A History of Hip-Hop Photography: Encore Episode from November 2017

A History of Hip-Hop Photography: Encore Episode from November 2017

Author: B&H Photo & Video November 23, 2023 Duration: 1:29:30

This episode of the B&H Photography Podcast was originally released on November 10, 2017. We revisit it today in honor of Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary, and the holiday of Thanksgiving. 

With great thanks to Vikki Tobak and the Contact High Project, we welcome three photographers to our studio who are responsible for some of the most iconic images from the history of hip-hop. Janette Beckman, Eric Johnson, and Danny Hastings join us to tell the stories behind their photos of RUN-DMC, Wu Tang Clan, Lauryn Hill, and many others. We also speak about issues important to photographers, from on-set technique, to artistic collaboration and influence, to gear, to networking and, of course, copyright and image licensing. For us, this was a highly anticipated recording, and it did not disappoint. Whether you are a hip-hop fan interested in behind-the-scenes stories or a photographer looking for insight, join podcast host Allan Weitz, founding creative producer John Harris, and sound engineer Jason Tables for this epic chat.

Above photograph © Janette Beckman

Guests: Janette Beckman, Danny Hastings, Eric Johnson, and Vikki Tobak

For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/a-history-of-hip-hop-photography-encore-episode-from-november-2017

Stay Connected:
Janette Beckman Website: https://janettebeckman.com/
Janette Beckman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janettephoto/
Danny Hastings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannyhastings/
Upstairs at Eric's: https://upstairsaterics.org/
Eric Johnson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upstairsaterics/
Vikki Tobak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikkitobak/
Vikki Tobak Contact High Project: https://www.contacthighproject.com/
Contact High Exhibition: https://www.mopop.org/exhibitions-plus-events/exhibitions/contact-high/


There's a conversation happening about photography that goes far beyond the latest camera review, and you can find it on the B&H Photography Podcast. Hosted by the team at B&H Photo & Video, this series sits down with a wide range of insightful and genuinely entertaining guests from across the photographic world. Every other week, these discussions delve into the practical realities of gear and technique, but they also wander into the richer territory of visual history, the surprising science behind an image, and the personal philosophies that drive artistic expression. What you'll hear feels less like a formal interview and more like eavesdropping on a passionate chat between experts, unpacking the ideas that actually matter to anyone making pictures today. Whether you're a seasoned professional curious about a colleague's process or an enthusiastic amateur looking to deepen your understanding, this podcast provides a thoughtful, accessible space to explore the entire ecosystem of photography. The result is a consistently engaging listen that reminds you why you picked up a camera in the first place, while giving you the concrete knowledge to use it better tomorrow. Tune in for a fresh perspective that connects the technical dots with the creative spark.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

B&H Photography Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Photographer-Driven Projects, with Ashok Sinha and Anabel DFlux [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:15
Above photograph © Ashok Sinha How central is your personal drive and unique creative vision to the pictures you make? If these characteristics strike a chord or are traits to which you aspire, then you won't want to mis…
A Closer Look at Bruce Gilden: Depth of Field 2023 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:18
Bruce Gilden is a street-photography icon. With summer in full swing and International Street Photography Day (otherwise known as Henry Cartier-Bresson's birthday) looming on the horizon, what better time to feature a li…
Legal Matters for Photographers, with Rachel Brenke, TheLawTog® [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:50
Do you have questions about establishing your photography business and legally protecting yourself and your images? From setting up a business entity to drafting client contracts to key terms in a model release, we cover…
Lighting Whisperers: Eric Stoner & Joe McNally at Depth of Field 2023 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:04
Like good acting—and skilled retouching—masterful lighting is an accomplished skill that should remain mostly unseen. This is the takeaway from our conversations with two great lighting whisperers, Canon technical adviso…
#Kittens & Picturing Pets, with Karen Hoglund & Nancy Borowick [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:19
Humans and pets have shared a deep bond for centuries, yet our animal companions are now considered more a part of the family than ever. So, it's no surprise that pet photography is a blossoming niche, and a perfect subj…