LUFT 6 GOES HOLLYWOOD

Thanks to Patrick Long, Howie Idelson, and Jeff Zwart for accommodating me in covering the 2019 Porsche event of the year – Luftgekühlt at the back lot of Universal Studios.

Look for my air-cooled extravaganza article and photos this week in:

Road Scholars Magazine.

(Photo by Randy made on a Leica Q)

AUTOMOTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE LEICA S SYSTEM

The Leica S3 is the latest development of the famous company’s medium format camera system. It’s the result of 10 years of close collaboration with professional photographers to produce exceptional picture quality and outstanding flexibility.

I love using the Leica S 007, and this camera promises to be even better: 64-megapixel resolution, high sensor dynamic range and sensitivity up to ISO 50000, 4 fps, 4K video, and, of course, those amazing Leica optics. Along with the new Q2, this is the ultimate modern digital Leica. Available later this year.

(Top Photo: Courtesy Leica AG, Bottom Photo: Randy Wells with MB and Leica S)

HERE’S THE CAMERA I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR

Leica just announced their new Q2. Seems like a simple enough upgrade.

A better Q but no bigger, just like the one I currently own. Better connectivity, higher shutter speeds, a larger and higher resolution preview monitor.

Then you get to the kicker: It’s weatherproof. No more taping over the mic for fear of rain or dust.

THEN, instead of 24 MP you get 47 MP files at 28mm. Over 30 MP at 35mm. A usable 50mm file. Plus 4K video and 1920 HD up to 120 fps.

You had me at hello.

VINYL, LEICA, AND THE EARLY 911 – MY STORY

You’ve probably read enough analogies of sports cars, fine cameras, and luxury audio equipment in high-end lifestyle magazines to get the idea that journalists are passionate about these things in a big way. I’m not immune, and vinyl records, Leica rangefinders, and Porsche 911s have been a fascination of mine since 1964.

Thanks to fellow Porsche and Leica fan Randy Leffingwell for publishing this in RS Magazine:

Early 911, Film, and Vinyl Article

VINYL, LEICAS, AND THE EARLY 911

Coming soon…

I’ve been a record collector since I bought my first LP in 1964. Still have it. Leica film cameras and lenses followed in 1979. An early Porsche 911 was something I’ve wanted since I was 16. Had to wait until 1996 for that one. Now I have multiples of everything… Read about these passions in an upcoming on-line feature:

Early 911, Film, and Vinyl Article

FIFTY WINTER GETAWAYS

Travel escape lists are published all the time. This one looks different. It appears to be very useful with attractive fares and specials.

I just returned from a personal getaway to Nevada and Arizona via Las Vegas. A perfect week-long winter digital detox! My Leica images from this road trip are now loaded on my Personal Work page.

50 Ways to Escape

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

Is my two front teeth.

That, and a Leica Q camera with a 50mm lens.

My current full-frame Leica Q with its 28mm focal length is perfect. However, a Q with a fixed 50mm lens (Q50) would be an awesome companion. Thanks in advance Santa (a.k.a. Leica)!

PERSONAL WORK – 2018

Followers of my blog know that at the end of each year I pick a series of three personal images from a non-assignment single location.

2018 was another amazing year. I split my time between Washington, Oregon, California, and Mexico. I made a film, wrote a short story, and contributed articles and photographs to multiple clients. I’m thrilled to say that 2019 looks to be more of the same.

These images were shot with a Leica Q and DJI Mavic 2 Pro in Los Cabos, Baja Mexico.

PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

As a full-time pro for over 25 years, the gear I take on assignment depends on what is needed. Contrary to what it might look like, I prefer to work with the minimum amount of equipment. More

PLAYTIME AT THE EMORY’S

Here’s my latest feature in Road Scholars Magazine. It’s an insight into Rod and Zayne Emory’s toy car collection. Lots of great stories are told against a backdrop of miniature models in their new Emory Motorsports shop in North Hollywood.

All photos shot on a Leica Q with natural light.

Road Scholars Magazine Article

THE 28MM FOCAL LENGTH

Here’s why I think the 28mm is the best storytelling lens. It’s wide. But, if you have previously mastered the 17 or 21mm focal length, it’s perfect. Plus the 28mm is extremely cinematic. It’s the same effective focal length as a smartphone. Except, depending on your camera body, it is even smarter. It has multiple more megapixels to record all that information. More

THE PORSCHE EFFECT

Thanks to everyone at Road Scholars Magazine and the Petersen Automotive Museum for the opportunity to cover opening night of “The Porsche Effect” exhibit in LA. Shot entirely with a Leica Q and 28mm lens. Read all about it here:

Road Scholars Magazine – The Porsche Effect

PERSONAL WORK – 2017

Followers of my blog know that at the end of each year I pick a series of what I consider to be my best three personal images from a non-assignment single location.

2017 was another amazing year. I experienced a lot of loss, but that just fed my creativity in new ways. These images were shot within 100 feet of my home in October with a Leica Q – an amazing camera.

Happy New Year!

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Here’s a look at an M9-P from 2013, my first digital Leica rangefinder. The black paint is now brassed after 100,000 exposures, but it’s still a favorite piece of gear for personal work, fine art, and vacations!

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

There are some scenes I come across that are inherently perfect. The colors, the lines, the balance, everything works together – like a painting. You just point and shoot. The result is a travel souvenir that continues to reward after repeated viewing.

Leica M9-P with 50mm Summicron

PERCEPTION

We do not see what there is, but we see what we want to see or have learned to see. The important (thing) is to understand what we do not see. – Erwin Puts

Leica M9-P with 50mm Summicron