Randy Wells – Page 75 – 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

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 “”

ELVIS

55 years ago on this day, Elvis Presley attended the fourth Country Music Disc Jockey Convention in Nashville, Tennessee where he was voted the year’s most promising male artist. Back at his hotel, Mae Boren Axton played him a demo of a new song she had written with Tommy Durden called “Heartbreak Hotel.” Two months later, Presley made his first recordings for RCA choosing this moody song. It was quickly released as a single, bringing Elvis national recognition, his first Billboard #1 hit, and his first gold record. 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 “”

THE MAKING OF A PORSCHE COMMERCIAL

This commercial TV spot directed by Jeff Zwart is fascinating and inspiring to me. There are some very ingenious techniques used, including post-production where all the concrete was turned to sand with dust blowing off the backs and sides of the cars. Here’s the final result:

Continue reading “”

JOHN COLTRANE : MY FAVORITE THINGS

Today is the 50th anniversary of the recording of John Coltrane’s famous jazz rendition of “My Favorite Things” on the album of the same name. It Coltrane’s first session on Atlantic Records. This album clearly marks the epic saxophone player’s change from bebop to modal jazz (with hints of free jazz to come), following his contribution to Miles Davis’ landmark album Kind of Blue. Continue reading “”

EXCELLENCE MAGAZINE

The November 2010 issue of Excellence is hitting the newsstands and features a fascinating test drive with Porsche factory driver Patrick Long, Jeff Zwart’s stunning win at Pikes Peak (see my July 26th blog entry), and three articles of my photography, two with my text: Mike Gagen’s ’74 look Porsche RSR (above), Tony Samojen’s first production 914-6, and the Targa California. Congratulations to all for a fantastic issue of one of the best newstand sports car magazine’s around. 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 “”

NEIL YOUNG : LE NOISE

Every once in a while Neil Young hits on the notes and words that resonate deep within the subconscious in a fresh and organic way. Think of his latest album Le Noise as music for your soul – homegrown and emotionally satisfying. From the opening distortion laden riffs of “Walk With Me” enveloped in Daniel Lanois’ atmospheric production, you know you’re onto something good. All tracks were recorded without overdubs in fellow Canadian Lanois’ unique home studio with reverberating chambers. Most of the songs are newly written, reflecting where Neil’s at right now. The autobiographical “Hitchhiker” is one exception and is most welcome in its new sonic guise. 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 “”

AUCTION OF AUTOMOTIVE PHOTO SHOOT ON-LINE

To help raise money for Roger Grago (see my previous blog entry), I have donated an automotive photo shoot to the winner of an auction being held on the Early 911S Registry website.

To bid, simply register at early911sregistry.org and post your name and amount. This auction will end at 9:00am Pacific Time on Tuesday, September 21st. Thanks to all for your support of Roger. Continue reading “”

ROGER GRAGO

A very popular Porsche/VW enthusiast and dear friend of mine is sick. After complaining of headaches, they found a mass behind his ear. Brain surgery was performed to remove it, and Roger will be released today. Continue reading “”

FLEETWOOD MAC

There have been at least three different versions of the band Fleetwood Mac over the years.

This rare video captures the short lived ’71-72 line up with rhythm guitarist Bob Welch on lead vocal, lead guitarist Danny Kirwin and keyboardist Christine McVie on back up vocals, and the band’s founders, Mick Fleetwood on drums and John McVie on bass. Here they are playing a live “Moses (Lay It All Down)” from the 1971 album Future Games – one of my faves. You will want an original UK LP with yellow cover for best sound. 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 “”

MORE IN THE NEWS

OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHER MAGAZINE ARTICLE : 50 YEARS AFTER “TRAVELS WITH CHARLEY”

The current September 2010 issue of Outdoor Photographer magazine contains a five page article of my photographs covering my twelve year, 150,000 mile journey following John Steinbeckâ€™s 1960 route from his travelogue Travels with Charley in Search of America. Read the whole story here!

outdoorphotographer.com: travels-with-charley

Continue reading “”

IN THE MAIL AND ON THE NEWS STAND:

EXCELLENCE MAGAZINE FEATURES :
RICH LAMBERT AND RAY MCEVOY

The October 2010 issue of Excellence magazine features my text and photos on two early 911s: Rich Lambert’s white ’66 (above) and Ray McEvoy’s red real ’73 RS. These are both stunning machines. If you are a hot rod or Porsche fan, you can check them out here: Continue reading “”

PORSCHE 918 PROJECT

Asserting that super cars will still be around in the future despite rampant restrictions, Porsche developed a cost no-object hybrid concept car. It was unveiled in Monterey last week. Here’s one example of meeting automotive regulation and still succeeding in creating a high performance vehicle (even if it’s only a V-8). Kudos to Porsche for not going quietly. Think Steve McQueen in the 21st century. Continue reading “”