John Dominis passed away peacefully on December 30, 2013. By his side was his partner of more than three decades, artist Evelyn Floret. The renowned photo-journalist passed away at their home following complications from emergency bypass surgery a year earlier.
This website has been set up by Evelyn Floret, at the suggestion of Mike Maple. It is here so that his friends and admirers can sign his guestbook and share their memories of this extraordinary man. He may be remembered through his prolific work, which may be found through the links on the His Work and Obituaries page(s).
Please use the Guestbook section below to share your thoughts/post comments about John. The notes posted here prior to his passing were most meaningful to him and those posted now are meaningful to those who were close to him.
Guestbook
John was a great inspiration to many in the creative community. If you count yourself among them and care to share a link to your website, John would be proud to offer a link to it from this site. Photos may be manually added in your guestbook message by the administrator, if you would please send them as email attachments to Evelyn at evelyn@sculpturezone.com. Please also use that email address, should you have any other problem pertaining to this website.
Thank you for your support.
102 entries.
Dearest John,
Today is your birthday and you live on in the inspired photographs you have shared with the world as they reflect all of your goodness and beauty.
With great love for you,
Evelyn
Today is your birthday and you live on in the inspired photographs you have shared with the world as they reflect all of your goodness and beauty.
With great love for you,
Evelyn
Dearest John,
This day is yours. Your birthday that we celebrated joyfully. Now we celebrate you with gratitude for your shared vision, love and warmth that enriched our lives. I cannot imagine how my life would have been without you.
My love,
Evelyn
This day is yours. Your birthday that we celebrated joyfully. Now we celebrate you with gratitude for your shared vision, love and warmth that enriched our lives. I cannot imagine how my life would have been without you.
My love,
Evelyn
This day is yours
Dearest John
A day filled with
Your laughter
Your handsome self
Your sweet soul
Your love of life
Your love of nature
Your love of beauty
Your compassion
Your birthday
The day
your goodness
was born.
My love
Is yours
forever
Evelyn
Dearest John
A day filled with
Your laughter
Your handsome self
Your sweet soul
Your love of life
Your love of nature
Your love of beauty
Your compassion
Your birthday
The day
your goodness
was born.
My love
Is yours
forever
Evelyn
John, my mentor and friend who opened the gate to so many great memories while I was in my photo assistant years.
Miss you and your way of life, Ed
Miss you and your way of life, Ed
Dearest John,
Today is a remarkable day, not only your birthday but a milestone year commemorating one hundred years since your birth.
One hundred years since your generous soul and kind spirit graced our earth and as you grew you shared your vision, your keen observations. The greatness of your contribution resounds today in your love and consideration of others. That intense feeling flows through your photographs as it flowed through your life on earth.
With love forever,
Evelyn
Today is a remarkable day, not only your birthday but a milestone year commemorating one hundred years since your birth.
One hundred years since your generous soul and kind spirit graced our earth and as you grew you shared your vision, your keen observations. The greatness of your contribution resounds today in your love and consideration of others. That intense feeling flows through your photographs as it flowed through your life on earth.
With love forever,
Evelyn
Hello,
I have been studying John's work, particularly his photograph "Black Power Salute", for my photography class, and I'm so glad that I am. His work seems so inspiring to me, that he could use art as a way to express the issues of the movement, as well as the events taking place today. I hope that I can do something like him one day, and use my poems the way he used his talent of photography. I'm so sorry for your loss Evelyn, he seemed like a beloved and amazing man, photographer, and human being!
I have been studying John's work, particularly his photograph "Black Power Salute", for my photography class, and I'm so glad that I am. His work seems so inspiring to me, that he could use art as a way to express the issues of the movement, as well as the events taking place today. I hope that I can do something like him one day, and use my poems the way he used his talent of photography. I'm so sorry for your loss Evelyn, he seemed like a beloved and amazing man, photographer, and human being!
Admin Reply by: Evelyn
Dear Alishba,
Your poetic words that describe the beautiful feelings you have about John’s photograph, “The Black Power Salute”, it’s relevance today, how he inspires you, your wish to inspire with poetry one day the way John’s art inspires through photographs is very touching.
Be aware, that speaking from your heart, your wish to inspire through poetry has already come true because you have touched me and I believe anyone who reads your words will feel their honesty, strength and beauty and be moved.
John was everything you imagine. He loved life and found goodness in people. He was a wonderful human being and I miss him.
Thank you Alishba.
Fondly,
Evelyn
Your poetic words that describe the beautiful feelings you have about John’s photograph, “The Black Power Salute”, it’s relevance today, how he inspires you, your wish to inspire with poetry one day the way John’s art inspires through photographs is very touching.
Be aware, that speaking from your heart, your wish to inspire through poetry has already come true because you have touched me and I believe anyone who reads your words will feel their honesty, strength and beauty and be moved.
John was everything you imagine. He loved life and found goodness in people. He was a wonderful human being and I miss him.
Thank you Alishba.
Fondly,
Evelyn
This website serves as a great memory of Mr. Dominis. I am currently doing a project on John and his photographs for my photography class and continue to be amazed of what I learn
Admin Reply by: Evelyn
Dear Mr. Polanskiy,
It’s so nice to know of your project on John Dominis and his photographs. I’m gratified that you are finding valuable information on this website that was set up in John’s memory as a salute to his wonderful contribution to the world.
Best wishes,
Evelyn Floret
It’s so nice to know of your project on John Dominis and his photographs. I’m gratified that you are finding valuable information on this website that was set up in John’s memory as a salute to his wonderful contribution to the world.
Best wishes,
Evelyn Floret
Hi my name is Jeremy . I just wanted to say thank you so much to John. I remember seeing this photo for the first time in high school . It became a true inspiration to me. I never knew how important photography was until I picked up a camera. This photo to this day represents not only much American history but black history as well .
I wrote a post on how this photo kept me going during my younger days dealing with racism. Every time I experienced
racism I think of the story behind the photo how even tho all 3 weren't the same color of people they stood the together for a purpose . Thank you John Dominis R.I H
I wrote a post on how this photo kept me going during my younger days dealing with racism. Every time I experienced
racism I think of the story behind the photo how even tho all 3 weren't the same color of people they stood the together for a purpose . Thank you John Dominis R.I H
Admin Reply by: Evelyn
Hi Jeremy,
Your words and thoughts of appreciation for John’s picture, the Power Salute, and it’s place in Black History mean so much. Knowing the positive effect this photo had on your life is very moving.
With deep thanks,
Evelyn Floret
Your words and thoughts of appreciation for John’s picture, the Power Salute, and it’s place in Black History mean so much. Knowing the positive effect this photo had on your life is very moving.
With deep thanks,
Evelyn Floret
Hi there,
I am studying John for my final school project on the history of photography and the 3 most influential photographs in history. The black power salute is a very important image especially right now with the black lives matter movement.
I am studying John for my final school project on the history of photography and the 3 most influential photographs in history. The black power salute is a very important image especially right now with the black lives matter movement.
Admin Reply by: Evelyn
Hi Madi,
So glad to know you have chosen to study John’s photo, the Black Power Salute, for your final project on the History of Photography and the most significant photographs You contribute to the importance of this photograph by your research and how this photos lives on today with the Black Lives Matters movement.
Thank you,
Evelyn Floret
So glad to know you have chosen to study John’s photo, the Black Power Salute, for your final project on the History of Photography and the most significant photographs You contribute to the importance of this photograph by your research and how this photos lives on today with the Black Lives Matters movement.
Thank you,
Evelyn Floret
Dearest John,
Today is your 99th birthday and you are on my mind, as always. I wonder what you would make of the COVID-19 pandemic, if you were here. I imagine you would take it in stride and feel strong compassion for those who are ill and have died and great sadness for the world at large. You would make sheltering at home an adventure with wonderful dishes for our meals including a variety of risottos. You would never complain. On the contrary you would be grateful for life and continue to be loving and kind.
Your photograph of the Power Salute from the Mexico 1968 Olympics resonates as much today as yesterday amidst the renewed consciousness of racial inequality.
With love forever,
Evelyn
Today is your 99th birthday and you are on my mind, as always. I wonder what you would make of the COVID-19 pandemic, if you were here. I imagine you would take it in stride and feel strong compassion for those who are ill and have died and great sadness for the world at large. You would make sheltering at home an adventure with wonderful dishes for our meals including a variety of risottos. You would never complain. On the contrary you would be grateful for life and continue to be loving and kind.
Your photograph of the Power Salute from the Mexico 1968 Olympics resonates as much today as yesterday amidst the renewed consciousness of racial inequality.
With love forever,
Evelyn
I’m glad I found this website! John’s photography has always been inspiration to me and is one of the reasons I got into this crazy business!
I was at the National Museum of African American History last week and of course I visited the statues from the 1968 Olympics exhibit. Taken from one of John’s most iconic images, it’s a must see for anyone who visits the museums in DC!
I was at the National Museum of African American History last week and of course I visited the statues from the 1968 Olympics exhibit. Taken from one of John’s most iconic images, it’s a must see for anyone who visits the museums in DC!
Admin Reply by: Karen Kreps
Dear Stu,
I’m so glad to know that John was an inspiration in your photographic life and how much you value his iconic image, "Power Salute.” Your recommendation to visit the Washington D.C. National Museum of African American History and see the sculpture taken from John’s image sounds like a perfect trip, especially during Black History Month.
Thank you for your kind words in memory of John.
Sincerely,
Evelyn Floret
I’m so glad to know that John was an inspiration in your photographic life and how much you value his iconic image, "Power Salute.” Your recommendation to visit the Washington D.C. National Museum of African American History and see the sculpture taken from John’s image sounds like a perfect trip, especially during Black History Month.
Thank you for your kind words in memory of John.
Sincerely,
Evelyn Floret
To dearest John
In remembrance of your 98th birthday
My thoughts are with you every moment. I finished your painting and it exudes your charm and strength. There are inquiries about your life that I answer with full heart from writers who praise you and wish to know more about you.
I wish you were physically in this world that you loved so much. I miss you.
With great love always,
Evelyn
In remembrance of your 98th birthday
My thoughts are with you every moment. I finished your painting and it exudes your charm and strength. There are inquiries about your life that I answer with full heart from writers who praise you and wish to know more about you.
I wish you were physically in this world that you loved so much. I miss you.
With great love always,
Evelyn
To Dearest John
In remembrance of your 97th birthday
Today, a university professor in Australia inquired about your iconic image of Tommie Smith and John Carlos and he asked how you happened to capture it. I loved the chance to tell him that you covered six Olympics starting with Australia in 1956 and that you anticipated nothing unusual that day at the Mexico Olympics in 1968 and I quoted you as saying " I love sports and I like sports photography. And the Olympics are the biggest sporting event you could photograph (with) the very best people in the world in every sport. I made several covers and many pages in the magazine." So you see John, you live on in your photographs and in our hearts. I treasure the time you shared with me and the generous gift you share with all of us.
With great love for you,
Evelyn
In remembrance of your 97th birthday
Today, a university professor in Australia inquired about your iconic image of Tommie Smith and John Carlos and he asked how you happened to capture it. I loved the chance to tell him that you covered six Olympics starting with Australia in 1956 and that you anticipated nothing unusual that day at the Mexico Olympics in 1968 and I quoted you as saying " I love sports and I like sports photography. And the Olympics are the biggest sporting event you could photograph (with) the very best people in the world in every sport. I made several covers and many pages in the magazine." So you see John, you live on in your photographs and in our hearts. I treasure the time you shared with me and the generous gift you share with all of us.
With great love for you,
Evelyn
Dearest John,
Today on your
Ninety-sixth birthday
You live in memory
Beautiful one
Who graced my life
The love of my life
Who enriched it
Beyond all expectation
Who shared
with the world
The visual wonders
You captured
on your journey
to greatness.
Evelyn
Today on your
Ninety-sixth birthday
You live in memory
Beautiful one
Who graced my life
The love of my life
Who enriched it
Beyond all expectation
Who shared
with the world
The visual wonders
You captured
on your journey
to greatness.
Evelyn
Thu, 20 February 2014 15:31:48 +0000
I met John’s son on my way to California. We were both 15. The airlines were on strike that summer, so we traveled across the country on a Trailways bus with uniformed attendants who served us meals and snacks. I remember departing from Port Authority, waving from our front seats at my parents and John, who were standing together, waving enthusiastically. Since then, whenever I see a photo credit, it always brings a smile.
I met John’s son on my way to California. We were both 15. The airlines were on strike that summer, so we traveled across the country on a Trailways bus with uniformed attendants who served us meals and snacks. I remember departing from Port Authority, waving from our front seats at my parents and John, who were standing together, waving enthusiastically. Since then, whenever I see a photo credit, it always brings a smile.
Wed, 22 January 2014 19:55:53 +0000
Dear Evelyn,
I've been thinking of you since John died and of what good care you took of him. I want you to know how much we miss him. Ralph and I were so fond of John. We were very close at LIFE Magazine.
Ralph, who as you know died six months ago, was the last Managing Editor at LIFE. He said that, if he had to survive at LIFE with one photographer or start a new magazine with one photographer, it would be John Dominis.
This is a story about John I'd like to share with you: At LIFE, I was the Modern Living Editor and then afterwards, I originated the idea of Great Dinners as a monthly LIFE feature. It was at that time that John and I worked on food pictures in the studio and we used to have fights. He thought he was the boss and I thought I was the boss. We would do 4 or 5 food pictures at a time. One day, on the last shot of the day, everything went wrong. John was annoyed and I was annoyed. Although we had planned a celebratory lunch at La Grenouille, I stayed behind with the cook to prepare to reshoot the last shot. I sometimes prepared the food and we had a cook there as well. So, John and the crew went to lunch at La Grenouille, and we were going to reshoot afterwards. John didn't want to come back. But, of course, he did return and came in carrying this enormous bowl of chocolate mouse from La Grenouille. He knew I loved chocolate. It was so sweet of him and so funny to picture him walking down the street with this huge bowl of chocolate mouse. I never forgot it. It was a true John Dominis gesture, affectionate and grand.
Eleanor
Dear Evelyn,
I've been thinking of you since John died and of what good care you took of him. I want you to know how much we miss him. Ralph and I were so fond of John. We were very close at LIFE Magazine.
Ralph, who as you know died six months ago, was the last Managing Editor at LIFE. He said that, if he had to survive at LIFE with one photographer or start a new magazine with one photographer, it would be John Dominis.
This is a story about John I'd like to share with you: At LIFE, I was the Modern Living Editor and then afterwards, I originated the idea of Great Dinners as a monthly LIFE feature. It was at that time that John and I worked on food pictures in the studio and we used to have fights. He thought he was the boss and I thought I was the boss. We would do 4 or 5 food pictures at a time. One day, on the last shot of the day, everything went wrong. John was annoyed and I was annoyed. Although we had planned a celebratory lunch at La Grenouille, I stayed behind with the cook to prepare to reshoot the last shot. I sometimes prepared the food and we had a cook there as well. So, John and the crew went to lunch at La Grenouille, and we were going to reshoot afterwards. John didn't want to come back. But, of course, he did return and came in carrying this enormous bowl of chocolate mouse from La Grenouille. He knew I loved chocolate. It was so sweet of him and so funny to picture him walking down the street with this huge bowl of chocolate mouse. I never forgot it. It was a true John Dominis gesture, affectionate and grand.
Eleanor
Sat, 11 January 2014 16:57:53 +0000
Evelyn,
I come with a heavy heart. It was only yesterday when i opened up SI that i found out of John's passing.I have been shooting now for over 30 years and it was John that gave me my first assignment at Sports Illustrated. We first meet In the fall of 1980,when you had to actually sit across a desk and show your work face to face to an editor, I was a little nervous to say the least to be showing my portfolio to John Dominis, OMG. But he was so gracious in viewing and critiquing my work i was hoping he seen something he liked. As he closed my book he gave me this look that i couldn't quite figure out,I thought ok here it comes , "thanks kid don't call us we'll call you". But then he gave me a smile and said "What are you doing this Saturday?". Well, that first assignment at a South Carolina football game turned my life around. It started an amazing 15 year career at Sports Illustrated and with many others in the Time Inc.family.
I wish now that I could have seen him before his passing. But that fall day when we first meet will be a day I will cherish forever.
Peace,_Anthony Neste
Evelyn,
I come with a heavy heart. It was only yesterday when i opened up SI that i found out of John's passing.I have been shooting now for over 30 years and it was John that gave me my first assignment at Sports Illustrated. We first meet In the fall of 1980,when you had to actually sit across a desk and show your work face to face to an editor, I was a little nervous to say the least to be showing my portfolio to John Dominis, OMG. But he was so gracious in viewing and critiquing my work i was hoping he seen something he liked. As he closed my book he gave me this look that i couldn't quite figure out,I thought ok here it comes , "thanks kid don't call us we'll call you". But then he gave me a smile and said "What are you doing this Saturday?". Well, that first assignment at a South Carolina football game turned my life around. It started an amazing 15 year career at Sports Illustrated and with many others in the Time Inc.family.
I wish now that I could have seen him before his passing. But that fall day when we first meet will be a day I will cherish forever.
Peace,_Anthony Neste
Sat, 11 January 2014 13:49:09 +0000
Dear Evelyn,
I just learned of John's passing and am so sorry you have lost your partner of so many wonderful years. I met John in 1993 on the mountains of Taos, New Mexico where he had taken a ski trip with his daughter Dori. My late husband Barry and I enjoyed many ski runs and several meals together and over the course of that week enjoyed getting to know him. Such a humble man, I had no idea of his extraordinary talent until discovering on my own that he was behind so many iconic images I had grown up with. A couple of years later, much to our delight, Barry and I reacquainted ourselves with John when we learned we belonged to the same tennis club in Amagansett. In the last few years I have again enjoyed his company at South Fork Country Club. I shall always remember this kind, talented man with a gorgeous head of silver hair and a twinkle in the bluest of eyes.
God Bless, Jan Zonon
Dear Evelyn,
I just learned of John's passing and am so sorry you have lost your partner of so many wonderful years. I met John in 1993 on the mountains of Taos, New Mexico where he had taken a ski trip with his daughter Dori. My late husband Barry and I enjoyed many ski runs and several meals together and over the course of that week enjoyed getting to know him. Such a humble man, I had no idea of his extraordinary talent until discovering on my own that he was behind so many iconic images I had grown up with. A couple of years later, much to our delight, Barry and I reacquainted ourselves with John when we learned we belonged to the same tennis club in Amagansett. In the last few years I have again enjoyed his company at South Fork Country Club. I shall always remember this kind, talented man with a gorgeous head of silver hair and a twinkle in the bluest of eyes.
God Bless, Jan Zonon
Thu, 9 January 2014 16:07:33 +0000
John was my picture editor at People Mag. and told me my pictures stunk or were good...he always had suggestions to make the bad ones acceptable and the good ones even better...my most memorable times with him were in the kitchen eating his pictures after he was done with his imagination...
what a talent! more importantly, what a privilege to know him...
John was my picture editor at People Mag. and told me my pictures stunk or were good...he always had suggestions to make the bad ones acceptable and the good ones even better...my most memorable times with him were in the kitchen eating his pictures after he was done with his imagination...
what a talent! more importantly, what a privilege to know him...
Mon, 6 January 2014 01:33:02 +0000
I was very sorry to hear of John's passing yesterday. I wrote an homage to him, celebrating his life and his work for the photography website i write for. If anyone is interested in can be read here:
http://fstoppers.com/celebrating-the-life-of-life-photographer-john-dominis
Hopefully his work will continue to inspire the next generation of photographers as it inspired me.
Deepest condolences to his family and friends,
Dave
I was very sorry to hear of John's passing yesterday. I wrote an homage to him, celebrating his life and his work for the photography website i write for. If anyone is interested in can be read here:
http://fstoppers.com/celebrating-the-life-of-life-photographer-john-dominis
Hopefully his work will continue to inspire the next generation of photographers as it inspired me.
Deepest condolences to his family and friends,
Dave