Photographer Jonathan Mannion Reveals 5 Album Covers He Wishes He’d Shot

One of the greats of hip-hop photography and RESPECT. favorite, Jonathan Mannion will be leading an online photography class starting this month.

Through Skillshare, Mannion will teach students the art of portrait photography through a live stream, running from January 22, 2013 to February 2, 2013. The class is open to all for the bargain price of — free. You can learn more about the class here and watch a brief video down below.

To commemorate the class, we asked Jonathan, who’s shot all of your favorite album covers, to name five he wish he’d done himself. Check out his picks below.

5. The Clash – London Calling

“This is an outstanding moment of irreverence and surely the energy in the room was incredible. Capturing a split second in time that says so much is always a big victory as a photographer. This is one of those moments.”

4. John Coltrane – Blue Train

“I have always loved a pensive portrait where an artist seems lost in how own world. This Blue Train album cover is incredible in its simplicity and depth of emotion. I would have loved to seen him play live, a master at work.”

3. Big Daddy Kane – Long Live the Kane

“An incredible album cover that really represents a moment in time for rap… 1988-’89. Kane is my personal favorite rapper and the reason that I pursued a career in hip-hop. I wish I had an even earlier start on my photographic contribution to the genre than Reasonable Doubt in 1996.”

2. Bob Marley and the Wailers – Legend

“In my work I always try to achieve the shot that people see when they close their eyes — the definitive portrait. This Marley shot is certainly that image for him. He is the number one artist that I would have really liked to work with.”

1. Kiss – Alive!

“It’s hard enough sometimes to get a great portrait when everything can be controlled. This moment captured is a winner, everyone looks incredible and connected to the moment. Rocking these arenas must have been a real sight to see. It was the first 33 album that I ever owned.”