Constantine “Costa” Manos, the esteemed Greek-American photographer and member of Magnum Photos, passed away peacefully at the age of ninety on January 3, 2025. His life and work were profoundly influenced by his Greek heritage, which began with his parents’ remarkable journey from Turkey to the United States.
Manos’ parents, Dimitri and Aphrodite (Vaporiotou) Manos, originally hailed from Avşa Island (Aphousia) in the Sea of Marmara, Turkey. The tumultuous aftermath of World War I forced them to relocate to Greece during the population exchange of 1922–23. Seeking new opportunities, they eventually emigrated to Columbia, South Carolina, where they established the Washington Street Cafe. This café catered exclusively to a Black clientele during the era of segregation, showcasing their adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit. Dimitri, affectionately known as “Big Jim,” became renowned for his culinary skills, particularly in preparing what is now known as “soul food.”
The Manos family’s commitment to creativity and culture profoundly shaped Constantine’s artistic journey. Dimitri and Aphrodite actively encouraged their children to pursue various artistic endeavors, transforming their home’s basement into a darkroom for Constantine and nurturing his budding passion for photography. The family’s love for music was also significant; Constantine played the flute while his siblings mastered the violin and piano.
This rich cultural background laid the foundation for Manos’ diverse artistic pursuits. His affinity for classical music, developed in his youth, led to a significant early career opportunity. At just nineteen, Manos secured the position of official photographer for the Boston Symphony Orchestra at its summer festival in Tanglewood. This experience culminated in his first book, “Portrait of a Symphony,” published in 1961 when he was only twenty-seven.
Manos’ Greek heritage continued to influence his work throughout his career. In the early 1960s, he spent three years in Greece, capturing the essence of rural life in a country that seemed frozen in time. These images formed the basis of his acclaimed book “A Greek Portfolio,” which received awards at the Arles and Leipzig Book Fairs.
Throughout his illustrious career, Manos remained dedicated to his craft, joining Magnum Photos in 1963 and becoming a full member two years later. His work, characterized by its ability to capture the essence of the human experience, is held in permanent collections at renowned institutions worldwide.
The passing of Constantine Manos marks the end of an era in photography, but his legacy as a master of capturing the human condition—deeply rooted in his Greek-American background—will undoubtedly endure.