A 1987 photo titled “Blue Dunk” reveals Michael Jordan and photographer Walter Iooss at the height of their talents. Walter Iooss, Jr./via Palm Beach Photographic Centre
Any sports fan has seen Walter Iooss‘ photos and likely had one on a childhood bedroom wall.
Iooss, the celebrated Sports Illustrated photographer, shot more than 300 of the magazine’s covers. He’ll be honored with the FotoMentor award at this year’s Fotofusion in downtown West Palm Beach. An exhibit of Iooss photos also opens this week at the Palm Beach Photographic Center as part of the photo conference.
“He has total focus,” said Scott McKiernan, founder of Zuma photo agency and wire service and the exhibit’s curator. “He’s like a sniper, with his unique ability to be patient and calm and wait for the shot. He’s also relentless.”
Kids play stickball in a Havana, Cuba street in 1999. Walter Iooss, Jr./Sports Illustrated via Palm Beach Photographic Centre.
Vietnam 2003, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Walter Iooss, Jr./Sports Illustrated via Palm Beach Photographic Centre
In addition to shooting the world’s most famous sports stars, Iooss also shot dozens of the magazine’s swimsuit issues at exotic locations around the world, perhaps most memorably those starring Christie Brinkley.
He swears it was all hard work.
Walter Iooss, Jr.
“It doesn’t fall in your lap. You have to get the shot. That’s why they hire you,” he said.
Iooss will speak about his work Thursday at 1 p.m. at the West Palm Beach Mandel Public Library. Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. a free exhibit opening will take place at the Palm Beach Photographic Center’s Museum at 415 Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach. Friday from 8 to 9:30 p.m. a free viewing of movies and slide shows from various photographers including Iooss will be shown on West Palm Beach’s waterfront Great Lawn.
For more information, go to fotofusion.org or call 561-253-2600.
