Washington – Photogeek Blog

Escape to Bainbridge Island

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Seattle

Though we got up later than usual. We were still able to fulfill our plan to make a visit to nearby Bainbridge Island, Since moving to Seattle in June, 2017. Taking the ferry to various nearby islands has been a favorite way to take a day trip without going too, too far. On our second trip to the island we spent most of our day visiting the shops in the downtown area. Highlighted by book, record, an outdoors shop and some tasty ice cream. We even took advantage of the islands main grocery store. Taking home fresh veggies, fruit and cards for the upcoming Mother’s Day celebration. Not a bad way to spend a beautiful Spring day.

Pre-Dusk — Heading home as the sun begins to set.

A Last Minute Trip to Olympia

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Downtown, Street Photography

Oly1

Over the weekend, my wife and I drove south for our first ever trip to Olympia. Aside from all the rain I became increasingly excited when I began seeing signs bearing the name “Sleater Kinney Road.” Being that a fairly recent vinyl reissue of the bands work has not only reintroduced, but enamored me to the band’s recorded history. I couldn’t help but imagine seeing Corin, Carrie and Janet seeking shelter under the nearest bus stop canopy. “What came first, the chicken or the egg?” I thought. After securing a parking spot. We headed over to the Capitol Theatre to get a glimpse at the historic building before crossing over to Burial Grounds for a hot cup of coffee. From there we dodged the rain drops and found an awesome book store to explore Browser Books before heading a few blocks over for some excellent pizza and 80’s eye candy at a place appropriately called Old School Pizzeria. As we drove home in the rain. We agreed on what a good idea our little road trip was. Adding that we both looked forward to returning on a warmer, perhaps dryer day. I noted how it seemed we were only there for a quick hour or so. That’s when she reminded me of the two hours we spent digging in Rainy Day Records. With all the time I spend going to record stores. I can honestly say, Rainy Days stock, prices and staff are all pretty awesome. I can’t wait to return with a thorough list and a few more hours to dig at Rainy Day Records

Below are the two records I picked up. “Why two?” you ask. Well, shopping for records when your wife is standing just a few feet away. Isn’t the same as shopping for records when your wife is a few zip codes away.

Rainy Day

Day Trip to Vashon

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Exploring, Pacific Northwest

Just prior to the New Year, we took the ferry to Vashon island. Though small in the grand vastness of things. We found a lot of interesting things once we drove off the ferry. With an essential downtown hub that offered good food, culture and most importantly, great coffee. We more than enjoyed our little day trip. Aside from the excellent coffee, we found a bakery, a couple of art galleries, a book store and a lot of local history to keep us both informed and entertained. I didn’t reach for my camera until we stopped for coffee before the trip home. What I did capture while enjoying my fresh cup of beans made my stay feel all the more memorable.

Piano

Up on the Roof (Again)

Location Shooting, Long Exposures

Space (1 of 1) After returning from dinner and dropping of a few things at the new apartment in Columbia City. I headed up to the roof deck to get some night air and take a few pictures. While we were out that night, i mentioned to my wife that once we get settled in the new place and unpack, I’d like to get back to capturing more nightlife= and night scapes. Something I had done regularly while living on the East Coast. Being that most of my photo gear, including my tripod, has somewhat limited my options. Being that I’m just days away from being reunited with my studio lights, stands, backgrounds and tripods. My mind seems to be filled with creative juices. I can’t go without noting the sense of envy I felt as I was packing up as two photographers armed with tripods emerged from the darkness. I couldn’t help but wish I had mine.

Space II (1 of 1)

Little Surprises Reap Big Rewards

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Industrial Photography

As someone who has become used to and comfortable with routine and set schedule Stesm (1 of 1) . I have no problem admitting that I do not like surprises. So when my wife kept in me in the dark about an early morning excursion to Georgetown. I can honestly say, I became somewhat unnerved trying to guess what she had in mind. As we arrived at what was supposed to be our final destination. My wife looked as puzzled as I was. Luckily, we waited it out and after a couple of rights, a left and another right, we were able to tail a pick up truck long enough to get us to where we needed to be. Georgetown Steam turned out to be the perfect surprise, as we both share a passion for factories and industrial sites. We spent over an hour exploring the old factory, while sharing some memorable exchanges with some of the retired steam workers who happened to be volunteering that day. Maybe it’s time for me to trust my wife’s instincts and learn to enjoy those little surprises.

Steam II (1 of 1)

Two Days. Two Beaches.

Beach People, Beauty, Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment

Today marks two months since we first moved to Seattle and as the days pass, we find ourselves adding things to our checklist faster than we’re able to cross them off. As we’ve gone from changing our address to getting our Washington state drivers licenses and plates, registered to vote and picked up our library cards. We’ve taken time to explore Seattle and take road trips throughout Washington. We’ve found a couple of spots for Vietnamese food and even Pizza. Explored different neighborhoods and brunch spots while attending open houses to look at real estate. In all honestly, the transition has felt effortless.

This past weekend, we skipped the open house schedule to visit a couple of beaches and parks. Being that we currently live a short walking distance from one of the many lakes and waterways. We never find ourselves feeling any sense of being land locked. Still, being at the beach had a good effect on booth my wife and my always unsettled self. Below I posted one image from Alki Beach (I was sure that at least one of those kids was going to fall in.) and Brackett’s Landing. (There was a car ferry just off to the left.)

Looking (1 of 1) Skuba (1 of 1)