Seattle – Photogeek Blog

Memorial Day Weekend; Warren G. Magnuson Park

While our original plans to ferry to one of the many Washington state islands in search of oysters was sabotaged by the threat of two and half hour traffic and the long lines that usually manifests in the search of good food. We altered our plans in order to add a chilled out vibe to our holiday. So, after a home made breakfast and a stop at Third Place Books, we headed to Warren G. Magnuson Park to get some sun and warm beach vibes. Despite the holiday, the park wasn’t overpopulated. Which made for a relaxing day that featured the smell of nearby cookouts and the sound of children enjoying their time together on the beach. Aside from taking a few images, I read a few chapters from the Johnny Cash autobiography I picked up. As I get older, I find myself adjusting to a more laid back, relaxed lifestyle. While I’d say it hasn’t been easy. I like where it’s taking me.

Memorial Day Weekend; (Searching for Luna)

Downtown, Exploring, Finding your Zen, Pacific Northwest, Seattle

Earlier this Monday, we embarked on a trip to find Seattle’s Luna Park. While the park is noted as a great spot to catch the sunrise. I know better than to expect my wife to get out of bed early enough on the weekends, or any designated holiday, to accompany me to a spot that doesn’t provide coffee and a hearty breakfast. Knowing that our usual way to the area was constricted by long over due repairs and construction, we took the long, local route. Talk about a headache. The alternate route took us three times longer than usual. While allowing us to pick up a couple of bagels and coffee. I was promised that there would be no more trips to the area until the bridge was reopened. All things said, we both really enjoyed the beautiful weather and breath taking view of the city we’ve called home since June, 2017.

Seattle Night Photography

Canon lenses and equipment, Commentary, Downtown, Long Exposures, Manual Mode, Pacific Northwest, Seattle, Street Photography

From afar Seattle is a beautiful city with a skyline to match. When we come upon the south or north side of the city, there’s always that feeling that we’ll be home soon. No matter the direction we’re coming from, there’s always the urge to take a detour, stop, and take a few pictures of the sunset or the onset of dusk. I’ve often found myself testing my wife’s patience with my child like excitement. I took these one night on our way home from Tacoma. Thanks to my wife for not leaving me on the side of the road.

We All Fall Down II

Pacific Northwest, Sculpture, Seattle, Street Photography

Below are two of my favorite images taken while I was out at the Seattle Center. The one on the left is of the space needle. Having already taken countless pictures of the monument, I wanted to use a more unique approach. Though the trees branches might seem like an obstacle to most. I saw it as a way to make the image stand out. The one on the right is the monorail set against the MPOP museums twisted architectural facade. Despite falling down and thoroughly embarrassing myself. I had a great time.

All Things Considered.

Commentary, Finding Solutions, Narrative, Seattle

With the pandemic still raging and a lack of traveling options available. There really haven’t been a lot of opportunities to get out in the wild and take photos to share and talk about with the small community created here.That’s not to say that there isn’t a whole lot of things happening here in photo geek territory.

About a week back, a woman who used to model for me asked that, due to an upcoming job review, I remove any suggestive images of her. (Which I was more than happy to do. ) After removing any and all images or history of her, I was asked to remove a number of tags and categories. Some of which made me think that, maybe it was time to call it a day and shut down the blog for good. All good things must come to an end and there’s no shame in calling it a day when that day comes is, more than not, a good thing. Yet, here I am, still holding on and holding it down. With Spring coming in the not so distant future and Covid vaccines being distributed as we speak. There’s hope for new adventures, stories and pictures. And while I have grown bored or capturing images from my balcony. I still find myself springing to action and racing outside to capture the beauty that shows itself on a daily basis.

Morning Stretch

Canon lenses and equipment, Interpreting Art, Pacific Northwest, Seattle

Prior to this mornings workout, I headed up to the roof deck to get a different view of the cloud coverage I wake up to on more than a regular basis. I manged to get a few shots in before my scheduled time at the gym. With Covid-19 still raging and our travels more restricted. It seems that more and more time is spent closer to home. For sanity sake, I’m doing everything possible to stay safe, busy and artful. I hope you all do the same.

Afternoon Fog

Canon lenses and equipment, Manual Mode, Narrative, Seattle

When we arrived home yesterday, my wife cimmediatelty called me to the window. We’ve seen a fare share of fog and haze since we moved here, but somehow, it still grips us like a good horror or better yet, slasher film will. While I’m sure there will come a day when the site at my window or balcony won’t send me diving for the camera will come. I feel somewhat of a reward still feeling that rookie glow. Enjoy it while it lasts.

But, Are you Having Fun?

Finding your Zen, Happiness, Manual Mode, Seattle

Despite no longer working as a photographer, one who’s not yet set up a website to sell my images. I suddenly find myself overthinking and beating myself up for not learning new things fast enough. Add to it, the recent health battles that have put the kibosh on my more adventurous aspirations to take chances with my safety while attempting to get the results I want.

In the end, it’s all about having fun and taking your time while learning new things. Results are rarely perfect, and making mistakes are one of the many essential parts of learning. I look forward, though it never may come, to a moment where I can take my time and not get so flustered over the mistakes I make along the way.

Adding Shadow

Beauty, Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Commentary, Finding Solutions, Narrative, Pacific Northwest, Seattle, Studio Photography

Back when I was giving my studio photography an overhaul. A mentor and close friend who was going over some of my old sessions. Adding, “What did a shadow ever do to you?” It was something I had heard at an International Center of Photography workshop but wasn’t sure how to correct it. However, once I learned, it was as if an entirely new world of depth and creativity opened up. Just aa I began adding what I learned to my studio photography, I found myself adding shadow to my landscape photos. To add definition to my landscapes and interiors, partly and considerately more to put shade and add anonymity to the people, often strangers in my photos. It’s helped me in a lot of ways, including sales.
It’s also made me think of myself growing increasingly introverted and wary of close contact with others. Below are a couple of images I took before exiting Gas Works Park this afternoon.

A Visit to Kerry Park.

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Landscape Photography, Manual Mode, Seattle, Sunsets

I feel as if I’ve been chasing the light a lot lately. So much so that I think something different needs to come, and soon. Yet, that time won’t come along until I know I’ve taken that perfect shot, which brings me to this weekend’s short visit to Kerry Park. Though beautiful in that you get a beautiful view of the city from an unobscured view, the crowded spot reminds me of a tourist trap. I think, by now, it’s safe to safe to say I’m a bit of a loner when it comes to photography. One of two people is okay, but when a spot gets crowded with people taking selfies with their phones. I find myself craving solitude. Below is a favorite from my relatively short visit to Kerry Park. On a related note, after joining a Seattle photography group earlier today. I noticed a post featuring an image of the space needle. One that looked almost the same as mine and the countless other pictures of the monument. While by all means, a great shot. It reminded me that I cut my own weird and unique cloth. Angles and all, I want to sidestep the norm.