Category: Photography Blog

I’M ON A CAYMAN ROLL

It wasn’t that long ago that I wrote and photographed a feature for the Porsche Club of America’s national magazine on a Cayman S that was perhaps the most expensive one ever ordered. Now, the April 2024 issue features one of the least expensive used Cayman S models purchased that has been turned into a top-time-of-the-day autocross weapon.
Congrats to Tara and Steven Lau for their wins at last year’s Porsche Parade and national SCCA events! Check it out in the latest Porsche Panorama Magazine.

Image of worn out flowers in South Puget Sound, Washington, Pacific Northwest

YOU CAN SEND ME DEAD FLOWERS

“When you’re sitting there in your silk upholstered chair…”

Maybe you know those lyrics, and maybe you don’t. Yet, everyone who has heard a Robert Ludwig (RL) mastered first UK LP pressing of Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones played back on a great sounding system knows exactly what I’m talking about.

ICM

“Intentional Camera Movement” (ICM) is the hot new topic in photography, joining that other popular image description,”Bokeh”. I’ve been told these terms mean “motion panning” and “backdrop blur”, respectively. Reminds me of the use of “negative space” as just another word for “background”. This new terminology sure makes the person using it sound like they know what they are talking about!

Funny thing is, motion panning (aka ICM) in color photography has been in use since Ernst Haas fist pioneered the technique in 1954 while using ASA 10 original Kodachrome in low light (see his photograph “Bullfight” above). The other art synonyms have been around even longer. Silly me.

SHARE YOUR WORK WITH A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL

Showing your work to your family and friends only goes so far. To receive the most honest and critical evaluation of your photography, choose a professional working in your field to view your best stuff. That way you have a qualified opinion that can help you keep growing in an efficient manner.

(Photo of Randy on assignment: Andrea Wells)

WILL IT BE A HAPPY NEW YEAR?

“In an increasingly polarized world, one of photography’s most profound strengths is its ability to cultivate empathy and compassion across cultures. At its best, photography can transport us into unfamiliar environments, activities, and viewpoints. It reveals the humanity in people whose lives and backgrounds differ vastly from our own. Photography has a transcendent way of building understanding and sympathy by showing us new perspectives.” – Alex Cooke of FStoppers

CELEBRATING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THIS BLOG SITE!

Happy New Year!

It seems unbelievable to me, but when I started this blog site at the beginning of 2010, I never thought I would publish over 1,000 posts.

As simple as it might sound, way back then, I made it my goal to post something about photos, films, music, cars or travel on a regular basis every week. Somehow I stuck to it. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have!

(Photo of Randy: Somewhere in England 2023 by Andrea Wells)

12-12-23

STEINBECK’S AMERICA BOOK NOW AVAILABLE

Inspired by John Steinbeck’s 1962 book Travels With Charley: In Search of America, I felt compelled to document my own journey across America at the end of the 20th Century.

Over an eight-year period, from 1992-1999, I traveled in a VW Eurovan along Steinbeck’s route while photographing the entire project on analog Fujichrome transparency slide film.

This book has been a labor of love of mine for our country and our people. Peppered with Steinbeck’s words mated to my images, I am humbled to offer this book for you to purchase.

156 pages, 121 Full Color Photographs, Soft or Hard Cover.

For information on how to order, contact us HERE.

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Brooklyn. Coney Island Sand Castle/sculpture. Williamsburg street fair. Bedford Stuyvesant street fair. Park Slope street fair

THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFT FOR A BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

No, it’s not a new camera, a lens, a tripod, or the latest gadget. It’s learning how to see at a photo workshop taught by a master. My choice would be Alex Webb, Sam Abell or Arthur Meyerson. They will teach your budding photographer more in one week than five years in the field or ten years behind the computer.

(Photo: Alex Webb)

Alex Webb
Sam Abell
Arthur Meyerson

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

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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 “”

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.

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!