Our longtime friend and fine photographic artist, Melchior Digiacomo picked up a
camera by accident in 1968 and began teaching himself photography. He eventually
left his job at CBS to attempt freelancing in the field of photography. Soon after
moving to photography full time, he moved to London where he played and
photographed the game of rugby. A year after his return to the USA, he brought his
rugby photography to the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. The esteemed director,
John Szarkowski selected four images for the permanent collection and exhibited
one in a group show.



We have known and loved Mel and his photography for over 30 years. Even his
"commercial work" for Time, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times,
People, Paris Match, Tennis Week, and other leading publications the world over, show
his signature stamp of "humanity". His personal work probably brings more laughs
than tears, each equally fetching. Mel is always at home with his camera and people
in any place or circumstance. His photographic oeuvre is absolute proof of the maxim
“chance favors the prepared mind”.



Always with camera in hand, prepared and ready for the “decisive moment,” Mel’s
passion for the human spirit informs all his work but nowhere more poignantly than
in his 2010 book, “Tumperbee”. The book is a remarkable collection of photographs of
the small village of Old Road, in Antigua, BWI. Tumperbee documents in a most
evocative way, his travels there over the last thirty years and his deep attachment and
reverence for the residents in their many moods and daily lives. The forward, by
Clifford Peterson eloquently describes this masterpiece of a book: "Emanating from
these photographs are the loving bond between Mel and the people of Old Road, and
a permanent record of the humanity, dignity, spirit, perseverance, faith and daily life
in this special place." I include it among the finest photography books ever published.
Mel’s open edition photographs [he believes that fine art photography should be
easily accessible to all] begin at $400.

Here are some quick links to help you explore Melchior DiGiacomo at Gallery 270