We are proud to announce that Bill Nation, the man behind the lens of some of Michael Jackson’s most captivating behind-the-scenes moments, will be joining us as a Special Guest at Kingvention 2025 in London on May 24, 2025!
A seasoned photojournalist with a remarkable career spanning decades, Bill Nation’s work with Michael Jackson in the 1990s gave him a front-row seat to the artistry, humanity, and global impact of the King of Pop. From award shows to private world tours, Bill was there, not just as a photographer, but as a quiet observer of history in the making.
Bill’s photographic journey began in Chattanooga, Tennessee, learning the art of film development from his father. After working as a staff photographer for a college and daily newspaper, he moved to Pasadena, California, honing his craft at the prestigious Art Center College of Design. His big break came in 1982 when Sygma Photo News brought him on as their Los Angeles-based photographer. From red carpets and celebrity portraits to major court cases and world events, Bill built a career on capturing candid, unfiltered moments.
His connection to Michael Jackson began through photographer Jon Exley, who had been documenting MJ’s work and needed someone to carry the torch. Bill stepped in—and never looked back.
His first experience was photographing Michael at the Brit Awards in the mid-’90s, an encounter he describes as “mind-blowing” after witnessing Michael dance live for the first time. From there, Bill was part of the inner circle for multiple major MJ projects:
Promotional photo shoots for “Blood on the Dance Floor” 3T sessions Behind-the-scenes at video shoots and awards shows Traveling with MJ to Paris, Brunei, and beyond
One of the highlights of his career was traveling with Michael to Brunei in 1996 for the Sultan’s 50th birthday concert. After that, what was supposed to be the end of the trip turned into a spontaneous round-the-world tour, with stops in South Africa, Morocco, and Budapest. In one unforgettable moment, Bill found himself knocking on Nelson Mandela’s front door, only to be greeted by the icon himself, moments before Michael arrived to surprise him for his birthday.
Bill’s photos offer a rare, intimate view of Michael Jackson—capturing not only the performer but the person. At Kingvention 2025, he will take the stage to share personal stories, memories, and never-before-heard insights into his extraordinary time with MJ.
As we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Kingvention, we are truly honored to welcome Bill Nation—a storyteller with a camera, whose lens documented some of Michael’s most meaningful private and public moments.
Join us on May 24, 2025, in London for this once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear Bill’s story and celebrate the legacy of Michael Jackson through the eyes of someone who witnessed it all.
Don’t miss it! See you in London! Book your ticket now!
