Kwaku Alston

Alston's impressive client list includes Disney, ESPN, Essence, The New York Times, People, Target, Time and Verizon while portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama, Nelson Mandela, Jennifer Aniston, LeBron James and Tiger Woods highlight his portfolio. Additionally, Alston has photographed promotional material for popular films such as “Black Panther” and the 2019 live-action adaptation of “The Lion King.”

*Above image: Kwaku Alston reviews the portfolio of student Sam Kang. By A. Sue Weisler.

Below is Alston on the research and preparation that go into his shoots as well as some of the images he took for "The Lion King" character posters.

“Every production is different but I guess I have my own way of approaching the production or doing research. I do research on the person. For example, Robert Downey Jr., we all grew up with him, we all have in our heads that we know him, but you have to go beyond that into what their personal projects are. Something that you can relate to them so you can say, ‘Hey, I love what you’re doing here.’ Find some kind of personal connection with them. You have to put together a great team, and my team means my assistants, my hair and makeup, production, location, concepting, vibing with the art director, the creative director, figuring out what they want to do. And then that’s where the research comes in so you can say (to the subject), ‘Hey, let’s try this — I see you haven’t done this before.”