Behind the lens with an icon. Photographer Marc Baptiste reflects on 30 years of 'capturing the moment' of the most distinguished celebrities in the world, and the world itself.

"You're sweating so much. Let me fix your tie!" First Lady Michelle Obama said to Marc Baptiste on the set of the Ebony Magazine photoshoot.

Then did what Michelle does with anything she touches improved it.

"It was the highlight of my career," says Baptiste of photographing President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama in 2012. "Michelle is an exceptional woman, and a practical joker. When the President arrived on set, she said, 'Hey there's Barack, the guy I was telling you about!'"

Born in Haiti, Marc Baptiste's illustrious portfolio of work traverses the globe, opening the world's eyes to its own beauty. He has photographed the elite of the elite from all walks of industry: Beyonc, Spike Lee, Shakira, Colin Farrell, Fugees, Prince, Yoko Ono, Cicely Tyson, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Lauryn Hill, to name a few among the many. His work has been published internationally in premiere publications such as Vanity Fair, Elle, Esquire, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan.

What's his secret?

"Follow no trend. Capture the person. Comfort is contagious," says Baptiste. "Every session is different. But I always look to capture the moment we're in now. And make it timeless."

And the key to 'capturing the moment'?

"Respect, professionalism, comfort, strength and beauty," Baptiste says.

In 2018 Baptiste was named Art Director of newly created MLife Music Group, founded by CEO and music producer Mike Jean, bringing his unmatched and unmarred passion and creativity to the world of music. In addition to providing artistic direction for the label Baptiste personally photographs the artists.

With over three decades of world-renown success, is there an end in sight?

"There is no retirement plan for me but photography," says Baptiste. "They will have to reach through the casket to take the camera from my hand."

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