randy_wells_road.jpg

ALL-AMERICAN ROADS

When America’s best scenic drives are discussed, a few always make the list. US Hwy 1 on the Pacific Coast is an obvious choice, as is Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana. As amazing as these roads are, over 20 more are considered “All-American Roads” (see below), and one in particular stands out above all the rest as being both uniquely uncrowded and spectacular. Continue reading “”

randywells-6497.jpg

OUTLAW 356 AND 911 : BLACK AND SILVER

Once again, Excellence magazine has chosen to feature some remarkable Porsches. This month’s issue (#201) includes a black 1958 Porsche 356A sunroof coupe that became a Willhoit GT special and a silver 1972 Porsche 911 hot rod that returned to the street after many years as a race car.

I was fortunate to have covered both of these California cars in photographs and words. Each owner, Dick Moran and Chris Messano, is a true enthusiast intent on fulfilling their aspirations. Thanks, guys, for being who you are… Continue reading “”

randy_wells_scot1a.jpg

SCOTLAND

Magical moments are something we photographers live for. They are one of those times when we feel most alive.

This was one of those moments. My wife, Andrea, and I were touring Scotland and realized that the following evening would provide a full moon at dusk and a high tide reflection of the Eilean Donan Castle lit by the western sky in a nearby bay. It’s something that happens maybe once a year IF you are lucky and the weather is clear. Continue reading “”

randy_wells_5brp.jpg

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

It’s only the first day of Spring, but never too early to be thinking about where to go. By mid-April flowering dogwood trees and early morning fog combine to produce wonderful scenes in a national park that deserves to be savored slowly. Straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a traveling photographer’s delight. Continue reading “”

randy_wells_mexixtapa24.jpg

WHERE TO GO NOW?

In years past I’ve blogged about late winter locales such as Florida, Washington D.C., Death Valley, New Orleans, Australia, and New Zealand. Another desirable destination this time of year is Mexico. It’s very accessible, reasonably affordable, and the cuisine can be some of the best around. I’d avoid the interior right now and concentrate on small coastal towns. Continue reading “”

INSPIRED : ANTARCTICA

The last installment in this “inspired” triptych is water/air. Nowhere is the balance between these two elements more delicate than in the ice-bound ecosystem called Antarctica.

Antarctica was the last continent I visited in the 1990’s. After four days of travel, I finally arrived at this serene environment. The eeire silence was punctuated by the sounds and sights of humorous penguins. “Otherworldly” is the best way I can describe my experience there. Continue reading “”

INSPIRED : HAWAII

For the second part of the “inspired” elements triptych (earth, fire, water/air), I’m going for an aerial photograph made from a helicopter at sunrise over Maui. Another homage to Ernst Haas.

Haas was a genius and the pioneer of color photography when it comes to fine art. Eggleston? Sorry, not the first to have a color exhibit at MOMA in 1962. Porter? Sorry, kinda boring and a bit pedestrian. Shore, Meyerowitz? Ditto. Continue reading “”

PHOTO EXHIBIT AT GLAZER’S CAMERA

Hey All & Happy New Year!

I just finished hanging a 13 print exhibit at Glazer’s Camera Rental Studio in Seattle. On view are images from my book project, Steinbeck’s America: In Search of Travels with Charley Fifty Years Later.

Accompanying the color photographs are quotes by John Steinbeck from his book, Travels with Charley. My short film on the project and an e-book sample will be on view at a closing reception:

When: Monday, February 6th from 7-9pm

Where: 517 Dexter Ave North, Seattle, WA 98109

Please see my Outdoor Photographer Magazine article:

50 Years After Travels with Charley

Continue reading “”

YEAR END REMINISCING

It’s an induldgent pastime I suppose. To tear yourself away from the TV and iphone/smartphone and contemplate your life as it actually is. Maybe it’s more appropriate to do as you get older – or maybe not. It don’t come easy as they say…

I try returning phone calls and text messages daily and love having GPS while traveling, but my 4G Droid is not much of an actual phone, more like a mini-computer – a radiating slow one at that. Most of the time I can’t find it (or something to watch on TV). Maybe that’s why I’m thinking about other things today. Continue reading “”

randy_wells_20111125_131446.jpg

ARTIST STATEMENT

It’s easy to force photography. You have so much control these days. But in reality, you really don’t have much of any. Life develops at its own rythym and pace. As a location photographer, it’s my job to capture it as it happens. That’s not always easy.

Each subject requires it’s own time to understand, and to reveal itself. That’s why personal projects are so rewarding to me. You have the time to explore a people or location, to begin to understand them. To let things unfold. Photo tip! Continue reading “”

THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST

I’ve blogged before about how much I enjoy the central California coast. Having just driven from Bodega Bay to Crescent City along coastal Hwy 1, my love for the northern CA coast has been reignited.

Most of the towns I spent time in were located in Mendocino county: Sea Ranch (great walking trails and vacation rentals), Guallala (killer B-BQ), Point Arena (check out breakfast at the organic cafe next to the dock), Irish Beach (idyllic setting), Albion/River (rent a boat), and Mendocino (kayak or shop away). As for the road to Leggett, I missed my 911. Continue reading “”