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Major album projects, check. Celebrities, check. Influential world leaders, check. International destinations, check. Carl Posey shoots it all. The Bay Area native is a photographer that has created some of the most iconic imagery in the hip-hop era and beyond. He's created memorable images by keeping it simple and respecting the relationship between his lens and his subject.

Liquid sat down with Posey to discuss photography, inspiration and life. Here’s what he had to say…

LIQUID: What's your approach to photography?

Posey: Finding the moment. I don’t search for it. I wait for the truth to come through in real time. It’s a natural process, I could be talking to the person I’m shooting about a topic of the day and the moment will happen organically. Whether it’s a rock star or a street vendor in Turkey, It’s up to me to capture the moment. That’s what I’m good at.

LIQUID: What motivates you?

Posey: My curiosity of life. Capturing the true essence and energy of my subject.

LIQUID: You’ve been able to travel the world. What are a few of your favorite places?

Posey: I love the energy of New York City. When I first arrived I knew that if I could make something happen, this was the city to do it in. I also love Italy. Rome, Sicily, Tuscany. I really enjoy Southern Italy. Switzerland is on my list of favorites as well. Then there's Trinidad, the people and the vibes were all good.

Of course the Bay: While I’ve traveled the world, the Bay will always be home. Growing up in Berkeley gave me an international outlook on things. Living amongst some of the most influential educational institutions and cultural history, you really are exposed to a diverse and progressive group of people. People come to the Bay to study, explore and organize. My dad and step-mom were in the panther party back in the day. Like so many people back in the day, they were conscious people. So much of my history is there.

LIQUID: What's your view on life from a creative point of view?

Posey: Life is the canvas that it is. Humans are a powerful element within. It’s up to us as individuals to capture the essence and share the good with one another. In my case, it’s usually through my lens. Life is good. If it were all that bad it would already be over. I understand that we are lead by a designed society with a structure in place. Art and commerce and politics and commerce participate with one another. I respect the mix.

LIQUID: What photographers inspire you, and why?

Gordon Parks – He had a great career with a wide and wonderful range of work. In a time when most African Americans faced many limitations, he was able to create his own path and do his art in various platforms.

Ansell Adams – After reading his books I understood how meticulous he was in his effort to create a single image (location, what filters to use, time to shoot, etc.). He would wait for the moment and process it to achieve the optimal product. He had it down to a science.

Robert Frank – A master of shadow and portrait. Great with natural light.

Check out a few iconic shots from Carl Posey below: Photo Credit: All Photos Carl Posey © | carlposey.com

• Notorious B.I.G.
• Harlem Story
• Heavy D
• Ice T
• John Legend
• KRS One
• Lorraine Motel
• DJ Spooky
• Walter Mosley
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