Frame by Frame

Photo caption: Stephen Root as Milton on the set of "Office Space."

Photographer Van Redin's journey from SFA to Hollywood

Story by Nathan Wicker '19
Photos Courtesy of or Taken by Van Redin '75

Life is all about timing.

Everyone has heard this in one fashion or another and, for most, such sayings often fall on deaf ears and are misconstrued as chance.

For Van Redin '75, a celebrated still photographer who has worked on more than 80 major motion films over four decades — including "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King," "Rudy," "Office Space," "All the Pretty Horses" and "Secondhand Lions" — the motto spans far beyond timing for the right shot; it has guided his career.

A job that often goes unrecognized, Redin's role as a still photographer is to capture the essence of the film, immortalize moments and create a visual legacy. As such, Redin's illustrious career is predicated on his innate ability to be at the right place at the right time. Whether it be capturing Sir Ian McKellen wielding his sword as Gandalf in the Battle of Pelennor Fields, or Sean Astin's poised demeanor as he jogs on Notre Dame's football field for his culminating scene as Rudy Ruettiger, Redin is there with his finger fixed on the shutter button awaiting the perfect moment.

SNAP!

"It's always gratifying to see your work, especially when your shot makes the movie poster or when it makes the newspaper, magazine or billboard," Redin said. "It makes you feel like you've accomplished something. That's why they hire you ­— to take photos that will excite people enough to get them in the theater."

Redin's introduction to the film industry began in late 1981 with an invitation from Anne Rapp, a friend and script supervisor on the film "Tender Mercies," to visit the set in Waxahachie, Texas. It wasn't long — almost immediately, in fact — that Redin spotted the still photographer, Ron Phillips. Redin met and observed his every move and immediately made a career decision that changed his life.

"I didn't know anything about still photographers on movie sets, but all the big movies have them," Redin said. "I decided rather quickly that this was a career I wanted to pursue."

A few months later, Redin received his first script for the film "Songwriter," starring Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. Receiving the script, which Redin identified as the definitive sign he had secured the job, marked the beginning of a whirlwind 40-year adventure.

"I knew I could do it, and it was exciting," Redin said of his first film experience. "But I was a little nervous because you had to prove yourself, and people are looking at your work every day. You don't necessarily have a chance to cut the bad photos. But it turned out OK."

Throughout his career, Redin has learned the tricks of the trade: read the script to understand the scenes, familiarize yourself with the settings and their context, understand how the actor is supposed to interact with the set and other characters, and observe what the actor does between takes. Those moments often make the best shots, according to Redin.

Redin has worked on sets with such A-listers as Robert Duvall, Ryan Gosling, Kate Blanchett, Billy Bob Thornton, Julia Roberts, Tommy Lee Jones, Michael Caine, Luke Wilson and many others.

"When I'm photographing these actors, I try to flatter everybody ­— make them look as good as possible," Redin said. "So, it's important to know which angle to shoot them from. If you don't flatter someone, there's no need to use the photo."

Over the years, Redin has had to adapt to the ever-evolving field of photography, such as transitioning from using a film camera to a digital single-lens reflex camera, and eventually to the silent and set-friendly mirrorless camera. While shooting "The Dukes of Hazzard" film in 2004, Redin shot and edited his photos digitally for the first time, finding the process far more streamlined compared to the laborious darkroom methods he had previously used.

The impeccable timing that guided Redin's career traces back to his formative years at SFA.

A Snapshot of Redin's Early Years

A native of Plainview, Texas, Redin was drawn to the natural beauty of the piney woods and the 500-plus miles that separated him at SFA from his hometown. Seeking the stability of a business career and following a suggestion from his father, he began his educational journey majoring in finance. However, he soon found that he wasn't excelling in the subject and lacked genuine interest.

Needing an elective in his second semester, Redin stumbled upon an introductory photojournalism course taught by Ben Hobbs, a retired professor and Stone Fort yearbook advisor. It was almost an instant connection — within the first few assignments, using the school's Yashica-D camera, Redin realized photography was his true calling. He changed his major to photojournalism that semester.

According to Redin, SFA was one of three schools in Texas at the time that offered a photojournalism major; Sam Houston State University and East Texas State University, now Texas A&M University-Commerce, were the other two.

"As soon as I took a class and found out SFA had a major in it, I immediately changed my major," Redin said. "I found out I could make A's instead of unsatisfactory C's and D's in finance."

Redin was immediately enthralled by the photography process of the time — snapping the photo, processing the photo in a darkroom and seeing the finished product. Along with Hobbs, Redin credits Dr. Francine Hoffman, retired journalism professor and The Pine Log student newspaper advisor, and, in particular, Dr. Michael Roach, retired professor of art, as prominent influences and inspirations for his budding photography career.

Redin still stays in contact with Roach and considers him a lifelong friend.

"Dr. Roach was really inspiring — he'd get you fired up and you just enjoyed being in class with him," Redin said.

From left, Doug Moreland, Shirley MacLaine and Jack Black are shot as their characters — chainsaw artist, Marjorie Nugent and Bernie Tiede, respectively — on the set of "Bernie."

While in college, Redin photographed on a freelance basis for The Daily Sentinel newspaper and The Pine Log and crafted photos in the darkroom at Lorelei Gallery, a studio and camera store located in downtown Nacogdoches. The gallery also was where Redin purchased his first camera, an Olympus OM-1.

"You learn to get along with all types of people, to have an open mind about things," Redin said. "You learn more than just from books in college, and that's the biggest lesson I learned from my time at SFA that has benefited me most in my career."

After graduation, Redin began working as house photographer for the Texas House of Representatives in Austin. In the position, Redin was at the will of all 150 state representatives to photograph their various assignments and political activities, as well as covering sessions on the house floor, among other various tasks.

While house photographer, Redin worked with his close friend and fellow Plainview native, Pete Laney, who served as representative from 1973 to 2007 and speaker of the house from 1993 to 2003. Redin credits Laney for getting him the job, and they remain close friends.

After two terms as house photographer, Redin took a job in 1979 with the Glastron boat company, the largest boat manufacturing company in the world at the time. While there, Redin sailed up and down lakes and across oceans capturing marketing shots for the company. Later, Redin joined a private photography studio, Bradshaw and Company, with friend and esteemed photographer, Reagan Bradshaw, before diving into the film industry.

Redin's Picture-Perfect Accomplishments

Redin may have traveled 500 miles to find his passion in photography at SFA, but it was his photography that ultimately brought him back home.

Redin was inducted into the Plainview Walk of Fame in March 2024, next to his father, Harley Redin, who is one of the most influential individuals in the history of women's college basketball coaching the Wayland Baptist University Flying Queens from 1956 to 1973.

"I was surprised to be notified of this honor," Redin said. "I didn't know why they picked me or if I was even worthy for them to pick me. But they assured me that I was. It was really fulfilling to be recognized in the place you grew up, and to have my plaque right next to my dad's was truly special."

Additionally, Redin's work is set to be the inaugural entry in the Texas State University Wittliff Collections' new movies and television wing. The showcase will display a selection of his most iconic images from his time in the film industry, offering a comprehensive look at his artistic journey.

To get a glimpse of Redin's work throughout the years, including movie stills, photos of musicians and landscapes, visit vanredin.com.