Category Archives: Art and Inspiration

Thoughts on life as an artist meant to offer insight and inspiration.

Finding Inspiration in Art – Rylander Law

For the past year, I’ve been working on one of the most challenging assignments of my career. A composite photo illustration of a courtroom battle. Partially inspired by Italian Renaissance artist Raphael’s famous fresco The School of Athens. Working hand-in-hand with an amazing team of creatives at Elliott Design, we challenged ourselves to the limits…

View full post »

Don ElliottApril 16, 2012 - 11:49 am

This project was really fun, painful, and rewarding. I can’t wait to read more!

Mat HaywardApril 17, 2012 - 8:05 pm

Randy Kepple! You sir, are a phenom! This image is so great! What a story it tells in itself, I can’t wait for future blog posts. You are one of the most talented, creative photographers I know!

RandyApril 17, 2012 - 9:03 pm

Grrr… Where is the like button? Thank you both for the support and encouragement! It was a very challenging project. Can’t wait to share with you and bring you along on the adventure!

Steve MorrisApril 18, 2012 - 2:53 pm

Hey Randy! Good to see you back writing on the blog. Has it really been a year already since we prowled the London streets with our cameras blazing? It feels like yesterday but you´re right in that a lot has happened since.

It´s interesting to hear your take on the business side of photography. I really need to improve that aspect of my game. I know that I´m inefficient (read: unorganized) right now which is really hurting my production and bottom line. I´m also kind of coming the opposite direction as you in that I´ve been focusing all my energy in stock photography for the past few years but now I´m thinking of expanding into other areas of commercial photography while continuing to do stock. Anyways, look forward to reading more. Keep it coming!

Steve MorrisApril 18, 2012 - 2:59 pm

My last comment was for you previous post but I also love your photo composite work! This courtroom piece is excellent. I´ve done a fair amount of composites so I know the work that goes into it.

RandyApril 23, 2012 - 4:24 pm

Steve! My brother from another mother! :) Yes. It’s been almost one full year now. Really hard to fathom, huh? You’re more than welcome to write me anytime. I am happy to share any advice and help. Your new site is very nice too!

Work:Life – Randy Kepple featured on Faded and Blurred

Faded and Blurred is a fantastic online magazine devoted to photography. Editor Jeffery Saddoris recently interviewed me for an ongoing series called Work:Life. The series focuses on creative professionals trying to balance creative, personal and business lives while pursuing their passion. As fate would have it, Jeffery and I have a mutual friend in common….

View full post »

Gary CanazziDecember 13, 2011 - 10:36 am

Congrats Randy – An excellent article! It’s nice to fill in some of the blanks about your journey.

I must say that this is one of the best and most concise articles I have read about being a seasoned photographer in today’s world. I could not agree with you more on so many points you shared here.

There certainly is no substitute for practice and perseverance, and that surely shows in the depth of your work. Every aspiring photographer (artist) needs to read this.

RandyDecember 13, 2011 - 11:21 am

Thanks Gary! I always appreciate your candor and point of view. And your continued support. It’s a lot to read through, I know, but thank you for taking the time. Jeffery Saddoris really pushed me to do this and I’m glad he did. It was good to mentally sort through this in my head and push it out into the world.

Micah CarrollDecember 20, 2011 - 12:14 pm

Hey there,

I just found you on the DWF so I thought I’d swing by and take a look at your work. I really enjoyed your photos and I love your editing style and feel. I’m a wedding photographer as well (My company is called Mykkah Photography around Washington D.C. / central Virginia) and I can totally appreciate the efforts behind the photos… Keep up the great work!

Best regards,

-Micah

Harry WhoFebruary 8, 2012 - 11:01 am

Congratulations on getting published and thank you for sharing the great marketing tips.

RandyFebruary 29, 2012 - 3:16 pm

Thanks Micah! I appreciate you taking the time to visit my site. Your photos are beautiful. I checked it out!

Harry… always nice to see you around. Thanks for your support. I’m glad you enjoyed the article.

London iStockalypse – The End of the Beginning

“This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” — Winston Churchill In every man’s life, there are moments that live forever. Although much time has passed since my journey to London, it feels like it was yesterday. London became a…

View full post »

Bryn ForbesSeptember 16, 2011 - 2:26 am

Gorgeous photos Randy. Really great stuff. Posted any to istock yet?

Joel YanaOctober 14, 2011 - 9:24 am

Great images Randy. I’m continually inspired by your persistence and commitment to the craft!

RandyFebruary 29, 2012 - 3:11 pm

Thanks Bryn and Joel! I hope to get back into the habit of posting more often. I have a ton of ideas written down on paper. And yes Bryn, I have started uploading to iStockphoto. I’m hoping to get the pipeline in full swing by the end of the upcoming month. From there, who knows!

London Day 10 – London Loves, It’s Time to Say Goodbye

A man who is bored of London is a man who is bored of life. For sure, in London you are either in or you’re out. There is no way to engage halfway. I could spend the rest of my life here and not see it all. Such an incredible city and the end of…

View full post »

Fred Von DuringMay 7, 2011 - 12:07 am

Damn! Randy I really wanted to follow every day and make a comment, but have failed. I have continuing problems and also momentary although long hours of forgetfulness a product of 3 strokes. I am just now getting back and your hopefully home safe and sound! I am going to look at all of your stuff again and I have to say “your the man” and Kim did you good. Your pictures tell all and your wonderful after hours work of describing events your language and communication abilities have made the trip for this old man! It’s just as if I went for the ride! Take care my friend and excuse me if I repeated myself anywhere as I have been known to do that! Please feel free to FB or e-me anytime, e-address should be somewhere or FB a msg and I can msg you back with the e-address! My regards to your family and the great show you have provided!!

Willie B. ThomasMay 7, 2011 - 7:42 am

Nice to meet you, and if you come to Berlin stop in!

Bob HacklerMay 9, 2011 - 6:31 am

Great job of joining us all together on your adventure. I’ve really enjoyed each of the posts and look forward to hearing how the adventure continues for you.

Terry J AlcornMay 12, 2011 - 4:06 am

Randy…what a pleasure to meet you and drive you crazy. You are a true talent and iStock is most fortunate to have you as a contributor. Look forward to seeing you again as well as your work. A true inspiration and a tremendous talent!!! You rock!!!

Christopher CampbellMay 29, 2011 - 10:27 pm

Randy,
Your photos of our wedding on the beach are the finest wedding shots I have ever seen. They are proudly displayed in our home and receive numerous compliments by all our guests. The shots you took are precious memories that will last a lifetime. Thanks.

Good luck in your new endeavors. If your iStockphoto photos are as good as your wedding photos you will do great and they will be lucky to have you.

Best regards,
Christopher

RandyMay 30, 2011 - 12:38 pm

Chris… I am so happy to hear from you! And thank you for the wonderful compliments.The fact that you guys are enjoying your images and they are a touchstone of memory is exactly what I strive to provide. Your words are music to my ears! I hope my venture in stock photography is profitable, challenging and rewarding. I am so thankful for the support of friends and clients like you. :)

MatJune 15, 2011 - 2:29 am

OK, I’m officially intrigued. I just tuned in and will read to find out more.

I do seem to recall a conversation or two about micro-stock and it’s potential with you :) I’m curious about the appeal to I-Stock for you. I’ll give you my .02 on them in private some day if you are interested.

Safe Travels my friend!

RandyJune 15, 2011 - 8:30 am

Mat! How nice to hear from you! It’s been a long time my friend. You and I should definitely connect and talk about all things stock. A friend of mine sent me a very interesting infographic about stock photography. Check it out: http://www.piclet.com/

Always interested in talking with you Mat. Call me any time!

London Day 9 – Hurry Up and Wait

If you’ve worked around the movie industry, then you’re familiar with the phrase “hurry up and wait”. Today’s trip to the seaside resort town of Brighton, England was exactly that… hurry up and wait. Rushing around and working very hard in high pressure bursts and then standing around waiting for long periods of time. Not…

View full post »

Owen PriceMay 5, 2011 - 7:03 pm

Randy,

Thanks for doing this blog. I was fortunate enough to do the Tokyo Lypse as a contributor and have helped out a bit on the London Lypse. I have previously experienced the the “istock love” that you have so clearly expressed here. I just wish the world could cooperate in a similar way.

It is always good to meet an American with a big brain and good heart.

Owen

RodMay 6, 2011 - 12:42 am

Fish and Chips! – Finally you have discovered real food!

Serge GreeJuly 22, 2011 - 8:24 pm

Great set of images! Family portrait is my favorite.