Background
Mendes was born in a working-class family in Jamaica, Queens, New York, in 1940.
Mendes was born in a working-class family in Jamaica, Queens, New York, in 1940.
Later Mendes would study at the Radio Corporation of America Institute of Technology. After stints of working in retail including Macy"s on 34th street, Mendes turned to photography. Since the 1970s Mendes has traveled around the United States photographing people in public places.
He has photographed celebrities Spike Lee, Denzel Washington, Cab Calloway, Tito Puente and Gordon Parks.
Mendes predominantly uses a Graflex Speed Graphic camera. He has also used a Polaroid Spectra, modified Polaroid 110b, View Camera and medium and large format cameras.
Mendes lives in Harlem, New York and has two daughters.Tiona Mendes & Moet Mendes with mentions of Mendes West. West.