Portfolio Review: Cam Kirk Captures Images of the Rap World

Image via Complex Original

"This was one of my first times working directly with Mike Will. He had an upcoming magazine feature, and he personally requested that I take the photos for it. During the shoot I got to kick it with Mike as he took me around his hometown of Marrietta, his parent's house where he grew up, and his different hangout spots. This was one of my favorite photographs from the shoot: Mike outside of the famous 'Big Chicken' in his hometown."

"My career in Atlanta started out actually as a concert promoter, and my first show ever was with Wiz Khalifa during his Deal or No Deal Tour in 2010. I remember putting the sold-out event together, and after all of the stress and excitement of the show at the end of the night, I couldn't even take a picture with Wiz because my cell phone battery was dead, and there wasn't a camera in sight. That alone is what prompted me to buy my very first camera, with the idea that the next time I book an artist, I will at least be able to guarantee I get a picture to show people that I put the event together.

"My career as a promoter did not last long at all, but who would have thought that I would have been able to connect again with Wiz, this time as a photographer. This picture was taken in Miami on set of his music video with Ludacris for their single 'Party Girls.'"

"Young Thug's fashion style is one of the most talked about things when you mention him. Whether you love or hate it, you got to respect his uniqueness and confidence to wear some of the outfits he puts together. This picture was taken in Virginia at the hotel before one of his concerts. He made it a point to tell me to make sure I get a photo of his $10,000 worth of pearls and diamond jewelry. I love the contrast of elegance and hood in this photo.

"He went on to perform in front of one of the most hood clubs in Virginia that night in front of about 2,000 people dressed like an urban pirate. It was amazing and really showed off his superstar appeal."

"This is one of my favorite shots of Young Thug. I love to catch very candid and fun moments when I take pictures of artists, and I feel like this image really shows off Young Thug's more happy and fun side, a side I have came to know over time working closely with him. He loves to tell jokes and laugh all the time, and this particular picture was taken in the middle of a roast session between him, Metro Boomin, and his close friend Mando."

"Doe B was hands down one of my favorite artists to meet and work with so far. He had a very positive spirit, and he was very humble and down to earth. This picture was taken in Atlanta at a studio on the Westside where he recorded a lot of his music. He was playing us his Baby Jesus mixtape before it released to the public. This was actually my last time photographing him before his tragic death. Long Live Doe B!!"

"Meeting Pharrell has to be up there as one of my most memorable moments as a photographer. He has such a positive spirit that's really inspiring and motivating. I got to sit in on a session with him, Usher, T.I., and Mike Will in Atlanta."

"This is a photo of two living legends: arguably the hottest producer and rapper in hip hop today, Mike Will Made It and Kendrick Lamar. This photo was taken in Atlanta, Ga. actually on the same day that I met Pharrell at an earlier session in Atlanta that same day. When Mike called me to the studio this day, I had no clue the night was going to be so eventful. That day was pretty surreal for me and really made me thankful for how far I have been able to come as a photographer in a few short years."

"I got the chance to work and be around Gucci Mane a lot of the past year and a half. I got the chance to really see the Trap God at work. Despite what some may some about him, Gucci was one of the nicest artists I have met in the industry. I got the chance to really experience his music-making process up close and personal. One day in the studio working with Metro Boomin, he let me come in and photograph him inside the booth."

"This shot of Gucci Mane is from a collection of photos I took of him on set of his music video 'Shooters in this House.' I used one of the photos for his Trap House III. Gucci Mane in a room full of prop drugs, guns, and money was to epic to not take advantage of and get some crazy photos. Someone actually stole his cell phone on set, and in this photo you can really see the anger and passion on his face after he found out."

"It's rare that you can catch a candid moment with Future. He's such a private person and a true workaholic in the studio. This producer-and-artist combo of Future and Metro Boomin are responsible for a ton of hits this year including, "I Won," "Karate Chop," "Honest," and more. This photo was taken in 11st. Studios in Atlanta. They were in the studio together working on the upcoming Freeband Gang album."

"ScHoolboy Q was one of the first major artists to allow me to work for him. I shot a day in the life documentary of Q during his first headlong concert in Atlanta in 2012. The video I produced for Q was actually my first time ever having my work on Complex. This was a shot of him outside of the famous City of Ink tattoo shop during a meet-and-greet before the show."

"Working closely with Young Scooter over the past two years was probably the biggest thing to happen for my career. I got to travel the across the United States and literally meet many of my idols in the industry while working with Young Scooter. I got a chance to really see the ins and outs of the industry as his photographer. This picture was taken in Miami while we were down there for the Colombia Remix music video with Birdman and Rick Ross."

"I still have not had the privilege to meet Drake in person, but he's definitely one of my favorite artists. I got to catch him live during his latest WYLAT stop in Atlanta. I'm sure our paths will cross soon."