It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Constantine Manos, a brilliant photographer, dear friend, and an extraordinary soul. To those who knew him, he was not just a master of his craft but a warm, generous, and deeply kind person whose presence was as memorable as his photographs.
Costa was born in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1934 to Greek immigrant parents, whose heritage became a lasting influence on his perspective and work. His passion for photography began at an early age, and by the time he was in college at the University of South Carolina, he was photographing for Life magazine. He gained international acclaim for his ability to capture the human spirit in ways that were both profound and accessible.
In 1963, Costa joined Magnum Photos, an honor that placed him among the most celebrated photographers in the world. His work ranged from documenting the vibrancy of American life in the Deep South to exploring the richness of Greek culture, as seen in his seminal book A Greek Portfolio, which earned him global recognition and numerous accolades.
Costa later broke new ground with his pioneering work in color photography, culminating in the critically acclaimed American Color and American Color 2. In these projects, Costa shifted his focus to the bold, chaotic beauty of everyday life in the United States. With a masterful use of light, shadow, and vibrant hues, he created images that were dynamic, thought-provoking, and uniquely his own. These works not only redefined his artistic vision but also influenced a new generation of photographers to explore the potential of color as a storytelling medium.
I first met Costa in 2006, during the early days of the Leica M8, a camera he embraced with his characteristic curiosity and enthusiasm for innovation. From the very start, I was struck by his passion for storytelling through images and his ability to find beauty and humor in the everyday. He spent his winters in Dania Beach as a snowbird, just down the road from our office, and would often drop by for a visit. Over the years, our friendship grew through countless lunches and wonderful conversations—moments I will forever cherish.
We had the privilege of showcasing his work in our gallery at Leica Store Miami, where his photographs captivated and inspired all who saw them. Costa’s art was a reflection of who he was: thoughtful, sharp, full of life, and profoundly connected to the world around him. His ability to see beyond the surface and capture the essence of a moment was unmatched.
But Costa was more than his work. He was a kind soul, a true gentleman with a twinkle in his eye and a love of good company. He made you feel at ease, sharing his stories, his humor, and his wisdom so effortlessly. To know Costa was to know generosity, both of spirit and talent.
The world has lost a remarkable artist and an even more remarkable human being. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the images he left behind, which continue to remind us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Rest well, dear Costa. Your friendship, your artistry, and your spirit will forever remain in our hearts.
Leave a Reply