Author: Randy Wells

FROM COURT AND SPARK TO NIGHT RIDE HOME

Released 40 years ago this month, Joni Mitchell’s Court and Spark was her first album in almost two years.

Mitchell infused her singer-songwriter folk-rock music with jazz inflections played by session musicians. The result was her most successful commercial effort ever. The album reached No. 2 in the United States in 1974 and eventually sold over 2 million copies. The recent WB 180 gram LP is a sublime reissue. Continue reading “”

AN OBSERVATION

“We live in a world that values easy solutions to complex problems. And buying [photographic] gear on specifications is such a solution. Further, instant pop culture has destroyed the ability of most people to appreciate nuance, delicacy and detail, values which require dedication and emotional commitment, and which are only revealed over time.”

“Finally, I submit that obsessive preoccupation with technical specifications is a masculine peculiarity, which values linear left- brain thinking over holistic right-brain feeling. Perhaps this explains why women are often into pinhole and antique cameras while men are intent upon acquiring the sharpest lenses and latest, most technically advanced equipment.”

“Unfortunately, most photographers have become slaves to sharpness and rate a lens solely on that basis, instead of on character, which is a subjective quality and cannot be quantified.”

-Peter Hughes

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THE ARCHITECT

I guess it can be told that I had a walk on part in a film called “The Architect” to be released in 2016. Directed by Jonathan Parker (a very nice man), I played a photographer of all things!

My wife volunteered me for the small non-speaking extra role, and I was somehow chosen. “The Architect” is about a husband and wife who are longing to build their dream home only to have those plans crushed when their architect builds his ideal home instead. Continue reading “”

THE LAST 959

Excellence Magazine just featured an article of mine on the final Porsche 959 built. This 450 hp twin-turbocharged “time capsule” was recently U.S. dealer prepared after 25 years off the road. It was reconditioned, detailed, and is now being driven regularly on public streets. What an amazing 1000 km car this is – eclipsed by more modern variants (like the Carrera GT), but arguably easier to drive at the limit. Continue reading “”

PANORAMA AT ITS BEST

Porsche Club of America’s Panorama Magazine has gone through an epic transformation this year. Through the efforts of publisher Vu Nguyen, editor Pete Stout, creative director Richard Baron, production director Allen Lane and a host of other well-known contributers – it’s never looked better.

I’m pleased to be a part of the latest issue with two stories. One I wrote and photographed (“Life After Racing”). The other I made the photos for (“Fill in the Blanks”), and Peter Linsky wrote the article.

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SETTING THE PACE

Thanks to Aaron Jenkins, Walter Gerber, Michael Collins and John Goodman for their collaboration in producing a story for Forza Magazine using my text and photos. The featured Goodman owned Ferrari/I.DE.A. Mondial-t is a one-off pace-car commissioned by PPG Industries for the CART/PPG Indy Car World Series in the late ’80s. What a hoot it was to drive with that livery and all those safety lights onboard! Continue reading “”

RANDY’S PHOTO: A FINALIST AT THE MOTOR PRESS GUILD AWARDS

Randy Wells’ image of a Porsche Speedster in the snow, “Frozen in Time”, was one of three finalists in the photo category of the Motor Press Guild’s prestigious Dean Batchelor Award. Fellow Panorama Magazine photographer Bob Chapman won the top photo category with his overhead speed shot of a 997 GT3 RSR. Bob and Randy’s photos appeared in the the January and February 2013 issues of Panorama respectively, edited by fellow writing finalist Pete Stout. Continue reading “”

IS THERE LIFE AFTER RACING?

“Racing is life. Everything that happens before or after is just waiting.” Did a race car driver ever speak truer words?

Judging by the reverence with which Steve McQueen’s line from the movie Le Mans is held, I’d say not. Yet, for some racers there is more to “Life After Racing”… like long-time PCA member Richard Sutliffe. Continue reading “”

ROAD SCHOLARS

Congratulations to Cam Ingram, Kevin Watts and everyone at Road Scholars for a banner year in rare collectible car restoration, awards, and sales. And, as always, thanks to Porsche specialist Chris Powell for his support and contributions to my images of the Road Scholars west coast inventory. Their website is a great showcase for my photography. Continue reading “”

JFK REMEMBERED

This week marks the 50th anniversary of U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s assasination on Novemebr 22, 1963. It was undoubtedly the darkest day for our nation and its National Security. Imagine what would have happened if had he not been killed. It’s of any consequence, there’s only 25 years left until the public is able to view the CIA’s documents from that event. Continue reading “”

ART KANE

Some photographers are universally known. Most are not, including a few geniuses.

Art Kane was a NY commercial photographer who was a pioneer in many ways. He is perhaps best known for his 1958 group shot of 57 famous jazz musicians gathered together on the streets of Harlem. Another image he created was the cover of an album for The Who called The Kids are Alright, a reference to London “mods” who embraced the rock group in the ’60s.

Here’s an alternate from that shoot, The Who wrapped in the Union Jack with children included. It was made in the Morningside Park of New York in 1968. He was a master of the 24mm lens.

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Black cats have been associated with Halloween since the harvest festival began in about 1745 AD. Although cats of all types have been associated with the occult, black felines in particular appear most often in folklore. Several legends exist, like black cats being evil, causing bad luck, being linked to witches, and many other dark things. Very scary! Continue reading “”