8-9-23
R.I.P. ROBBIE ROBERTSON
I’ll never forget seeing Robbie with The Band and Dylan during the 1974 Before the Flood Tour.
(Album Cover Photo: Chris Callis)
TRAVEL IS NO LONGER ON MY BUCKET LIST
At least travel to overcrowded locations, overrun with selfies. I don’t believe that travel is anywhere near as enjoyable as it was 25 years ago.
That doesn’t mean I don’t travel much. I’ll have been to Palm Springs, Phoenix, Monterey, L.A., Ireland, France, and England on assignment this year.
It’s just that I don’t have a bucket list anymore. I’ve seen a lot, and what remains is not something I have to see in my lifetime. Well, maybe a return to Ireland, Bora Bora, and Rome (off season) would be nice.
Rebecca Jennings recently wrote. But it all ends the same: with thousands of people doing the same things, in the same places, at the same times. I would approach bucket-list travel in ways that are respectful to both yourself and to the places you visit. Seek out undiscovered locations or travel during the off-season, and support local businesses with your arrangements and accommodations.
8-5-23
IT’S SHAPING UP TO BE MY BUSIEST SEASON IN YEARS
Porsche’s 75th Anniversary has a lot to do with why I am so booked. Between Le Mans, Goodwood, Rennsport Reunion and Porsche Parade, I’m being so stretched that I cannot take on all the small jobs people might want me for. I’m not complaining. Most automotive photo folks have not been as fortunate, as budgets have been floundering for years for all but a few clients. Still lucky to be able to live the dream after nearly 40 years.
BARBIE-MANIA IS EVERYWHERE
You go girl feminism is back for the summer. Here’s my take on the phenomenon. To me, it’s not political at all. It’s just for fun.
7-26-23
PURE PHOTOGRAPHY WILL BE REPLACED BY AI
Photo-illustration has already replaced pure photography for what the masses see on a regular basis. On Instagram, people look more beautiful than they actually are and landscapes look nothing like they are in person. The cell phone is now the new reality for most people under the age of 30. It’s all about appearances today. Authenticity and integrity are becoming more precious. Fortunately, some museums, art galleries, blogs, and books exhibit fine art photography made from film or unprocessed digital captures for those who are interested.
For reference, the first photograph that still exists was created 200 years ago, the first Leica camera using 35mm film was made 100 years ago, and the first camera phone was built 25 years ago.
Un-manipulated photography will not completely cease to exist by 2025, but it will be far less relevant than it is now and much harder to identify. Stock photography used for commercial purposes has been pretty much dead for a while and will completely disappear as a viable profession. Commissioned commercial and documentary work will likely continue into the near future. Fortunately, that’s what I do for a living.
THE OTHER SIDE OF PARIS
I arrived in Paris last month on the eve before the riots began. While photographing the Arc de Triomphe the next morning at dawn, I made this photo with police vans and cars on their way to what were the districts in turmoil. Only later did I understand the significance of this image.
7-14-23
EVEN MORE LE MANS CLASSIC
Bastille Day is important to the French. So it is with this in mind that I continue to post about their Le Mans racing heritage.
Here’s another of my photos made during the Classic event this month. Thank you to those who provided me with a media vest for an inside look at the festivities.
MORE LE MANS CLASSIC
Challenging is how I would describe my week in France. What matters is I came back with the goods. That’s what being a professional is all about. My Porsche images are being held for publication, so here’s something different!
FAKE IT ‘TILL YOU MAKE IT
This blog post title is a commonly heard phrase in photography today.
To offer another perspective, the image that accompanies this post is one I made four days ago at 4:00 am on Sunday at the Le Mans Classic. It is a straight shot, an un-manipulated and un-composited original image. This rare setting was created when the full moon set under the Dunlop Bridge while the Group 4 cars began their first lap for that session. In the lead is the famous Le Mans winning 1966 Ford GT40. No other photographers were present.
You don’t need to fake it. You just have to make it.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Hope yours was safe!
THROWBACK THURSDAY – IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS
Among the fifty or so rock concerts I’ve attended since 1970, The Moody Blues were one of the best live acts I’ve seen. Here’s a blast from the past for your listening and viewing pleasure.
VICARIOUS COVER AND EIGHT PAGE PORTFOLIO
It is a great honor to have mu Ferrari photographs featured on the cover and over eight pages inside the Summer 2023 issue of an automotive lifestyle magazine that is of the highest quality and standards, Vicarious.
Vicarious is a high-end car magazine with an informative on-line website. Reading this high-quality publication transports me to living vicariously through the men and women who enjoy a unique lifestyle. Many of the car owners featured made their own way through life from meager beginnings, yet found their calling and succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. I’m lucky to tag along on occasion!
6-20-23
IT’S A LOVELY MORNING – BUT NOT EVERYWHERE
I often take my good fortune for granted.
It means I need to work at gratitude on a regular basis. In the process, I’ve come to realize that my life’s journey is an evolution that fills me with wonder and joy at the best of times. I think the world could use more of that.
Thank you to all my friends. I’m lucky to have each and every one of you.
(Photos by Randy and Andrea Wells)
I LOVE DRIVING A PORSCHE 911
This was my view coming home from Porsche Bellevue yesterday. My 911 T/ST was chosen to be one of two cars placed inside the dealership for their 75th Anniversary Porsche party. A Lilac ’73 Carrera 2.7 RS was the other car. I am truly blessed.
6-8-23
HAPPY 75TH PORSCHE #1!
FINALIST IN THE 2022 MOTOR PRESS GUILD BEST PHOTO AWARD
I am humbled to have a photograph selected again as a finalist in the MPG Best of Automotive Journalism Awards.
The Last Porsche 911 ST Race Car image above was an opening spread in the August 2022 issue of Porsche Club of America’s Panorama Magazine. A couple of days ago it was announced as a finalist in the Bob D€ Olivo Award for Photography.
Wow! It’s always an honor to receive recognition from MPG whose membership is a who’s who of U.S. car journalists. My heartfelt thanks to all!