Author: Randy Wells

9-19-23

BACK FROM GOODWOOD REVIVAL, HEADING TO RENNSPORT REUNION

This year has been all about car meets and motorsports for me. Checking off bucket list items has been a pleasure, and I feel grateful to have been able to do it on assignment. Along the way I’ve also been able to do some studio work and on location storytelling. I’ll need some time this winter just to catch up on all the jobs I’ve taken on!

EUGENE RICHARDS – PHOTOGRAPHER OF TRUTH AND REALITY VS. LIES AND APPEARANCES

“As for the evolution of (my) photography, I’m probably wrong in saying that this evolution is a reflection of our times. Where the truth of things is less valuable than the appearance of things. Where wealth is aspirational, and people without wealth less and less important.”

“I’d like to think that the quality of work is paramount. But it has become clear, that as in contemporary politics, being seen is perhaps more important than what you’re saying. I still like to believe though that it’s the work that counts.”

-Eugene Richards

Continue reading “”

9-1-23

R.I.P. JIMMY BUFFETT

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Jimmy Buffett.

I’m not sure where to begin, except to say his music is what saw me through much of the ’80s.

I was traveling around the world with my camera, a bunch of film, and a walkman. I ended up shooting stock in tropical locations nine months of the year because I was good at it and it paid really well. I became a “citizen of the world”, and his music was my soundtrack. Continue reading “”

Image of a 1955 jade Metallic Green Pre A Porsche 356 tan interior at sunset, Santa Barbara, California, America west coast by Randy Wells

CAR INTERIORS ON LOCATION ARE MY FORTE

It’s something I love to do well. The time and experience required is more than most realize. You have to recognize the best location intuitively, anticipate the light organically, and understand the quality of the car that needs to be accentuated realistically. When it all comes together in a still image, it is truly magical.

JUST BACK FROM A SEVEN CAR STUDIO PHOTO SHOOT

Escaping the summer heat in the SW (110 degrees F), was accomplished inside an A/C studio. For three days it was warm but reasonably comfortable inside for me (not my flash heads), but the video needed to be filmed outdoors one sunrise at 98 degrees. Continue reading “”

Stunning aerial image of Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Tahiti by travel-photographer-randy-wells-videographer-filmmaker-cinematographer-storyteller-writer-location-and-studio-specialist

TRAVEL IS NO LONGER ON MY BUCKET LIST

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.

Vox’s 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.

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.