Last year, I spent time with the Abbey Road MPA team, traveling around New York and down the New Jersey coast to interview key figures in the music photography scene, ahead of the launch of the next edition of the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards. Featured voices included Eric Johnson, Jeannette Beckman and Julie Grahame, AF Cortes and last but not least Danny Clinch interviewed by Rolling Stone photo editor Sacha Lecca.

If you’re a music photographer—or even simply passionate about music photography—I strongly encourage you to check out the Abbey Road Music Photography Accelerator page. It’s a fantastic resource for inspiration, insight, and opportunities to connect with others in the field. (see the links at the end of this article)

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Part 1: We spent an incredible day in Asbury Park, New Jersey at the Transparent Clinch Gallery with award-winning photographer Danny Clinch and Rolling Stone Deputy Photo Editor Sacha Lecca, the MPA Chief Shortlister and Global Ambassador, as well as a long-time admirer of Danny’s work. Danny Clinch is one of the most celebrated photographers in music and culture today. Known for his raw yet intimate portraits, his work has captured legends like Bruce Springsteen, Tupac and Bob Dylan. His ability to connect with artists beyond the surface has made him a true storyteller behind the lens. Sacha Lecca is a photographer and photo editor whose career spans Rolling Stone (where he has worked since 2007), CMP Media, the Guggenheim Museum, and Newsweek. His photography has been featured in Rolling Stone, Huck, Whalebone, Alt Citizen, The Photographic Journal, and American Photography, as well as on album covers. Beyond his editorial work, Sacha serves as the Chief Shortlister and Global Ambassador for the Music Photography Awards (MPA), where he has helped shape and celebrate the best in music photography. Whether you’re passionate about music, photography, or creative storytelling, this is a rare inside look at two of the most influential voices shaping how we see music.

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Part 2 : We spent the day inside Beckman’s iconic NYC studio with Julie Grahame, where together they dive deep into the intersection of music, photography, culture, and social protest. Janette Beckman is a trailblazing British documentary and portrait photographer whose work spans London, New York, and Los Angeles. Renowned for capturing the spirit of punk, hip-hop, jazz, and countless cultural moments, her images have shaped the visual language of modern music. Julie Grahame, Editor-in-Chief of aCurator Magazine, has dedicated her career to elevating powerful and culturally resonant photography. Her curatorial insight, paired with Beckman’s creative legacy, makes this conversation a rare and inspiring look at how photography documents, defines, and amplifies the soundtracks of social change. From behind-the-scenes stories to creative philosophies, this episode offers a unique window into two influential voices in visual storytelling. If you’re passionate about music, photography, or the art of capturing culture, you won’t want to miss this.

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We went to New York City with legendary music photographer and MPA ICON winner, Eric Johnson in Part 3 of our MPA NYC Special. In this exclusive episode, we explore Eric’s remarkable career, from his earliest shoots to iconic moments capturing the world’s biggest music stars. Discover the stories behind his most memorable photographs, gain insight into his creative process, and learn what it takes to become a successful music photographer in today’s industry. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, music lover, or aspiring professional, this in-depth conversation with Eric Johnson offers inspiration and expert advice from one of the most influential figures in music photography. 🎥 Topics Covered:

Eric Johnson’s career highlights in music photography
Iconic concerts and memorable moments captured on camera
Behind-the-scenes insights into photographing top artists
Tips and advice for aspiring photographers

About Eric Johnson Eric Johnson is a New York City–based photographer raised in Newark, New Jersey. With an archive spanning over 30 years, his work captures the cultural soul of New York and has been published in Vogue, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Interview Magazine, W, Dazed & Confused, and more. Best known for documenting U.S. music culture in the late 1990s and early 2000s, his iconic images of Biggie Smalls, Nas, Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, and Aaliyah helped define an era of music photography. His recent work with artists like Doja Cat and Shygirl continues to place him at the center of contemporary music culture.

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Part 4 of our MPA NYC Special takes us through New York City with filmmaker and photographer A.F. Cortés. Based in NYC, A.F. Cortés is a multidisciplinary visual artist and the founder of NEUPLOT, a creative content studio. A four-time Abbey Road Music Photography Awards nominee and lifelong music lover, AF has built a powerful body of work capturing both intimate underground shows and major arena performances. In this episode, AF reflects on documenting underground music scenes, photographing artists before the spotlight finds them, and the importance of community, presence, and genuine connection. From directing music videos and documentaries to photographing bands such as Zola Jesus, Metz, Uniform, Quicksand, and Boris, his work is driven not by trends or access—but by a deep love for music itself. Filmed in New York City, this conversation offers insight into music photography, independent filmmaking, and the creative process behind authentic visual storytelling. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, filmmaker, or music fan, this episode highlights why the most meaningful images often come from simply showing up, hanging out, and truly listening.

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