It all started in Paris nearly five years ago, when photographer Brian Ach decided to capture Prince in a more artistic element of his performance. Shifting from the traditional standard concert-shot, Ach zoomed in for a more editorial landscape and after showing the musical icon the first shot, he life changed in a matter of minutes. Celebrity and concert photographer Brain Ach defined his career stint as Prince’s tour photographer for his Welcome 2 tour through North America, Europe and Australia.

In an interview with DP Review, Ach detailed his insight and memorable experiences following the musician’s untimely passing last week.

“Prince owned his public image. He was one of the first artists to start buying out photographers and his music, to refuse to have his interviews recorded. He made sure there was nothing out there that he felt cheapened his image or his music.”

Read the full excerpt and interview here as Brian Ach reflects on his time with one of the best musical artists of all time.