Spotlight: Dean Chooch Landry, Motorcycle Photographer

In motorcycle culture, so much emphasis is placed upon the rider. What the rider is riding, how fast the rider is riding, and where the rider is riding. Every action the rider takes is captured in photographs.

But not much is thought of what happens behind the camera.

Dean Chooch Landry of Harlem, New York, has worked with cameras since he was young. His father worked in a body shop, and the two of them always found themselves around minibikes, race cars, motorcycles and the like.

"[He] had some crazy friends," Landry reminisces. "They were always getting into something fun. We spent a lot of time in garages, racetracks and in the woods and it definitely made a deep impression on me."

Source: @deanchoochlandry on Instagram

When it comes to taking shots of Harleys, Landry is in particular drawn to the early 60's style choppers and the vintage drag and hillclimb bikes. While he primarily works with American bikes, he has been fortunate to capture images of some British bikes as well as a vintage Japanese drag bike. Still, as a photographer, there are always new things Landry wants to try.

"I've been itching to do a shoot with a vintage Cafe Racer but haven't had the opportunity yet," Landry admits of his goals. "My main goal in photography is to tell the story of the builders and the machines they create in a timeless way. I really love making portraits of people and learning about their lives."

Source: @deanchoochlandry on Instagram

You may notice the unique, classic style of Landry's photographs. This is due to his equipment being unique and classic: Landry primarily works with large, old-format film cameras with really old film holders and original lenses to create his art. His most used camera is a 1923 Autograflex that uses 4x5 film which still has its 100-year-old lenses. Another of Landry's cameras that still has their lenses in tact is a Graflex Series C from 1926. He's also the proud owner of a slightly radioactive 1947 Speed Graphic which is outfitted with a WWII Bomber Plane lens.

"I develop all of my own film, which can create some blemishes and imperfections, but some people call that 'character'", Landry explains. "I'm definitely not the best at developing film, but it's very expensive to pay a lab to do it. I love the whole process with these old cameras and film. From maintenance on the cameras to directing shoots and developing all of the film, It never gets old developing the film and seeing a good photo come of it. It's so rewarding."

Source: @deanchoochlandry on Instagram

Landry's line of work certainly sees him out on the road more often than not. He enjoys attending races and swap meets and even ventures off the beaten path to work in less traditional settings, such as graveyards or military bases. He has found the best settings are usually the ones that are natural and timeless, but he has also enjoyed shooting in controlled lighting situations. It can clearly be "sketchy" trying to work with ambient light, but Landry knows you have to make good use with what you got.

"I do a lot of night shooting, and it's always been one of my favorite things to do," Landry admits. "There's something magical about shooting at night when it's cold and quiet."

Source: @deanchoochlandry on Instagram

Landry cherishes all of the friends he has made through his career, declaring his favorite part to be forming new connections and creating new works of art based on those connections. His daughter has accompanied him for some shoots, and he believes those shoots to be the most memorable ones.

With such an outstanding and ever-growing portfolio and a new year filled with exciting possibilities upon us, just one question remains: Does Dean Chooch Landry have new projects in the works?

"I do, but I can't say what they are yet."