Most photographers and directors have inspirations and muses, but few have them like Mason Poole. He has been Beyonce’s trusted photographer for the past 13 years, working on everything from album artwork to ad campaigns. How does one secure such a job? “Her mother, Miss Tina, said that she loved my cowboy boots and they should have me on board,” he says.But Poole has more to his CV than fancy footwear. He started his career in journalism, with the aim of being a war photographer, but after a few “dicey experiences” he moved into creative work. He has shot fashion spreads for Interview, Tierra Whack for Paper Magazine, and everyone from A$AP Rocky to Billie Eilish.

“I still enjoy working in a reportage style as much as possible, because I love creating iconic images from unexpected moments,” he says. “It’s a delicate balance between being at the center of the action vs. being a fly on the wall.” With this in mind, his work has taken him to southern Haiti, where he shot an assignment for Direct Relief, and Cape Town, South Africa where he documented local artists. He also produced a series of photographs for Surfer’s Healing, a foundation for children with autism.