I often see him near the shop B&H. I would like to tell you about him and share with you his portrait, which I took on Times Square this winter.
Louis Mendes is a quintessential street photographer best known for his Speed Graphic camera, blocked hat and consistent suave style dubbed "Shaft with a camera". Mendes is a staple in New York City to tourists and natives alike. He’s been photographed thousands of times cradling his Speed Graphic as if he were the Statue of Liberty holding her tabula ansata. Portraits of Louis Mendes have won awards internationally and grace the walls of galleries world-wide.
Since the 1970’s Mendes has traveled around New York and the United States photographing people in festivals, parades, on beaches and most notably New Orleans, Coney Island and the Staten Island Ferry. He continues to photograph countless newlyweds, families, graduates, revelers and other photographers; with his 1940’s Speed Graphic camera made by Graflex loaded with instant film in large or medium format. His work is spread out across the world. His instant portraits have become everything from lost to priceless family heirlooms sort after by international collectors. Louis Mendes continues to be asked to photograph people from all walks of life, including celebrities recently Spike Lee, Denzel Washington and many more. In the past he’s photographed legends from Cab Calloway, Tito Puente to Gordon Parks.
rodmcwha wrote:
Great shots of a great character, but his flash has an identity crises!
Louis likes lots of gear on his rig to entice potential customers to drop $20 or so for a Polaroid print in a folding card. The flashbulb has already been fired -- and each bulb can cost him 35 cents or more, if he can find them, so he uses the Vivitar electronic flash, or if he has any 3000 speed he uses daylight. He takes a fresh flashbulb and rubs the base against the rails of his Graphic camera to scrape off oxidation to ensure a better connection.
Not so, Louis always has a small rolling case with him so he doesn't need to carry the camera for long distances. And he often stakes out a spot where he can sit or rest the camera. Sometimes he uses his rolling case as a seat. Granted the camera is heavy, but not much different from a D4 with 24-70 and flash.
Awesome shots. I actually saw him and photographed him on the boardwalk in Coney Island.
I was wondering who that was. Looks like a cool guy.
Thanks for the background too
