COMMUNICATIONS AWARD For creative distinction in disseminating information about the helicopter industry
Lawrence “Skip” Robinson Photographer and Writer, Vertical Magazine, Los Angeles, California, USA
Lawrence “Skip” Robinson was a fixture in the helicopter industry, known for his fabulous photography, infectious passion for helicopters, and ability to capture jaw-dropping shots. Robinson, who died unexpectedly in March 2022 of natural causes at the age of 56, loved helicopters from very early on, studying them and their missions and amassing an impressive collection of helicopter memorabilia. Having photographed rotorcraft since his teens, he spent countless hours chasing them with his camera. In 2005, he submitted one of those photos, of a Los Angeles (California) Fire Department Bell 412 working a fire, to Vertical magazine. It was published, forming a partnership with the magazine that continued for the next 17 years. With his first published image in hand, Robinson took his passion door-to-
door. He had a particular interest in parapublic and military operations—not the easiest operators with which to secure permission to fly and photograph. Yet his tenacity, credentials, and charm opened doors. Robinson shared his published Vertical photo with other public agencies and offered to shoot their aircraft for publication as well. Vertical publisher Mike Reyno says the phone never stopped ringing after
Lawrence “Skip” Robinson
the day that first photo was published. Robinson often called several times a day himself with story tips, and he was willing to go anywhere to produce breathtaking images of helicopters. “Everyone has a calling in life, and Skip’s was as a photojournalist in the helicopter industry,” Reyno says. “At HELI-EXPO®, many people would tell us
how Skip’s photos or stories inspired them to enter the industry. Tey all wanted to thank him.” One photo shoot led to another as more and more public agencies saw
Robinson’s work and agreed to a photo shoot of their own. Word was out about Robinson’s skill, and it wasn’t long before his clientele went well beyond Vertical. Law enforcement agencies, air ambulance providers, flight schools, helicopter operators, and even manufacturers started calling him to photograph their helicopters and operations. When not spending time with or shooting helicopters, Robinson loved
to share his passion with others. He was like an uncle to a neighbor’s children, even taking one of them on photo shoots that eventually inspired the child to pursue flight training. Robinson was also an avid volunteer at the Classic Rotors museum in Ramona, California. From the local Los Angeles helicopter community to operators
“At HELI-EXPO® , many
people would tell us how Skip’s photos or stories inspired them to enter the industry. They all wanted to thank him.”
—Mike Reyno, publisher, Vertical
across the globe, people know about Robinson, through contact with him or his beautiful photography. With his words and through his camera lens, he brought readers with him on countless visits with operators in the field. His photos have appeared in almost every issue of Vertical and Valor magazines and graced nearly 40 of the publications’ covers. Robinson’s passing leaves a hole not only in the hearts of his friends and family, but also throughout his beloved industry.
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44 ROTOR MARCH 2023
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