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ARTIST STATEMENT

It’s easy to force photography. You have so much control these days. But in reality, you really don’t have much of any. Life develops at its own rythym and pace. As a location photographer, it’s my job to capture it as it happens. That’s not always easy.

Each subject requires it’s own time to understand, and to reveal itself. That’s why personal projects are so rewarding to me. You have the time to explore a people or location, to begin to understand them. To let things unfold. Photo tip! Continue reading “”

THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST

I’ve blogged before about how much I enjoy the central California coast. Having just driven from Bodega Bay to Crescent City along coastal Hwy 1, my love for the northern CA coast has been reignited.

Most of the towns I spent time in were located in Mendocino county: Sea Ranch (great walking trails and vacation rentals), Guallala (killer B-BQ), Point Arena (check out breakfast at the organic cafe next to the dock), Irish Beach (idyllic setting), Albion/River (rent a boat), and Mendocino (kayak or shop away). As for the road to Leggett, I missed my 911. Continue reading “”

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BACK FROM CALIFORNIA:
RENNSPORT REUNION & CS&N REMASTERING

Wow, what a week..

This past week held some of the high points of my life. There were a couple of low points to be sure, but I can’t begin to tell you about it all (because I really can’t tell you..).

It started with Porsche’s Rennsport Reunion IV at Laguna Seca. I had a photography booth in the vendor area that I shared with early 911 parts guru Eric Linden. Thanks, Eric, for being so accommodating while I ran around taking photos like a crazy man. I shot a very cool cover story for Excellence magazine on Saturday morning that I will tell you about later. Continue reading “”

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ON BEING AN ARTIST TODAY – Randy’s Photo Tips

Sometimes I forget how hard it must be for young photographers and artists who face the challenges of today’s modern world.

I was recently compelled to post a comment on a blog buddy’s website. I saw a comment that gave advice on this stuff that seemed to come from a different culture. Maybe I’m just lucky to still be able to work at what I love, or maybe I’m just an old white guy…

Here’s what I wrote. Maybe it will help somebody somewhere.

“Simplify, simplify, simplify. And learn how to say no.” Continue reading “”

STEVE JOBS 1955-2011

I’ve only known two true visionaries who lived during the 20th Century. One was my mentor, photographer Ernst Haas (1921-1986). The other was Steve Jobs of Apple. Both were creative geniuses, both died too young.

It’s one thing to say, “A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show it to them.” It’s another to actually prove it worldwide several times over.

RIP

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Continue reading “”

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EXCELLENCE DEUX

John Straub and John Manning. Two great Porsche enthusiasts with two great cars. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to photograph and write about their 911s for the best Porsche magazine in America.

The October issue of Excellence features Straub’s “barn find patina queen” and Manning’s “all-out assault beast.” Both Porsche 911s, but each as different from one another as is physically possible. It was interesting to approach these two remarkable cars, knowing the treatment for each would need to reflect their opposite characters. Hopefully I have done justice to them both. Continue reading “”

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MORE EXCELLENCE

The latest issue of Excellence (September 2011) includes a feature written by Peter Linsky and illustrated with my images. The subject – Paul Risinger’s incredible concours winning Sand Beige 1967 Porsche 911S. I had the distinct privilege of driving this perfect car and commenting on my experience in a side bar to the article. Here’s an excerpt: Continue reading “”

THE GOLDEN YEARS – ARE THEY OVER?

For those who created intellectual property during the golden years of the 90’s, that time is a distant memory. Yet the music, book publishing and photography industries are still reeling from the changes digital and instant internet access have made to their pricing models. Witness Border’s bankruptcy if you want to see the carnage. Continue reading “”

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COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

Early summer is the best time to travel to the canyon that is home to the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. Up to 4,000 feet deep, this canyon of high desert cliffs and lush waterfalls stretches for over 80 miles as the river winds westward through the Cascade Range to the Pacific Ocean forming the boundary between the State of Washington to the north and Oregon to the south. Continue reading “”

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BEYOND EXCELLENT

The August issue of Excellence: The Magazine About Porsche features an article of mine on a ’73 911 build titled “The Color of Money.” Nope, this isn’t one of those “cookie cutter” R Gruppe builds with a 3.2 Motronic motor and center fill cap. It’s a no-holds-barred homage to all that is right with this hobby.

Scott Longballa is to be congratulated for taking a hands-on approach in creating this unique and totally intoxicating package – a short stroke MFI powered “RSR” that goes way beyond the expected using only the best parts available. Continue reading “”

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EXOTICS AT RTC

After taking my 315 hp/2300 lb Porsche 911 to a PCA track day at Pacific Raceways (and driving my student’s amazing race prepped GT3/RS), I was in the mood to see some high powered Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

Living near Seattle, I needn’t look far to find them. Turns out that on every sunny Saturday there is an exotic car meet in Redmond, Washington. Continue reading “”