The Legacy of Prince, Lensed by Afshin Shahidi
Photographer Afshin Shahidi on collaborating with one of music’s most visionary talents.
“Try to create. Start by creating your day. Then create your life,” said the late icon Prince. This was the case for photographer and filmmaker Afshin Shahidi.
Shahidi’s career with Prince began fortuitously. He often worked as a film loader at the artist’s estate and studio, Paisley Park, assisting with various shoots, until one day the on-set director and director of photography weren’t able to get the shot Prince wanted.
"Do you think you can do it?" Prince asked Shahidi. Out of shock and spontaneity Shahidi stood atop Prince’s storied purple piano and shot his shot. The artist approved of the image, marking the first of countless shoots that would take place over the course of nearly two decades, a journey inspired in equal measure by Shahidi’s own passion and Prince’s legendary work ethic.
Here, Shahidi shares his favorite photos and memories of the late icon.