SOCIAL DISTANCING

Long-time travelers will recognize this photo as a late ’80s Alaska Airlines commercial coach seat.

During all my miles as a travel photographer, I only saw this view once. Red sunset and red hair.

The last thing I ever wanted to see is what we are all going through now.

I’m glad I was able to see the world in the 80s and 90s, but I would love to revisit Italy again.

Be well and safe journeys.

SELFIES

The subject was sure to come up sooner or later.

I avoid well-known scenic overlooks, unless I need to photograph them on assignment. Fortunately, I spent my early travel photography career hanging out at the best spots before they became widely discovered. More

NIKON F APOLLO

Here’s a sweetheart from the past. It’s the last version of the classic Nikon F film camera, commonly known as an “Apollo” type, a 35mm SLR produced from 1971 to 1973. This one’s from my collection shown with the ultra-fast 55mm F/1.2 Nikkor lens.

I still use the lens, along with some old Leica R lenses, for a dreamy look on my digital EOS cameras.

ANDY IRONS

I’ve just seen what has to be one of the best documentaries ever made, especially when it comes to extreme sports and lifestyle. It’s the 2018 film Andy Irons: Kissed by God. More

THANKS 000!

It’s great to have my images included again in 000 Magazine. Issue 012 features my coverage of Cameron Healy at the wheel of his 1951 Le Mans class-winning 356 SL #46 on Mulholland Drive. These photos accompany Jeff Zwart’s cover and beauty shots, along with Chris Greenwood’s build photos, to help tell an amazing story. Special thanks go to Pete Stout, Rod Emory, Cameron and the whole crew for making it happen!

CRIS HUERGAS

Intention is everything. When fully met, it involves your whole purpose and being. It requires passion, reasonable thinking, and a commitment to follow through.

When times get tough, I try to remember that no matter what happens, intention will see you through every time. Be confident, look outside the box, leave the herd behind, move forward, and ride. Godspeed.

R.I.P. Cris Huergas, R Gruppe Co-Founder

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HAPPY NEW YEAR & 10th ANNIVERSARY!

Today, this blog celebrates its tenth year on the endless wire – pre-Instagram. Thanks to all for visiting this site and letting me share my life with you.

With an average of one new blog post every 5 days and an Instagram site now flourishing (@cars.randywells), it’s been an extremely satisfying last couple of years. It certainly helps me to keep writing!

Now, I just gotta keep up those New Year’s resolutions… Personally, I can’t wait for the 2020s.

(Photo: Motor Press Guild Best Film Award – March, 2019)
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PERSONAL WORK – 2019

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

In 2019, I took on more commercial photography along with some larger automotive editorial projects. That meant my personal work was even more important to provide some balance.

So, I made a solo sojourn to Nevada last winter. That road trip resulted in a series of aerial abstracts. Here are three of them.

I hope your holidays are blessed!

MEET OTIS: REMAINS A ONE-OF-A-KIND SHOT

Sometimes you get lucky.

An article gets magically downloaded to your left brain and everybody loves it. A photograph appears that is mesmerizing to your right brain, and you capture it with one of your cameras.

Humbleness is necessary when this happens. It’s a gift. Pure and simple. All you can do is give thanks and hope that it’s not the only one.

Happy Thanksgiving!
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Trick: Devil hood ornament on hot rod at World of Speed, Bonneville Salt Flats.

Treat: Have a devilishly good day.

ALEX WEBB

When I mention the name of this pre-eminant street photographer today, I am often met with blank stares. In our disparate world, that reaction really shouldn’t surprise me. Yet, a part of me says, “How can that be?” More

THANKS PANO!

The annual Porsche Club of America’s national gathering took place in Florica this year. Once again I was assigned to photograph and write about the attending car owners and their Porsches. Despite extreme humidity and heat, I got the shots. Look for them in this month’s issue of Panorama Magazine!

PCA Panorama Magazine

VACATION TIME!

After working pretty much every day for the past eight months, I’m going to take an extended vacation.

I’m going to soak in mineral hot springs while gazing at the stars, get a well-deserved massage (or two), walk on a deserted beach, learn street photography from a true master, and photograph some festivals.

I’ll also do a podcast.

See you when I get back.

(Photographer of a distant galaxy: Unknown)

DEATH VALLEY

This is the last place you want to be in August. It’s 120 degrees in Death Valley this weekend. But give it three more months, and it’s perfect at 75.

JOHNNY DEPP IS W. EUGENE SMITH IN MINIMATA

Filming has begun in Japan to portray one of the most inspiring photo essayists ever. W. Eugene Smith’s images in Life magazine are legendary for their powerful emotion and use of low key light. His 1948 series, “Country Doctor”, is now recognized as “the first extended editorial photo story”. More

EXODUS

Several artist friends of mine are moving to the region of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. They report feeling very comfortable in their new surroundings. The wealthy ones are now living on the north island of New Zealand – even better. More