Category: Travel / Nature Blog

JUST BACK FROM A LONG ROAD TRIP

It’s good to be back home, but it’s also exciting to have had such a productive journey last month. I photographed 15 cars, 11 of them in 4 days, and made some new friends in the Porsche 356 and 911 communities along the way. Here’s a photo I made with my Leica Q on a windy day along Rte 66, one of my favorite roads.

5-16-22

R GRUPPE TREFFEN

St. George, Utah near Zion National Park was the location of last weekend’s 21st R Gruppe Treffen. About 50 early Porsche 911s made the trek from parts across the USA. Here’s a shot above of a Silver ’72 made from a ’70 coupe all the way from Seattle. A majestic setting and a great group of people.

Randy Wells

LUCKY STILL

I wrote this to a talented professional automotive photographer struggling in today’s world:

“Don’t be bothered by some of the stuff you see happening from those trying to make a living as a car photographer today. For the most part, they either have financial backing or cannot see the effects of the low fees they accept for their work.”

“Understand that most will never achieve what we were lucky enough to experience in the past. What we did then (and still manage to do today when the client has a budget) is considered a glamour profession. And it can actually feel that way when you are shooting, being treated fairly, and see your work published. Continue reading “”

LAST CHANCE TEXACO

Rte. 66 is one of my favorite roads to travel on. I grab my personal photo kit and some clothes in a carry on, fly to Las Vegas, rent a Mustang GT convertible, and drive down to the original route.

This photograph was made somewhere along the way where an old Texaco gas station sits next to a modern Chevron one. You just hang around listening to the birds and waiting for the right light. Then presto, you are transported back in time to a simpler world.

NOT A GOOD SIGN

From Uncrate: “In airplanes, the black box records and stores flight data to provide information in the event of a crash. With climate change putting our planet in a downward spiral, earth is getting one of its own. The 33-foot-long steel vault is being constructed on the coast of Tasmania and is designed to record and collect measurements and interactions as our planet continues to decline. Continue reading “”

Drone image of North Cascades landscape at sunrise, Washington by Randy Wells

LOOK UP, THE SKY IS OPEN.

Drone photography and videography can be magical.

However, it is not for the faint of heart. The deeper you go into this discipline-laden aerial specialty, the more you risk being confronted with the limits of what is possible. Those limits are not very forgiving.

Still, for me, the effort is worth the risk for the imagery that can only be acquired aloft. It’s an inspiring and addictive vocation. Fly safely.

For more, see Randy’s Landscape Instagram page: @landscapes.randywells

THE MULE IN PANO!

The Porsche 916 is a rare beast. Only a dozen were built in the early ’70s. Based on a 914-6, a test mule for the 916 (pictured above) was recently featured in PCA’s Panorama Magazine using Peter Linsky’s article and my photos made in Florida earlier this year. Here’s a part of my sidebar that explains this car and the 916: Continue reading “”

BACK FROM DENVER

I’m fortunate to have been assigned to photograph three well-known Porsches for three different clients in Denver, Colorado last week.

A 911, a 356 and a 550 Spyder were my subjects. I was even able to film the 911 in a new and exciting way. Should make for a cool short video on Bring a Trailer.

THIS IS WHAT THE WORLD FEELS LIKE SOMETIMES

I made this photograph of endless waves in stormy weather in the late ’90s at Newport Beach, Rhode Island. It’s always struck a nerve with me.

(Converted to black and white from a Fujichrome slide, but not manipulated except for contrast)

BACK FROM PORSCHE PARADE

It’s good to be back home after a busy week in French Lick, Indiana. Lots of early mornings photographing cars, concours and autocross for the Porsche Club of America Panorama Magazine. Look for full coverage when my words and pictures appear in the October issue!

FTOTD captured.

Panorama Magazine

FPT “KILLER SALMON” BOAT TEASER

Yes, I launched my DJI Phantom 4 V.2 drone from a moving camera boat and landed it on the same boat at a different location. Six times.

“Let’s get real. Serious fishermen like Tom Aliotti, owner of Aliotti Enterprises, know it’s not just about catching fish.

It’s about killer power and performance combining for that epic showdown on the water.

So get ready, because Tom’s ‘Killer’ salmon slayer powered by MSHS and FPT Industrial is coming to Bristol Bay, Alaska!”

-Justin Roeser of Roeser Engineering and Motor Services Hugo Stamp

Continue reading “”

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY GONE ROGUE

After visiting Death Valley National Park a couple of years ago for the first time in decades, I found my familiar space of solitude shattered forever.

At one time, it was an environment where I could reliably go and find solace. Maybe a couple of photographers would climb the sand dunes at dawn to be alone in nature, listening to the wind as the sun rose.

There were no parking lots next to the sand dunes back then. Now there’s a big one full of SUVs and Sprinter vans before the sun rises. Continue reading “”

HAPPIER TIMES

That’s how the front line describes the current Covid situation here in Washington state, where many still wear masks indoors for safety.

That’s good news considering how the USA was impacted by this horrible virus. Still, after traveling to Florida, where masks are rarely worn, I’m glad to be back home, although I really wish I were in Cabo on the beach.

AMELIA ISLAND CONCOURS AND PCA WERKS REUNION

Today, I’m on assignment in the hottest spot to be in the classic car world. Amelia Island, Florida.

Thanks to the Porsche Club of America for sending me here to cover the event and complete some stories with words and pictures for Panorama Magazine.

Updates to follow! Continue reading “”