IT’S WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY WEEK
Make a photograph that’s surprising. One you haven’t seen before. That’s the challenge to give yourself every day. Just don’t be this guy.
Next week, a look at today’s “photography”.
Author: Randy Wells
DEEDS, NOT WORDS
I’m a pragmatist at heart with a penchant for aphorisms, but even I know that a worthy man dedicates himself to service to remind himself that there are other things more important than his own selfishness. Forget the farcical hypocrisy you see on TV. It’s my belief that good deeds are best done the first time you think of them.
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY MOM!
Congrats to my mother for her remarkable achievement after a life of challenges, including the death of her mother in Estonia when she was very young, losing her father to the Russians at the beginning of WWII, being bombed while a prisoner of war working at a German hospital, learning English and adapting to a small fishing village in Alaska, working in a cannery, raising us kids, and a life that revolved around my dad, a commercial fisherman from Colorado who was often absent. You made it!
(Photo:Andrea Wells)
R.I.P JOHN PREGNALL
An old friend of mine and my high school friends passed away today. My condolences to all.
I hope this tune by George Harrison from 1970 (around the time John and I became good friends) is appropriate.
THANK YOU PORSCHE 356 REGISTRY FOR THE COVER!
It feels very rewarding to have another cover this summer.
Thanks, Kim, Rachel and Peter!
BACK FROM PARADE – TIME TO REST AND EDIT
With some soul soothing music from James Taylor. Best on original U.S. vinyl.
1970
CHECK EACH BOX TWICE
That’s what I do for everything. “Never assume anything” is my motto. The reasons for doing that could fill a book, but it would be a depressing read. So, I’ll just add, “Don’t fall down.” That’s probably easier to relate to.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
The Massachusetts colonists, or “patriots”, won the first major military campaign of the American Revolutionary War in Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, 250 years ago. Today is also the 250th time the signing of the Declearation of Independence will be celebrated (the official anniversary is next year). Here’s some reading material:
EVERYBODY’S TALKIN’
This song was played at Chuck Miller’s celebration of life that I attended near Malibu last week. I’ve kept hearing it ever since.
LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
Words on a piece of paper. A document that used to have the same meaning for everyone. I remember a time in the USA when those words spoke of a dream that was attainable for all.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness seemed possible for those who worked hard and followed their passion. An achievement that was not just measured in monetary terms, but also in how WE THE PEOPLE felt about our nation. Continue reading “”
R.I.P BRIAN WILSON
The passing of the Beach Boy’s spiritual and musical leader Brian Wilson is the latest of society’s losses.
Sometimes, simpler is better, especially when it comes to day to day mental health. The songs he wrote reflected that.
No one is in a position to plan for what’s next in today’s world. Why not make your life simpler with a simple mantra? It is written.
Listening to Surf’s Up and Pet Sounds now
REMEMBERING OHIO
Injustice demonstration regression déjà vu. From Kent State 1970 to L.A. 2025: “I’m not a crook” to “I’m a crook, so what”.
Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters
VISIT IRELAND – VAN’S HOMAGE TO INNOCENT DUBLIN
If I could choose one country to visit in June it would be Ireland. I’d listen to Van Morrison on the plane and look forward in eager anticipation to the photographs I could make in his hometown. If I could choose one state to visit in August it would be Alaska. I’d spend two weeks filming my home town of Cordova with the hopes of creating something as good as this video (song from his new album to be released soon).
TIME TO FLY A DRONE
As the weather in the Pacific Northwest continues to warm up and greenery is at their greenest, it’s time to capture some aerial images. The Palouse of eastern Washington is a great place to fly, as long as there are no crop dusters around.
(Photo of Randy and drone by Andrea Wells)
EXPERIENCING LOSS IS A PERSONAL JOURNEY
This is me on my way through.
AVOIDING THE CROWDS THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
The best way to do this is to avoid traveling during memorial day weekend altogether. I would say the same for most of the summer. However, we don’t all have that much flexibility in when we can get away.
There are a couple of spots I’ve found recently that are relatively free of tourists. That excludes all the National Parks BTW. That time in space is long gone. Yet, if you get up super early and get off the beaten trail (code for off-road), there are locations with incredible photography with no one around. Here’s one: Alabama Hills, CA.