Q&A: Shannon McCollum on 'Forever I Love Atlanta' exhibit

• These images have been captured over the past three decades, from Pastor Troy and Lil Jon to Organized Noize and Outkast.
• The recent celebration of hip-hop's 50th anniversary has sparked deeper examinations of hip-hop's evolution and, as André 3000 famously stated, "The South Got Something To Say."

Zoom in: McCollum's exhibit, curated by Denisha "Dizzy Dain" Claxton, highlights the vital role that Southern artists have played in shaping this narrative.

Below is an excerpt from the conversation, edited and condensed for clarity.

How did you get into photography?

"My father was a photojournalist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, so I grew up around photography. I saw how he worked with clients, how professional he was, and that left a lasting impression on me.

• But it wasn't until college that I really took it seriously. I asked my dad for a camera, and once I got it, I never looked back."

How did you get your start in the Atlanta scene?

"I started shooting parties around Atlanta, especially at Clark Atlanta University. I was the go-to photographer for events, and through those parties, I connected with people like (rapper) Ludacris and (music executive) Chaka Zulu."

How does it feel to have this exhibit in Atlanta, and what does this city mean to you?

"Atlanta is my home. I've built my name here from the ground up, weaving through different camps and working with artists like Organized Noize, Pastor Troy, Lil Jon, Killer Mike, and T.I. Atlanta has always been good to me.

What does this exhibit mean to you at this stage in your career?

"This is year 32 for me, and it means a lot to have someone passionate enough to go through my archives and look at what I've done over the years.

• "It reignited something in me. You know, I've lived in the moment for so long, always shooting and forgetting about the stuff I did two, five, or even ten years ago."

Who have you worked with the most throughout your career?

"Early on, I worked a lot with Pastor Troy. He was the first artist to take me on the road.

• "I was with him every day for six years, documenting everything. After that, I started working with John Legend, from his first album to his second."

What was it like working with these artists?

"I've worked with so many talented people over the years, and I always knew some of them were going to be big. Lil Jon, T.I., Pastor Troy — they all had something special, and I was lucky enough to document their rise."

Has your work influenced your son's life?

"My (27-year-old) son, Miles — who's now known as Lil Yachty — was around all these artists growing up. He soaked up everything, and it's amazing to see how that exposure shaped his path.

• "I took him everywhere, and now he's made a name for himself in music and fashion. It's come full circle."

What's next for you in this phase of your career?

"Next, I'm going to start doing full exhibits of each artist I've toured with. I want to showcase my journey with them and how we've grown together over the years.

• "One project I'm really excited about is an exhibit I'm calling From Miles to Yachty. I've been photographing my son, Miles, since he was a little boy, capturing his whole life from the ground up. That project is very personal to me, and I can't wait to share it."

So, correction, your son, Miles (Lil Yachty), is the artist you've photographed the most.

• (Laughs) "Yeah, you're right about that. My kid — he's the one I've photographed more than anyone else."

If you go: An opening reception for McCollum's "Forever I Love Atlanta" exhibit is set for Oct. 7 from 6-9:30pm at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. It's free to attend. More details.