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Rangefinder Magazine
December 2002


Insight/On the Cover by Bill Hurter

In this issue (page 8) we have profiled one of the premier editorial photographers of our time, Gregory Heisler. For the last 30 years, his work has graced the pages and covers of Life and Time magazines as well as many other prestigious publications. He has photographed Time’s Man/Person of the year cover numerous times and is regarded as one of the most high-profile editorial photographers in the world. Heisler is the consummate problem solver. Last year he had to figure out how to photograph Mayor Rudy Giuliani with the New York City skyline in the background for Time magazine’s “Man of the Year” cover. The project was a huge logistical and technical gauntlet (page 30). Heisler has said that this unique ability as a problem solver has its up and down sides—“When you develop a reputation as a problem solver, you get lots of problems… I would constantly be given the worst possible situations and have to make something out of them.” Gregory Heisler is not only the master of solving problems, he also has refined the talent of conveying a clear and undistilled point of view. Also in this issue we feature a profile on the world’s foremost Formula 1 photographer, Rainer Schlegelmilch (page 16). For those readers not familiar with F1 racing, it is the most dramatic and richest form of racing on the planet and to succeed in this sport it takes perseverance and exceptional talent. Malcolm Mathieson, the well known Australian photographer, has always wanted to go to Russia, but would not dream of visiting this country without a suitable subject to photograph. He chose Semyonovka, an orphanage for mentally handicapped children. His images (page 44) are truly inspiring. Another life master featured in this issue is no stranger to surfers. Art Brewer (page 48) has photographed 25 covers for Surfer magazine and has consistently raised the bar in surfing photography. For over three decades Art has been a star in a sport that creates new and former stars with the passing of each winter surf season. This issue also features an article about the changing face of wedding photojournalism (page 52). Once thought of as “weekend warriors” today’s wedding photographer has gained enormous respect in recent years and some are now as highly regarded and as highly paid as rock stars and professional athletes.

Bill Hurter, Editor

ON THE COVER

PHOTOGRAPHER: Gregory Heisler
SUBJECT: Professional golfer, David Duval
CAMERA: Mamiya RZ 67
LENS: 100–200mm f/5.2 Mamiya zoom lens
FILM: Fujichrome Astia 100 Professional (RAP)
COMMENTS: “The portrait of David Duval was shot in the spring of 1999 for a cover story in SPORTS ILLUSTRATED. The location was the ‘Circle of Champions’ at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) at Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. As I recall, I was in a bit of a sweat as there was some time pressure involved and a laundry list of photographs to be made. The TPC afforded a myriad of terrific locations; the challenge was to narrow down the possibilities to a doable dozen or so! I had heard that Duval had a bit of a reputation for being somewhat prickly on photo shoots but I found him to be patient, cooperative, curious and downright playful. For example, in another memorable image from this shoot Duval is seen peacefully fishing off the famed 17th green (something he apparently does from time to time during practice rounds to relax and think quietly).”