1924 Mercedes Barn Find

John Free is a social documentary photographer. John has taught at USC, UCLA, PCC, LACMA and has worked professionally at this craft for more than 45 years. For his personal work he does street photography.
#RMSothebys #JohnFree #JayLenosGarage

[@davidjones8070]

Yes thanks John for a wonderful story. I work for a electric utility and we had a junk man named Smitty. He used to wear old worn big smith bibs and really was the nicest older gentleman I’ve ever met. The whole relationship was very touching. Thank you again.

[@mrdre1019]

amaaazing as always Mr Free

[@philipshucet9481]

What a terrific story. Thanks John.

[@lights80088]

I love this story about You and Oliver and the Mercedes very very interesting. I really don't think there are very many men like You anymore. Thank You John for being a great man and photograper.

[@BmcN72]

❤ love this. 5 times I’ve watched this

[@wullieg7269]

Big LOVE!,keep the peace.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

My friend Deeno did a great job with this video.

[@alanfricker]

Your work is a treasure John. Always an inspiration. Thank you.

[@markthomas1351]

I could listen to your stories all day long. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@malcolmlawrence3169]

Lovely story John. Thanks

[@andrewfrost8866]

A beautiful recollection of a unique point in history! I could listen to you all day John.

[@patrickemmerechts6054]

What a great story, please keep them coming.

[@hoppy760]

You are a great storyteller. Very refreshing contrast from all these young YT photographers. Hope you post something new soon.

[@theampedlife]

Thanks John, you always make me smile.

[@LScott97]

Be Strong and Free!

[@johnygunn3188]

Thank you John! I learned a lot watching you shoot.

[@gussytwoshoes2435]

Beautiful story! Love your enthusiasm as to why you are shooting the picture, trying to catch the story. Truly Inspiring.

[@bullasbullas]

Lovely story John.....hope you guys are well.xx

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Olivers car was famous for another chapter in its life, when it was used in a Charlie Chaplin movie. The car can be seen in the "Great Dictator". The car had driven about 3000 miles total.

[@ElvisPriscillaPresley]

Wonderful story.

[@dgmann11]

Moving story John. Yes, it is the human connection that is important.

[@danieldorward5638]

You mentioned in one of your videos, John, that you were working on a book about your time with the tramps. Any updates on that? I know I can’t be the only one that would be very enthusiastic to purchase a copy when it’s done. On a side note, thanks for sharing your work with us for all these years. Many a time it’s inspired me to head out with my camera in my free time and see what I can capture. Your photo of the individual crawling through the sand on the beach towards the ocean with their crutches in their wake knocks me out every time I see it. Hopefully someday I’ll train my eye to see and capture an image as poignant as that.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Thank you Daniel. You can train your eye to find precious stones. I can train my eye to notice bad paint jobs on cars. Yes, we must train our eyes and our subconscious mind to help us find subject which, is right in front of our faces most of the time.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Oliver had two cars. His 1947 Studebaker was the most battered car I had ever seen operating under its own power on the street and pulling a trailer. His other car was the most valuable car I had ever seen in unrestored condition. Oliver had been a junkman since 1925. His mother had a silver mine stolen from her by the American government. Oliver lived in filth with his sister who was very protective of her brother when it came to his Mercedes.

[@henrygreen19]

Amazing story John. Any more images and detail on this car ?

[@rileysmithphoto]

BOOM! Goes the dynamite.

[@danieln.3412]

Great video John. You are a big inspiration and I always love your content. Where in Connecticut are you from?

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Naugatuck and in 1955 moved to Old Saybrook. What about you?

[@danieln.3412]

@@JohnFreePhtography Hi John, Thanks for the reply. I'm definitely familiar with those towns your from. Im sure Naugatuck is quite different these days Haha. I'm originally from Rockville, CT and grew up in Manchester, CT. You are a treasure John. Your passion, knowledge and of course your work ceases to amaze. Everything you contribute and share is greatly appreciated. Thank you again. Dan,

[@kerder8660]

Hehehe... Everybody has a story if only one has a time to listen..

[@JoeLopez]

Such a great story! Where is the car now?

[@JohnFreePhtography]

We don’t know. Yet

[@JohnFreePhtography]

We are going to locate the car soon.

[@JoeLopez]

I love it! Aside from the F3 / 55mm f2.8 and Nikon F / 28mm f2, which other camera/lens combos do you enjoy shooting?

[@JohnFreePhtography]

I mostly use those two.

[@JoeLopez]

@@JohnFreePhtography Solid performers. Thanks John!

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Now I am looking for a 50mm f/1.8 long nose.