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In
May of 1977 Paul
Newman made a particularly strong impression on the young
photographer. Steve Landis was granted access by Newman to be
in his garage and pit area, during a Sportscar Club of America
weekend race at Pocono International Raceway. Although he had
set out to do a photo essay on the legendary actor and avid sportscar
driver and had press credentials from the venue, Landis, always
the optimist, had no advance permission from Newman or his people.
"It was a beautiful crisp spring day, and as I approached
the actors' garage area, I could see that it was at the far end
of all the drivers' garages. It was surrounded by a large area
that was roped off to the public. I was able to get the attention
of a woman who was associated with the Newman team and politely
told her what I was there for, asking if I could have permission
to freely roam about inside, in order to get better shots of him.
She was pleasant but told me no. I asked her if she would to please
explain to Mr. Newman what I'd told her, and if he said no, I'd
accept it. She said she would ask, and I went away to get something
to eat. Upon my return the young woman called out to me, excitedly
relaying the news, 'Mr. Newman has agreed.' I think she was more
surprised than I. But I was very excited and happy to have such
an opportunity.
"When confronted with someone of Newman's stature you suddenly
understand the difference between greatness and most everyone
else. Newman is humble, interested in the world around him and
still a very private person. He's a regular guy. If you don't
invade his space, he will respect you. I was invited back by the
pit crew after the Saturday session and eagerly decided to come
back the next day . They made me feel like they took me seriously,
and let me know that I was welcome anytime to come back and hang
out. I never came back to the racetrack after that weekend but
I was fortunate enough to photograph Paul a number of other times
during that year. He was always the gentleman, even to a young
kid like me."
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One
month before she went on to win 4 gold medals in the Seoul Olympics,
Flo Jo was photographed by Steve
Landis for the cover of British Magazine RIVA. Cochise Silvercloud
did her hair and make-up. The multi-talented, multi-faceted
Freddy Lopez did the assistant to the photographer duties.
More
Florence Griffith-Joyner photographs by Steve Landis.
About
the photographer . .
Steve Landis has travelled through many parts of the world during a career in professional photography incorporating the areas of photojournalism, fashion, beauty, and celebrity portrait photography for major publications for over 25 years. Steve has turned his life over to Yeshua the Messiah, (Jesus the Christ) and now primarily photographs weddings, family, actor, and executive portraits.
"I have been greatly blessed during my life and give the glory and thanks to Yeshua for a renewed life of peace and joy," states Landis.
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