upwards of 500 million views, sharing with visitors content he’s captured with artists he’s worked with. These days he continues to provide content through his take on the modern culture. By shooting for celebrities ranging from Kanye West to Rich The Kid, and making his brand a platform for new music and fashion, his Instagram has been steadily growing in popularity.
Ray's Corrupted Mind
A mysterious figure within hip-hop, Ray has been behind the scenes for a number of years, most of his posts highlighting his taste in fashion. These day’s he is the personal photographer for Travis Scott on tour with Kendrick Lamar. Previously known for riding alongside influencers such as Ian Connor and Bloody Osiris, he continues to present his stylistic taste via photography.
Although Ray relies mostly on just having a dope vision, he doesn't shy away from getting in front of the lens from time-to-time, showing off long, curly, bleached hair in the different cities and countries he adventures to.
John Canon
21 Savage’s personal photographer, John Canon has been providing insight into the daily life of the “Bank Account” rapper ever since 21 began to gain momentum-- and thus Canon's Instagram page has followed similarly.
In an interview with Local2Viral, he’s stated that shooting for an introverted artist such as 21, who doesn’t have the too many poses, has forced him to catch 21 in the moment, making him a better photographer. This has caused him to maintain a natural feel within his photography-- nothing feels staged, maintaining their essence.
Currently he's touring with 21, and has come across a plethora of artists including Rick Ross, Migos, Tory Lanez, amongst others, helping to extend the portfolio of artists he has worked with.
Check out some of his work below.