8-25-25
GARY EMORY HAS PASSED
It is with a deep sense of loss that I report Gary Emory of Emory Motorsports, “The Original Porsche Outlaw”, has passed. No one came close to his influence on the hobby of hot rodding 356s and early 911s.
Author: Randy Wells
PHOTOGRAPHY ADVICE I’VE COME ACROSS LATELY
Most photo advice I see is overly simplified and often wrong. These posts from writer Alex Cooke at Fstoppers are worth reading if you are interested in becoming a better photographer in today’s world.
Mindfulness and walking meditation in photography
And now some hard truths from Cooke:
Ten brutal truths about amateur photography
10 ways social media destroyed photography
Want to make photography a business, but don’t have a trust fund?
5 fatal photography business mistakes
(Illustration: Author Unknown)
SING A SONG FOR DEPRESSED ANGELS FALLING FROM ABOVE
“I won’t retire, but I might retread. Seems like that guy singin’ this song been doing it for a long time. Is there anything he knows that he ain’t said?
Sing a song for Freedom. Sing a song for Love. Sing a song for depressed angels falling from above.”
When it comes to folk-rock music, something I’ve been into for most of my life, Neil is still tops in my book, especially on Classic Records vinyl. He’s been saying it since the ’60s. Here’s one from 2002. Spin it with a little love and affection in every thing you do…
IT’S WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY WEEK
Make a photograph that’s surprising. One you haven’t seen before. That’s the challenge to give yourself every day. Just don’t be this guy.
Next week, a look at today’s “photography”.
DEEDS, NOT WORDS
I’m a pragmatist at heart with a penchant for aphorisms, but even I know that a worthy man dedicates himself to service to remind himself that there are other things more important than his own selfishness. Forget the farcical hypocrisy you see on TV. It’s my belief that good deeds are best done the first time you think of them.
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY MOM!
Congrats to my mother for her remarkable achievement after a life of challenges, including the death of her mother in Estonia when she was very young, losing her father to the Russians at the beginning of WWII, being bombed while a prisoner of war working at a German hospital, learning English and adapting to a small fishing village in Alaska, working in a cannery, raising us kids, and a life that revolved around my dad, a commercial fisherman from Colorado who was often absent. You made it!
(Photo:Andrea Wells)
R.I.P JOHN PREGNALL
An old friend of mine and my high school friends passed away today. My condolences to all.
I hope this tune by George Harrison from 1970 (around the time John and I became good friends) is appropriate.
THANK YOU PORSCHE 356 REGISTRY FOR THE COVER!
It feels very rewarding to have another cover this summer.
Thanks, Kim, Rachel and Peter!
BACK FROM PARADE – TIME TO REST AND EDIT
With some soul soothing music from James Taylor. Best on original U.S. vinyl.
1970
CHECK EACH BOX TWICE
That’s what I do for everything. “Never assume anything” is my motto. The reasons for doing that could fill a book, but it would be a depressing read. So, I’ll just add, “Don’t fall down.” That’s probably easier to relate to.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
The Massachusetts colonists, or “patriots”, won the first major military campaign of the American Revolutionary War in Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, 250 years ago. Today is also the 250th time the signing of the Declearation of Independence will be celebrated (the official anniversary is next year). Here’s some reading material:
EVERYBODY’S TALKIN’
This song was played at Chuck Miller’s celebration of life that I attended near Malibu last week. I’ve kept hearing it ever since.
LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
Words on a piece of paper. A document that used to have the same meaning for everyone. I remember a time in the USA when those words spoke of a dream that was attainable for all.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness seemed possible for those who worked hard and followed their passion. An achievement that was not just measured in monetary terms, but also in how WE THE PEOPLE felt about our nation. Continue reading “”
R.I.P BRIAN WILSON
The passing of the Beach Boy’s spiritual and musical leader Brian Wilson is the latest of society’s losses.
Sometimes, simpler is better, especially when it comes to day to day mental health. The songs he wrote reflected that.
No one is in a position to plan for what’s next in today’s world. Why not make your life simpler with a simple mantra? It is written.
Listening to Surf’s Up and Pet Sounds now
REMEMBERING OHIO
Injustice demonstration regression déjà vu. From Kent State 1970 to L.A. 2025: “I’m not a crook” to “I’m a crook, so what”.
Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters
VISIT IRELAND – VAN’S HOMAGE TO INNOCENT DUBLIN
If I could choose one country to visit in June it would be Ireland. I’d listen to Van Morrison on the plane and look forward in eager anticipation to the photographs I could make in his hometown. If I could choose one state to visit in August it would be Alaska. I’d spend two weeks filming my home town of Cordova with the hopes of creating something as good as this video (song from his new album to be released soon).