Steve Dean Mendes, born and raised in a small town in southern Portugal, is now based in Aalst, Belgium. Through his photography, he not only expresses his unique vision of the world but also uses it as a medium for healing, creating a profound emotional connection with his models. His work empowers them to embrace themselves, fostering self-acceptance and personal growth.
Artistic Philosophy and Style
Mendes’ body of work, particularly his series Emotions in Between Emotions, is characterized by raw, unaltered emotions captured without retouching, makeup, or artificial lighting. He creates a safe environment for his models, allowing them to shed their masks and reveal their authentic selves. Inspired by Flemish Old Masters and the Pre-Raphaelite movement, Mendes aims to portray the natural fragility and beauty of the human soul. His preference for working predominantly with women stems from his intent to facilitate self-discovery and acceptance through art. As he explains, “My aim is to capture raw and unaltered emotions and to present a story of love, joy, but also of pain, suffering, and abandonment.”
Mendes’ highly sensitive nature (HSP) allows him to deeply empathize with his models, channeling their emotions—both joy and pain—into his work. He views his art as a reflection of his own trauma and a tool to help his models accept themselves, stating, “I don’t heal others, that’s not my task, but I do provide tools to the protagonists to accept themselves and through that acceptance comes their healing.” His creative process is deeply personal, evolving from an emotionally dark place to one of love and healing, supported by those around him.
Approach to Photography
Mendes’ photography is driven by a timeless quality, inspired by classical art and the interplay of natural light and shadow. He believes art transcends time, drawing parallels with Vermeer’s paintings and classical music. His sessions are brief, lasting 20–30 minutes, but are preceded by extensive conversations—often 2–3 hours—where he builds trust and a shared understanding with his models. This connection, rooted in empathy and active listening, creates a safe space for vulnerability. “I show my true self,” he says, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and mutual respect in his collaborations. Many of his models become friends, a testament to the deep bonds formed during these sessions.
For younger models, Mendes captures the purity of their emotions, anticipating the inevitable experiences of love, loss, joy, and pain. With adult models, he connects through shared life stories, identifying common ground that enriches the creative process. His ability to feel and reflect his models’ emotions often leads to powerful moments, where he and his subjects may cry from both the pain shared and the beauty witnessed. After shoots, Mendes recharges by connecting with nature to balance the intense energy he absorbs.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
As a multiple-award-winning photographer, Mendes acknowledges the challenges of rejection but views it as an integral part of an artist’s journey. He advises new artists to remain truthful to their intentions, asking themselves, “Why am I creating this?” before each shoot. He emphasizes the importance of being fully present with models and honoring one’s vision without letting personal problems interfere. Mendes encourages resilience in the face of rejection, noting, “If someone rejects your request for cooperation, it doesn’t mean that you or your work aren’t good enough; it means it wasn’t meant to be at that time.” He stresses consistency, openness to constructive criticism from respected peers, and gratitude for both rejections and successes, as they fuel growth.
Inspirations
Mendes draws inspiration from a wide range of sources. His favorite book, On the Road by Jack Kerouac, holds personal significance, as he was named after the character Dean Moriarty. Spiritual works by Eckhart Tolle, Don Miguel Ruiz, and the Bhagavad Gita have shaped his growth as a human and artist. In film, he finds inspiration in visually and narratively rich works like Shutter Island, Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, Into the Wild, Captain Fantastic, and Ingmar Bergman and Stanley Kubrick’s art films. His recent favorite, At Eternity’s Gate, about Van Gogh’s life, resonates deeply with him. Music, a major influence, spans genres from Radiohead and Olafur Arnalds to Sigur Rós and Deftones, fueling his emotional and creative ecstasy.
Notable Work and Credits
Mendes’ Emotions in Between Emotions was published by Bruno Devos from Stockmans Artbooks, with design by Tina de Souter and product photography by Justina Nekrašaite. The project featured models Merel Evers, Elise Gerard, Tazmin Jans, Ezekiel Chibo, Zoe Vanbever, Shari Van der Elst, Saskia Dever, Harmonie Tilkens, Lea De Wouters, Barry Ramatou, Xueli Abbing, and Devale Simao. The background sound for the project was Radiohead’s Karma Police Instrumental. Special thanks were extended to Angelika Kollin for production and Mendes himself for the interview.
Contact and Further Information
