Category: Photography Blog

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EXCELLENCE RSR

The May 2011 issue of Excellence: The Magazine About Porsche is hitting the newsstands now. It features an article of mine titled “The Forgotten One,” which covers a 911 tribute car built by Sam Gassel.

Congratulations to Sam on his amazing recreation of the #6 Penske Sunoco Porsche Carrera RSR. He is one of those guys who makes my job a dream, and he’s deserving of every accolade for a job well done. I wish everyone could see this car in the flesh. It is mind-boggling good. Thanks also to Excellence for continuing to publish my photos and writings on these homages to historic 911s. Continue reading “”

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PORSCHE RENNSPORT REUNION IV

Just back from two weeks on the road – photographing, writing, and playing with cars in LA. Thanks to my good friend Curtis Autenrieth for his generous hospitality and camaraderie. It was great to see all my other Porsche buddies as well.

There is an event coming up that any Porsche enthusiast will not want to miss. Continue reading “”

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DEATH VALLEY

OK, let’s say you are one of those nature lovers who’s looking to escape the cold. With 49 of 50 states experiencing snow this winter, you’re probably not alone. Even in Los Angeles it’s in the upper 50’s F for high temps right now. One place I can recommend that’s warmer is a magical spot on the border of California and Nevada – Death Valley. This is the hottest, driest, and lowest National Park in the US. And at this time of year, it is virtually vacant. Continue reading “”

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CANON’S MASS APPEAL

When Canon abandoned its fifteen year old “breech-lock” FD line of lenses in 1987 to make room for a totally different EF electronic mount, loyal pro photographers like myself were left wondering. Why would Canon, unlike Nikon, eliminate reverse compatability of their 35mm lenses? I soon switched over to the German Leicaflex SL2 cameras that were built like tanks and had even better glass. When Leica decided not to adopt the autofocus capabilities introduced by the Japanese manufacturers, I moved back to Canon whose zoom optics had improved enough for me to use professionally. Continue reading “”

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GET AWAY

With snow blanketing much of the eastern US and midwest, and rain pummeling the west, Americans are thinking about escaping to a warmer climate. Out of all my favorite tropical destinations: Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, the South Pacific and Australia, none could be dearer to my heart than Oz (well, maybe Tahiti and New Zealand are closer in certain ways).

Yeah, mate, that continent down under offers more culture, activities and sightseeing opportunities than any other. It also has some of the prettiest cities in the world and miles of isolated beaches. Not to mention fantastic seafood. Our winter is their summer too, so you are guaranteed good weather. Despite current flooding conditions in parts of central Queensland, most major roads and tourism destinations are accessible and open to visitors along the coast. Continue reading “”

CUSTOM DIGITAL

I’ve wanted to give a shout out to my photographic printer for a long time. This holiday season seems to be the perfect time to do it.

Tyler Boley of Custom Digital in Seattle has earned a reputation as one of the best printers of photographic fine art in the Pacific Northwest. Tyler provides the highest quality drum scanning, ultrachrome, color and black & white ink carbon pigment digital printing. He uses the latest printers with an advanced RIP giving extremely precise control over how the inks go to paper. His prints have an “aliveness” that is truly amazing. Continue reading “”

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CABO

Just returned from a photo shoot/vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with my wife and a Leica rangefinder. What a great place to relax and escape the cold of winter. Situated on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, it’s within easy reach of the Western US and accessible via most major airlines. Sandy beaches, low humidity and sunny skies virtually all year round means this is a dependable Mexican destination. If you are into sport fishing, golf or scuba diving – it’s a best bet tropical location. Continue reading “”

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WERK
CREW

Recently I was asked to contribute a chapter to a limited edition “art-house” book celebrating early Porsche air-cooled culture. It will be independently published without compromises and is to be titled WERK CREW : DEPARTURE.

The author/editor/designer/publisher is one Bob Tilton, a very gifted artist who has spent the last year preparing materials from a bevy of talented writers, photographers, and craftsmen. Bob notes, “They share one thing in common: they are all early Porsche owners and true enthusiasts.” As Thanksgiving approaches, I extend my profound thanks to Bob for devoting so much time and thought to this very personal project. It’s going to be a killer book, and his blog site reflects the care Bob brings to everything he does: Continue reading “”

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THE POETIC ELEMENT IN PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography is much more than aiming a camera and pushing a button. It’s more than thoughtful composition or lighting a subject. Truly being in the moment of any artistic endeavor requires a commitment to yourself and your vision – not simply focusing on some wishfull payoff down the line.

Here are just a few ways to nurture the poetic element in your photography. The first thing I’ve found useful is to slow down and play in the moment. This means loving what you do. If waking up early to get the right light or having to stay up late editing your work becomes a job rather than a passion, then it will be hard to be effective in practicing your craft. You must feel driven to do it, because if you shoot or edit without enthusiasm it will show. The key here is to continue to do what you want, and be open to change. Continue reading “”

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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 “”

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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 “”

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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 “”