Travel / Nature Blog – Page 19 – RANDY WELLS – TOP CAR PHOTOGRAPHER – SEATTLE – PHOTOJOURNALIST – DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY – STUDIO – LOCATION – WHERE AUTOMOTIVE PHOTOS, VIDEO, AND WRITING MEET CLASSIC AUTOMOBILES, VEHICLES, TRANSPORTATION, CAR CULTURE LIFESTYLE AND MUSIC

BUG-IN

Today is the 35th BUG-IN in Fontana. This event is held once a year in Southern California and incorporates all things Volkswagen. There will be 1/4 mile drag racing, vintage and custom car shows, and a large swap meet with vendor display. Whether you’re a gear head, vintage freak or just all around VW nut, you will not be disappointed with what you’re bound to find today in Fontana. BUG-IN first started in 1968 at the old Orange County International Raceway. 31 events were held over a 15 year period at the historic OCIR until the fateful day that the track was closed in 1983. Continue reading “”

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 “”

TARGA FLORIO 1973

So were the early 1970’s really cooler than today?
Watch this vintage video, then you decide.

Targa Florio is a Documentary TV Movie on the 1973 race made in Italy in 2005. Director: Cuiri Amelio Ortiz. Cast: Francesco Arezzo, Antonio Catanzaro, Vic Elford, Mauro Forghieri, Giacinto Gargano, Ciccio Liberto, Sandro Munari, Silvana Paladino, Salvatore Requirez, Pao… Continue reading “”

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Even if you aren’t Irish, today is a good day to wear some green, sport a shamrock, and maybe even have a taste of some Guinness or Irish whiskey.

Saint Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated in America by Irish and non-Irish alike. The emerald city of Seattle paints the traffic stripe of their parade route green. Chicago dyes its river green and has done so since 1962. Indianapolis also dyes its main canal green. Savannah puts green dye in its downtown city fountains, as does Columbia, SC. The New York City parade has not only become the largest Saint Patrick’s Day parade in the world – it’s also the oldest civilian parade worldwide. Continue reading “”

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 “”

THE EVERGLADES

Recently I posted about Death Valley being a reasonably inexpensive and convenient escape destination for those snowbound in the western U.S. For those of you on the east coast, let me offer up an alternative in the mid-80’s F range.

Southern Florida is home to a World Heritage Site of subtropical wilderness that is accessible by hiking trails, canoe trips or airboat rides. This threatened wetland sanctuary or “river of grass” is a birder’s paradise with over 350 species, including snowy egrets, ospreys, spoonbills, and great blue herons. Continue reading “”

NÃ¼RBURGRING NORDSCHLEIFE

Here’s the best instructional video I’ve seen on how to drive the NÃ¼rburgringâ€™s north loop or Nordschleife. Watch how Porsche works driver Sascha Maassen gives a guided tour for one lap around this legendary track.

Chasing a gaggle of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Cars in his own matching race car, Sascha provides insightful commentary and shows how â€œThe Green Hellâ€ got its name. With 73 corners undulating over nearly 13 miles, it’s easy to see why this is considered the toughest, most dangerous and demanding circuit in the world.

Located between Cologne and Frankfurt, the Nordschleife is accessible to the public as a one-way toll road. There are no intersections and there’s no general speed limit. I drove it in an Audi rental car, and even that was an unforgettable experience.

Continue reading “”

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 “”

GET AWAY

With snow blanketing much of the eastern US and midwest, and rain pummeling the west, Americans are thinking about escaping to a warmer climate. Out of all my favorite tropical destinations: Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, the South Pacific and Australia, none could be dearer to my heart than Oz (well, maybe Tahiti and New Zealand are closer in certain ways).

Yeah, mate, that continent down under offers more culture, activities and sightseeing opportunities than any other. It also has some of the prettiest cities in the world and miles of isolated beaches. Not to mention fantastic seafood. Our winter is their summer too, so you are guaranteed good weather. Despite current flooding conditions in parts of central Queensland, most major roads and tourism destinations are accessible and open to visitors along the coast. Continue reading “”

ONE ON ONE PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES NOW AVAILABLE

Teaching and mentoring one-on-one is something I’ve always enjoyed. Recently, I’ve decided to give back to the photo community my 25 years experience and knowledge for a nominal fee. I am based near Seattle and am able to travel to any location. Please contact me for scheduling. Continue reading “”

CABO

Just returned from a photo shoot/vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with my wife and a Leica rangefinder. What a great place to relax and escape the cold of winter. Situated on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, it’s within easy reach of the Western US and accessible via most major airlines. Sandy beaches, low humidity and sunny skies virtually all year round means this is a dependable Mexican destination. If you are into sport fishing, golf or scuba diving – it’s a best bet tropical location. Continue reading “”

THE PROBLEM WE ALL LIVE WITH

In 1960 racial tension was building in the South as desegregation of the school systems was being hotly contested in places like New Orleans. There, a very young African American student named Ruby Bridges was heckled daily for being the first to cross the line between black and white schools. 50 years ago today she made those first brave steps protected by a team of federal marshals. John Steinbeck was present and documented the scene in his travelogue, Travels with Charley in Search of America. Just a handful of white parents decided to keep their children in the same school early on, but the number of supporters grew and and the protests slowly began to fade. Continue reading “”

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Fall is a great time to photograph kids in costume, pumpkins, and scarecrows, as well as catch the last of the colored leaves. Fog and decay can be be fascinating things to witness in nature, and late October/early November can be the best time to make pictures of these transitory phenomena. Continue reading “”

ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA

The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta concludes this weekend. The first week in October in New Mexico provides a colorful moving picture show of over 600 hot air balloons sailing silently against the contrasting fall sky. This event is a premier photo opportunity and the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, now in it’s 38th year. Be sure and check out the mass ascension at sunrise. Then yum down some southwest cuisine in nearby Santa Fe… Continue reading “”

50 YEARS AFTER : JOHN STEINBECK’S GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP

In the early morning hours of September 23rd 1960, John Steinbeck embarked on a hero’s journey with his wife’s French poodle Charley by his side. With the knowledge that he was dying, Steinbeck drove his camper truck onto the Sag Harbor, Long Island ferry and headed out into the great unknown intent on rediscovering America. He traveled to New England, then turned west to Niagara Falls, Chicago and on towards Seattle. He eventually criss-crossed much of the United States, experiencing first hand the protests of desegregation in Louisiana and returning home to New York in time for Christmas. Continue reading “”

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO TIPS

In a couple of days Iâ€™m presenting an overview of travel photography to students at The Art Institute of Seattle. Iâ€™ve included my outline here for those who are interested:

1. Introduction

Choosing a destination – Research
Packing light – Pacing yourself, staying healthy

2. The Essential Ingredients

Culture: People, Crafts, Events, Recreation & Food
Architecture: Icons, Skylines, Attractions & Aerials
Geography: Landscape, Weather, Flora & Fauna

Continue reading “”