Our wry, edgy judge this month, Gary Landsman, sent in a highly personal, if not downright idiosyncratic, bio for the Cable Release. With only minor edits, here’s Gary Landsman’s take on photography and himself…

Landsman, why?

I get it, been at it over 20 years, shot everything from cockroaches to Presidents. No humor intended.

I’ve lit 737’s for USAirways (the whole plane) and auto parts for AAA. I know what it is to solve big-hassle problems on the fly, where to put a light, how to put a light, how to talk to the cop that needs validation.

I even had a police sergeant loan me his gun and badge for a Time-Life books shoot, hope to heaven his Captain never finds out.

Solve the technical problem, see it fast, and get it done, as often is the requirement.

Location almost always has its caveats. Figuring it out is what I do. Never let the client know the issues unless they need to be involved to solve the problem. They expect me to get it done, on budget, on time and better than they expected.

PERSONALITY

My subjects run the gamut of “been photographed” experiences. Some have been
abused, some ignored, some are ugly, some with
high expectations. I make them all feel at ease, so
I can capture great images of them. That’s likely
my best and unusual character as photographer.

SUMMARY
Light. Comfortable subjects. Ability to get what you need done regardless of parameters and issues.