From Vineyards to Visuals: How Randy Caparoso Elevates Wine Storytelling With BeFunky
Randy Caparoso has spent more than three decades telling the stories of wine. His journalism has appeared in The SOMM Journal, with the Lodi Winegrape Commission, and more. Most recently, he launched the Randy Caparoso Photography Storefront, where patrons can purchase his vineyard and fine art photography. Along the way, BeFunky has become an essential part of his storytelling process.
From increasing clarity to adjusting skies and removing distractions, BeFunky's all-in-one solution allows Caparoso to produce professional-quality photos that meet the demands of both print publications and fine art sales.
The steady improvement and diversification of BeFunky has allowed me to stick to that site for over 90% of my photo needs.
From Words to Images: A New Lens
Like many modern journalists, Caparoso’s career evolved as publications increasingly asked for both copy and photographs. Over the past 15 years, this shift has turned him into a professional photographer as well as a writer. Today, his photos not only accompany stories but also stand on their own – capturing the beauty of vineyards, winemakers, and the landscapes that define wine culture.
This dual role has strengthened his standing in the wine world. In addition to authoring Lodi! The Definitive Guide and History of America’s Largest Winegrowing Region (2022), he was named an Old Vine Hero for Communications by the UK-based Old Vine Conference and recognized as a WineBusiness Monthly Industry Leader in 2024. His work has earned high praise from industry voices such as Alder Yarrow, founder of Vinography: A Wine Blog: "There is no region in California more in need of a deeply researched book than Lodi, and no better person to produce such a work than Randy Caparoso. It’s a history lesson, love letter, encyclopedia, and guidebook all rolled into one beautifully composed package."
He is also a member of the Circle of Wine Writers, an international organization of wine authors and journalists. These accolades underscore his authority in both wine and visual storytelling – making his reliance on high-quality imagery all the more significant.
How BeFunky Supports Visual Storytelling
Caparoso’s priority in every project is to retain a natural, genuine look. “Because I write for wine magazines, both print and online, it is important to retain a look that is more real, or genuine. It doesn’t help readers to view fictional vineyards,” he explains. With that philosophy guiding his work, targeted photo edits allow him to elevate atmosphere without disturbing the integrity of the original scene.
To produce print quality photos utilized for online sites as well as print magazines, these tools have become a 'must.'
He relies on features like the Clarity tool to bring out the fine details that make his vineyard and portrait shots print-ready, while the Object Eraser quickly removes distractions to keep the subject in focus. And for outdoor photography, the Sky Replacer helps set the mood while preserving authenticity. As Caparoso explains, “BeFunky’s Sky Replacer tool allows me to enhance a backdrop while retaining that realism, without ‘disturbing’ the original features in the foreground.”
Carrying the Culture of Wine Forward
While Caparoso balances journalism, publishing, and fine art photography, BeFunky remains a trusted partner in his workflow. From magazine features to book projects to fine art sales, it gives him the tools to refine and elevate any image – ensuring his work resonates as powerfully in images as it does in words.
Just as BeFunky helps Randy share the beauty of vineyards and wine culture, it can also help bring your own vision to life. Explore the full creative suite today!
