PHOTOGRAPHING SCALE MODEL CARS
Since we are spending another month (or more) at home because of the global health pandemic, now is the perfect time to photograph some scale model cars. Continue reading “”
FAST CAR
Tracy Chapman broke the airwaves in April 1988 with this song and others on her self-titled album. Singles from the record, like “Fast Car” and “Baby Can I Hold You” are still relevant today. The CD, or better yet, the record or the elusive 12″ single discs, are audiophile grade music. Check it out. Continue reading “”
STAY CREATIVE, AND FIND JOY WHERE YOU CAN
While in quarantine during the plague that was raging in London, Shakespeare wrote King Lear. Even with social isolation, it’s possible to be creative and stay joyful. If you like to write or photograph, now is the perfect time to start those projects you never had time for. Continue reading “”
BORED? BUILD A 1:3 SCALE PORSCHE 4-CAM MOTOR!
The 4-cam Carrera engine is a technical masterpiece. It propelled Porsche to several race wins in the ’50s and 60s with cars like the 550 Spyder and the 356 Carrera 2. I’ve driven both, and let me tell you these multi-million dollar icons are the real deal. Continue reading “”
CAR PHOTOGRAPHY & WRITING IN THE AGE OF COVID
First of all, my heart goes out to all of those who have been impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.
Fortunately, working from home, my writing routine has changed very little. For my photos, I’m working on projects that have been idle for awhile.
Once the “stay at home” order is lifted, I can resume my car photography. All I need is one person to drive the assigned car into position in front of an appropriate background. I can shoot the whole take with a normal and telephoto lens, keeping ten feet from the car and driver at all times. Of course, that doesn’t help the millions of people who are not so fortunate. Continue reading “”
TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER
Jackson Browne sang it best on “The Only Child”, but “Living in Another World”, a song by the British band Talk Talk, is just as good. It was recorded for their sophomore album The Colour of Spring in March of 1986.
I think it’s one of the more appropriate tunes for these uncertain times. I’m losing feathers too. “Life is what you make it” ain’t bad either. Continue reading “”
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Long-time travelers will recognize this photo as a late ’80s Alaska Airlines commercial coach seat.
During all my miles as a travel photographer, I only saw this view once. Red sunset and red hair.
The last thing I ever wanted to see is what we are all going through now. Continue reading “”
THE CONVENIENCE OF TRUTH
A good friend of mine, whom I admire greatly, reminded me of the convenience of truth. It’s a lot easier than embellishing or outright lying. You will never have to remember what you said, because the story you told never has to be changed or corrected. Continue reading “”
FOR YOUR IRISH EYES
Classic relief. A 1960s Irish Green Porsche 356 Carrera 2 Cabriolet ready for St. Patrick’s Day! Continue reading “”
QUEEN OF THE SLIPSTREAM
OK, I’m on a Van binge. Here is one of my favorite tunes he wrote about a long distance relationship.
Now we call it social distancing.
HYMNS TO THE SILENCE
Recorded 20 years ago, this Van Morrison release is my go to album when I’m feeling the strains of being a freelance photographer, writer, and filmmaker. Continue reading “”
MPG FINALIST FOR BEST AUTOMOTIVE PHOTO IN 2019
Thanks to the Motor Press Guild for selecting my image as a finalist in the annual Bob D’Olivo Award for “Best Photography”. Continue reading “”
SELFIES
The subject was sure to come up sooner or later.
I avoid well-known scenic overlooks, unless I need to photograph them on assignment. Fortunately, I spent my early travel photography career hanging out at the best spots before they became widely discovered. Continue reading “”
NIKON F APOLLO
Here’s a sweetheart from the past. It’s the last version of the classic Nikon F film camera, commonly known as an “Apollo” type, a 35mm SLR produced from 1971 to 1973. This one’s from my collection shown with the ultra-fast 55mm F/1.2 Nikkor lens. Continue reading “”
WAX
Folks who follow my blog know I am into vinyl… I’ve been collecting 12″ LPs since The Beatles first performed in the USA. Today’s anniversary seems like a long time ago.
Sadly, a Banning, CA facility housing Apollo/Transco Lacquer Manufacturing burned down last week and is apparently a total loss. Fortunately, nobody was injured. However, this facility’s production of vinyl pellets is critical to record plants in the USA, and it’s sudden disappearance will greatly impact LP production in the future unless another source is found. Continue reading “”
THANKS FORZA!
Forza Magazine, the premiere Ferrari periodical, chose my assigned photograph of a Silver 1970 Dino GT for the cover of their February issue. Thanks to writer Jay Gilotti, car owner Brian Pollack, and everyone at Forza for making it happen. Read the whole story featuring 50 years of the Dino 246 today: Continue reading “”