About
When I have my camera with me, I notice the world is full of interesting people and things. It makes me appreciate the world a little more instead of focusing on where I am supposed to be and when. Maybe everyone should walk around with a camera. Maybe there’ll be less war. Or maybe there will just be more people walking around aimlessly looking for a picture to take.
I’ve been photographing the streets and subways of New York City and elsewhere for the last few years. I shoot everyday no matter what. It very well could be an unhealthy sickness. I believe that anyone who says that the camera doesn’t matter either already has their Leica or just sucks to high heaven. In any event, I really love my rangefinder and my ricoh. They are part of me like no other cameras.
My real name is Eli Koppel. I use the name Rufus Mangrove because I had a job for about ten years with an office policy that did not allow me as me to publish anything on the web without prior approval. I resigned from that job in September 2011 so I guess you can say I’m coming out of my shell. No more limitations.
Thanks for stopping by. I am learning as a I go.
~Eli Koppel a/k/a Rufus Mangrove
You can also find my portfolio and ongoing projects here.
Copyright Notice: All photographs on this website are copyrighted. This doesn’t mean you can’t link them to a website. Just use common sense: DO NOT a) claim the photographs are yours or b) use them for commercial purposes in any way shape or form¨. If you don’t fall within the above-described two categories, then if you are going to reproduce, copy, publish or transmit the photos, just properly credit this website and where you got it from. Much appreciated.
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the doggy daffodil is so humiliating
Love your stuff.
I enjoy looking at you portraits. They are expressive in so many ways. Kudos to your work!
hi, i love your photos…i’m about to buy a Canon 50D and am trying to decide between 50mm or 28mm as a prime lens…i’m mostly interested in street photography. I came across your site and thought i’d throw the question out to you.
hey steve, thanks for the shout out.
Both are very good lenses and, depending on which 50 and 28 you decide on, you could technically get both and not break the bank. That said, with the crop factor on the 50D, it will all depend on the type of street shots you are planning on doing.
If you are going for headshots primarily and are not worred about bringing the camera to your face to take a shot, the 50 is going to be a good choice. That said, you will still have to get close, even with the crop factor. Apart from street photography, the 50 is a great walk around lens and with its wide aperture, is good for night shots, too.
As for the 28, it’s a fairly good lens. You can do a lot of hip shooting much easier than with the 50 and still get an acceptable composition. So, if you’re doing street shots where you’re in tight spaces and being discreet is key, the 28 would be good.
That said, my favorite lenses for street shots, depending on my mood and what I want to capture, are these: 135/2.0; 85/1.8; 24/2.8; and the 10-20mm(EF).
Good luck!
‘love it!
great
Great stuff! Nice theme too, kinda looks a lot like mine. lol
Just happened on your blog for the first time today. As others have mentioned, you do a great job of bringing NYC to life and showing the humanity that teems on its streets. Also love your pithy titles and thoughtful, poetic text. A couple of quick question – how do people react to being photographed by a stranger? Do you ask people for permission or do you just capture the unspoiled moment? Keep up the great work!
I have to say that I just love your street photos! ~ Seriously, like epiphany moment!
Really really like your photos. Just found out your blog and I love it!
Thanks for sharing all this.
Pam
truly beautiful stuff. I’ve also just picked up photography and started shooting stuff around new york.
I was also wondering how you go about photographing people…do you ask for their permission or just go for it? (I feel like I lose out on the moment if I stop and ask).
Thanks! :)
great! you encourage me more to continue on my small project. when i’m writing on this message i’m on day 21 of my photoseries in bali.
i love your photos.
Very nice work here. You capture the feeling of NYC quite well. It has inspired me to go deeper into my own art. I am not a photographer per se, however, I have been creating digital photographic collages and videos since 1985. Great stuff and I will certainly follow your blog.
Again nice work
very interesting work! thanks for sharing…
Baeutiful photographs. True talent. Cheers.
Rufus, I love the work I found here. What a delicious find and I will definitely be back!
Ann-Marie Hensley
wow, thanks ann-marie. that means a lot, especially from such an established (and working!!!) photographer like you!!!
I love to re-visit NYC through your lenses.
Greetings from Athens – Greece.
Good stuff you have.
Just found your blog and really love the pics. I grew up in New York and running across your blog was like falling back in time.
Thank you.
Totally fab stuff – keep on goin
Rufus
Really like your site. It was one of the ones that I came across that inspired me to start my own. I often get asked about the legal aspects of shooting on the street and I like your explanations on your Legal page. I was wondering if it would be alright with you to have a link to this from my blog? Thanks
CharleyQ
alifeinthecity.com
hey thanks charley. trying to get more of a nyc community going on here with street photography so shoot me a line the next time you are out shooting! and sure, link whatever you want!
Love your work!
hey all. sorry i didn’t check this out earlier. love the dreamy and expansive shots. let me know if you make it to NEW YORK please?!!! shoot me an email if you do.
NY is one of my favorite cities and we will let you know when we visit. Love your shots!
like! and agree, for shooting, just go with your heart! :)
you couldn’t have said it better! love your stuff. i wish my wife and i had you as a wedding photographer!
Just found your blog and I like your pics. Take a look to my blog. Not as good as yours but one can only try. http://bdlaluzc.wordpress.com/
cheers.
Ha! You are too kind! But never compare your photos to anyone elses. It’s the value that you attach to it that truly matters. And BTW, I love your photos. They remind me of Steve McCurry’s color work. Cheers and have a great holiday! If you are in New York, send me an email please!!!
Great, authentic stuff. Appreciate your photography and how your mind works.
thanks for stopping by! i have a three year old (the apple of my life) and another one on the way (any day now!!!). i have a jack lalane juicer. i bought it when it came out. My favorite recipe is: 4 apples, a bunch of parsley, 2 beets, 6-7 carrots, and a small slice of ginger. I think jack called it the “liver mover” or something like that. Peace . . .
Great stuff…i try and do the same with my sketch book. Respect for havingthe courage to leave your job to do it. Goood luck…I have put you on the links of my blog…:)
Wonderful pictures, full of atmosphere and character.