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JONATHAN MANNION

Jonathan Mannion is one of the country’s most acclaimed portrait photographers and a singular sensation within the world of hip-hop. His 25-year career includes over of 300 album covers ranging from Jay-Z to Aaliyah to D.J. Khaled, notable advertising campaigns including Beats by Dre's “Straight Outta _____”, Cadillac, and Bushmills, and editorial work for The Fader, Vibe Magazine, and Complex. Jonathan has photographed over 500 of the most important rappers, actors, athletes, artists, designers, and tastemakers of his era.

In 1993, Jonathan took a position as a studio assistant for the legendary Richard Avedon, globally considered one of the greatest photographers of all time. While under Avedon’s tutelage, he was able to study how major jobs like Pirelli calendars, Versace campaigns, and high-end portraits were achieved and, more importantly, witnessed Richard’s insightful psychological connection with his subjects.

For decades, Jonathan has turned his love of hip-hop and popular culture into a career that has shaped the public personas of globally recognized names. Through hours of research and diligent examination of their lives, Jonathan is able to create the conditions for talent to mentally step into their most desired selves on set before he even puts a camera in his hand. A master at his of craft, Jonathan produces images that have defined legendary artists and entire eras of cultural iconography, which is why he is still in demand with groundbreaking talent today.

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