Louis Von Beckhoff

At seventy-six, Louis Robinson Von Beckhoff, a self-taught photographer, has garnered acclaim for his extensive body of work capturing human emotion. After graduating from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science in 1968, his photographic journey began with a Zeiss Ikon Contessa rangefinder, a gift from his father. Beckhoff's interest in people led him to learn photography hands-on on the streets of Philadelphia.

His portraits, mostly from the 1960s and '70s, convey a depth of emotion that resonates with viewers. Despite lacking formal training, Beckhoff's images are characterized by a tangible connection between the photographer and his subjects, particularly children and the elderly. Beckhoff's preference for black-and-white photography, rooted in tradition, emphasizes the play of light and chiaroscuro. He believes it adds texture and meaning, capturing the vibrancy of life more vividly than color.

His first “lesson” as an artist came not from a professor but from a local photo finisher, Maurice Abuhove, who prepared Beckhoff’s contact sheets. With a simple hand gesture, Abuhove simulated the camera positions, refining Beckhoff’s technique significantly. Beckhoff's approach to photography is spontaneous; he never practiced or spent much time setting up shots. His candid portraits often surprised him during film processing, revealing unexpected moments of childhood whimsy or profound emotion.

Tragically, in 1970, his shooting came to an abrupt end when his father witnessed the theft of Beckhoff's camera equipment, leading to a fatal heart attack during the pursuit of the thief. Today, Beckhoff shoots intermittently, preferring his cell phone over a film camera. His images have been showcased at the Nexus Gallery in New York City and he has been invited by Nikon to exhibit in Tokyo, Japan, as well as galleries in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. More recently, Les Recontres d’Arles in Arles, France has offered to feature him at their annual photography festival.