MICHAEL LUSSOS INTERVIEW

What is your primary function at Universal Autosports?

I'm the Creative Director, responsible for Web design and function, photography, and advertising. But taking pictures is what I love to do.

Before Universal Autosports, where did you put your amazing skills and talents to work?

I worked at Ferrari of Long Island for eight years, under Giacomo Ciaccia, the General Manager, and, may he rest in peace, the late Roffredo Gaetani, the owner. It was a great time in the Ferrari world, and we were a wonderful team. I enjoyed immensely working under two great men like Jack and Roffredo.

Can you tell us about the equipment you use to take pictures?

As a Nikon Professional, I'm enthralled with Nikon's new D3, and I use the following lenses: Nikon 200-400mm F4, 70-200mm F2.8, 24-70mm F2.8, 14-24mm F2.8, 105mm micro F2.8.

What advice can you give to aspiring automotive photographers?

Shoot, shoot, shoot. Don't be afraid to shoot. I come from the days of film, when it was expensive to shoot. In this digital era, you can literally take thousands of pictures at zero cost. So just keep taking pictures; think outside of the box, try different angles – practice makes perfect. There are many automotive photographers today. Take a look at their work. And don't be afraid to shoot.

Can you tell us a little but about Count Roffredo Gaetani d'Aragona and the impact he made on your life?

When I grow old and gray, I will tell my grandchildren that I worked for Ferrari. I will start every story with, "I once worked for a great man. His name was Roffredo Gaetani d'Aragona." Roffredo was my biggest fan, and my biggest supporter. He always encouraged my work; without him, I wouldn't still take pictures today. Yeah, he was my boss; but he was also like my brother. I miss him.