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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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 “”

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BACK FROM CALIFORNIA (AGAIN)

Just home from three weeks in California. Thanks to Curtis Autenrith and Nick Psyllos for their comraderie and hospitality – and all my other car buddies for their generous support. The R Gruppe Track Day at Buttonwillow and Treffen in Monterey were highlights.

It was the most productive automotive trip I have been on. I shot five cars for Excellence magazine, finished the rebuild on my 1972 Porsche 911″ST” and drove it home in time for a track day in Seattle. More to come… Continue reading “”

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ROME

Folks often ask me, “What’s your favorite city to visit in Europe?” Since spring is here and Paris can be quite lovely this time of year, especially in May, they are usually surprised when I choose another major popular tourist destination. London? Well, I love the capital city and could walk around it for days, but I’d wait until July/August to have the best chance of good weather. September can be even better if you want to avoid the crowds. Continue reading “”

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EXCELLENCE RSR

The May 2011 issue of Excellence: The Magazine About Porsche is hitting the newsstands now. It features an article of mine titled “The Forgotten One,” which covers a 911 tribute car built by Sam Gassel.

Congratulations to Sam on his amazing recreation of the #6 Penske Sunoco Porsche Carrera RSR. He is one of those guys who makes my job a dream, and he’s deserving of every accolade for a job well done. I wish everyone could see this car in the flesh. It is mind-boggling good. Thanks also to Excellence for continuing to publish my photos and writings on these homages to historic 911s. Continue reading “”

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PORSCHE RENNSPORT REUNION IV

Just back from two weeks on the road – photographing, writing, and playing with cars in LA. Thanks to my good friend Curtis Autenrieth for his generous hospitality and camaraderie. It was great to see all my other Porsche buddies as well.

There is an event coming up that any Porsche enthusiast will not want to miss. Continue reading “”

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DEATH VALLEY

OK, let’s say you are one of those nature lovers who’s looking to escape the cold. With 49 of 50 states experiencing snow this winter, you’re probably not alone. Even in Los Angeles it’s in the upper 50’s F for high temps right now. One place I can recommend that’s warmer is a magical spot on the border of California and Nevada – Death Valley. This is the hottest, driest, and lowest National Park in the US. And at this time of year, it is virtually vacant. Continue reading “”

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CANON’S MASS APPEAL

When Canon abandoned its fifteen year old “breech-lock” FD line of lenses in 1987 to make room for a totally different EF electronic mount, loyal pro photographers like myself were left wondering. Why would Canon, unlike Nikon, eliminate reverse compatability of their 35mm lenses? I soon switched over to the German Leicaflex SL2 cameras that were built like tanks and had even better glass. When Leica decided not to adopt the autofocus capabilities introduced by the Japanese manufacturers, I moved back to Canon whose zoom optics had improved enough for me to use professionally. Continue reading “”