Abstract Photographer Lester Hayes

Almost 100 years old, Lester Hayes was a pioneer of Abstract Photography. He took photographs of ordinary things, using a sheet of mylar plastic shimmering in the breeze, to produce stunning images, and he did it all with the brand new Kodak Instamatic. Kodak awarded his ingenuity with a major one man exhibition in New York City, but became disinchanted when Hayes discovered a tiny flaw in the camera that ultimately contributed to its demise.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Lester
• Hayes
• Abstract
• Photography
• camera
• New
• York
• City

[PaceOfMind]

one of the best photographers and this interview is one of the best more recent interviews with professional well deserved titled photographers

[AnthonyMournian]

Thank you. Mr. Hayes was a fascinating gentleman. I met him only one time, videotaped him for an hour, and enjoyed every minute of it.

[AlyxStyx]

I am doing a dissertation on Abstract photography, and I just wanted to thank you so much for this insightful interview. I have written 2000 words on Lester Hayes already. I find him and his work absolutely fascinating. He is a real credit to photography, not just for abstract subgenre. I will also be doing some photography myself to pay homage to him. wonderful video.

Thanks

- Alyx

[AnthonyMournian]

Alyx,

If you want more information about Mr. Hayes, I can put you in touch with his longtime friend, Professor Paul Majkut. I also have about an hour's video of Mr. Hayes that I was not able to post on YouTube at the time I edited it.

[Kristusljus]

An amazing artist and photographer and a real inspiration for me.

[AnthonyMournian]

Mr. Hayes passed away early in 2008, a few months short of his 100th birthday. His life had been filled with adventure, many of which are left untold in this interview. For example, he had traveled the length of South America by taxi. His driver came to a spot in the road deep in Brazil, got out, and walked away, leaving Mr. Hayes.

Hayes got out and he found himself among primitive people. He stood for hours in the sun, but finally was invited into the village where he stayed with the chief.

[maxpin63]

This Digital Hypnotic Panic for more Pixels and Photoshop manipulation is a waste of time and money.This Man only uses a Kodak-Instamatic with a normal Film inside. Take a look at Daido Moriyama, he takes his Phptographs with analog Compact Camera Ricoh R1 and GR21. Wonderful Pictures whitout big equipment. There is no reason to kill analog Photography. Its cheaper,easier and there is more life and light in it.

[moonofsaudi]

Thanks for that video, Mr Hayes is fascinating.

[samuelbrainsample]

What do you know about Mr. Hayes? I could find no books on amazon about him. There's no wikipedia article about him (just the football player). Is there an estate or gallery that represents his work? Where is his work?

[samuelbrainsample]

There's no wikipedia article about Mr. Hayes. I think there should be.

[artistnos]

Great Video, Great Images and a Great Guy. I always felt that cameras were made for abstract photography, everything else looks contrived ;-)

[walan4pix]

I enjoyed this... thank you.

[miavonni]

you shouldnt interupt a man like Mr. Lester Hayes!

[gonetowin]

Sir, Let me start by saying thank you for posting the clip of your interview with Mr. Hayes. What a great photographer and artist. You had mentioned in an earlier post that you had more of this inteview. Could you please post more of this interview for the rest of the world. Im sure there are others like me that would appreciate it.

All the best and thanks again.