Author: Randy Wells

CROSSROADS

John Van Dyke is a successful designer in Seattle who worked with my photos on occasion in the 90’s. He’s also an architect and brand creator. Now he travels across the country, filming and recording conversations. I think he is on to something.

“Crossroads – We are all on a journey, sometimes we cross the road.” – Words and Illustration courtesy of John Van Dyke

Here are his thoughts on selfies, avatars, emojis, memes, and memories:

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ROAD TRIP STORY

Look for my road trip story about riding in a Magenta 911 from LA to Monterey for the recent Rennsport Reunion. It will be in the Novemeber issue of PCA’s Panorama, along with more photos of mine on all the popular colors at the event.

11-2-23

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD

My father would be 98 today, but he passed away about 20 years ago from Parkinson’s. We still have my mom.

P.S. To good friends lost in the last month:
11-9-23 God Bless Fayne
11-12-23 R.I.P. Mark
11-30-23 R.I.P. Nick

Never a Beatles fan, my dad Chuck probably would have liked the new Stones album better…

Image of the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, America Southeast by Randy Wells

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT STOCK PHOTOS WERE DEAD

A long-time client of mine is National Geographic Books. That relationship is based on all the travel and nature photography I did in the ’80s and ’90s. Recently they asked for a photo of mine to be published in their most recent release “Atlas of Wild America”. They were kind enough to include a copy that I received yesterday. It is a great gift for all those who want to venture outside the national parks into the less traveled areas.

What an honor it is to be included with so many great photographers who I know from the past!

FRIENDS

Meeting old friends at Rennsport Reunion 7 was the best part for me. Thorsten is a big part of what you see when looking inside a new Porsche. Godspeed to everyone I said hi to at the track and host hotel.

10-10-23

LEGACY BRANDING AND PERCEPTION

Is America a brand? Sure, but what is that brand today in the eyes of the world? Are their common goals in the USA that provide a unique perspective as a nation?

Maybe America is not a good example. Let’s try automotive brands. My favorite is Porsche. This marque has achieved amazing results in legacy branding over the last few years. While offering increasingly more models, it has maintained a very high level of unified perception about what the brand’s core values are. Sure, to some the image may have been compromised a bit with revived monikers like GTS, R and ST, but enough reality remains to make it all that and more. It’s a lesson many influencers could learn.

RENNSPORT REUNION 7

What a trip this one was. A completely overwhelming Porsche experience that the factory obviously got fully behind. “Something for everyone” is how I can best describe it. The cars and colors on display were over the top, and the Monterey, CA Laguna Seca Raceway was sold out on Saturday and Sunday – a first. Look for my coverage in a future issue of PCA Panorama.

9-19-23

BACK FROM GOODWOOD REVIVAL, HEADING TO RENNSPORT REUNION

This year has been all about car meets and motorsports for me. Checking off bucket list items has been a pleasure, and I feel grateful to have been able to do it on assignment. Along the way I’ve also been able to do some studio work and on location storytelling. I’ll need some time this winter just to catch up on all the jobs I’ve taken on!

EUGENE RICHARDS – PHOTOGRAPHER OF TRUTH AND REALITY VS. LIES AND APPEARANCES

“As for the evolution of (my) photography, I’m probably wrong in saying that this evolution is a reflection of our times. Where the truth of things is less valuable than the appearance of things. Where wealth is aspirational, and people without wealth less and less important.”

“I’d like to think that the quality of work is paramount. But it has become clear, that as in contemporary politics, being seen is perhaps more important than what you’re saying. I still like to believe though that it’s the work that counts.”

-Eugene Richards

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9-1-23

R.I.P. JIMMY BUFFETT

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Jimmy Buffett.

I’m not sure where to begin, except to say his music is what saw me through much of the ’80s.

I was traveling around the world with my camera, a bunch of film, and a walkman. I ended up shooting stock in tropical locations nine months of the year because I was good at it and it paid really well. I became a “citizen of the world”, and his music was my soundtrack. Continue reading “”

Image of a 1955 jade Metallic Green Pre A Porsche 356 tan interior at sunset, Santa Barbara, California, America west coast by Randy Wells

CAR INTERIORS ON LOCATION ARE MY FORTE

It’s something I love to do well. The time and experience required is more than most realize. You have to recognize the best location intuitively, anticipate the light organically, and understand the quality of the car that needs to be accentuated realistically. When it all comes together in a still image, it is truly magical.