Icons of Cigars™ — Benjamin Menendez
Late last year, Benji Menendez was coming to Dallas to promote his brand new cigar, the Partagas Master Series, as part of his “Benji Menendez Socials” when he had a medical issue that made it impossible to attend…He said he would be back this year to meet everyone, and last week, he made good on his promise with an event at Chamberlain’s in Addison…
This was the first time I met Benji, and I was extremely impressed…He obviously had a love of not just cigars themselves, but also the history behind them…I was introduced by the ever present Frank Seltzer (Cigar Weekly contributing editor, among other things), and I asked for about 7 minutes of his time to take a quick portrait for my Icons of Cigars™ Portraits project…
Benji said no problem, and away we went…And here is the portrait that resulted…
Very nice pic with the limited time you had, Brooks! I was able to spend an entire hour chatting with Benji at Cigar Shop & More. What a delightful man, and he does love to have conversation. I would gladly have spent the day with him. We talked about cars, diving, travel, cigars, life, you name it. Quite a treat to talk with such a gentleman.
great view and great smoke!
Good shot.
Great pic and thanks for the contest.
The only cloud in the sky is smoke!
I do appreciate an artist at work...
Nice picture!
Very nice pics....the best thing about this blog is the photography....and the reviews aren't bad either!
Wow great pic
Wow. Great pic.
I went to Cigars and More, but Benji had already left by the time I got there...I was disappointed. :^(
Great Photo Brooks!
nice pic.
Did you have reflectors or did you take lights with you?
While I loved Pepin's portrait; this is my new favorite now!! Great picture
Nice pics as always, Brooks.
Great shot!
Great picture yet again
Great picture!
I was able to meet him when he came out to CA for the event. He is a very interesting man.
Nice pic Brooks! Too bad the sun wouldn't cooperate!
Nice shooting, Brooks! Very very nice photograph!
Great composition––I love the empty space in the middle....
sweet pic!
Wow, looking forward to that RA 898 review, that's one of my white whales.
excelent work yet again, Brooks!
Also...i look forward to the review of the RA 898 from 98 because i havent had one from the era that wasn't plugged...
Wow, holy Sh*t! That is the best on yet IMO! Wow, love the color of the sky and the light hitting his face, hand, shirt and smoke trail is amazing! Well done!
Very cool picture, Brooks.
I don't know diddly poo about photography, but the lighting in this picture is ridiculous...as is the color of the sky. Awesome pic!