Handbills at the market

When we were in Seattle a little while back, we found ourselves walking up to the Pike Place Market via some back streets and alleys.  Normally that isn't recommended per se, but with a camera it is always an adventure.  Lucky for me, we came across some interesting stuff, like a wall of gum (more on that in another future post) and this wall which was totally covered in handbills and some graffiti.  In the old days (that is, prior to being a photographer) I would pass this by without much attention, and possibly consider it ugly and defacing.  These days however, I consider it something worth closer inspection and I actually find it rather compelling (I will stop slightly short of calling it beautiful, but I think it has some beauty about it).  Isn't it interesting how things change when you look at life through the lens?

Clouds over Snug Harbor

While we were in the San Juan Islands, off the coast of Washington State, we took one morning to go explore the coastline via sea kayak.  We kayak semi-frequently in Austin, and enjoy it quite a bit, though it is obviously a bit different on the ocean.  For starters, we saw a pod of orcas as well as a harbor seal, and I can't say I have ever done that in Austin.  hehe  Plus, the weather was cool and I had these fabulous clouds to look at, so all in all it was about the best morning I can imagine!  This was one of many shots I took from the kayak that day.  It's pretty hard to take pictures, keep your camera dry, paddle and steer a kayak, and enjoy the scenery all at the same time - but hey it sure is fun trying!

Seattle stuff

Ok, back to Seattle.  I was up there recently, and absolutely love that town.  One afternoon we ventured over to the Space Needle in order to do the tourist thing, and afterwards I just had to wander around and try to find an alternative view of it to share with all my visitors here on the blog.  Last time I was there, back in April, I came up with what I consider an interesting view, which you can see here. 

Today's post is from a couple of weeks back.  That is the Experience Music Project on the left, with the Space Needle there poking out of the right side of the shot.   Please let me know your thoughts - which one do you like better, and why?  I dare ya to leave a comment!  (haha, there's a big challenge, huh?)

 

On a personal note, we spent the last 5 days down in Corpus Christi, Texas enjoying a little beach time.  I actually was offline for most of those 5 days, and it felt great (except that I feel way behind).  I witnessed a beautiful sunset last night (and yes, I have pictures to prove it!) and I got up early today and went out capturing quite a bit of the place in HDR.  A last-minute work trip came up the other day, so I am grabbing a plane ride in the morning to Chicago, but the Nikon will remain at home as there is just no time for it, and I travel as light as possible as a rule. 

So I wanted to thank everyone who takes the time to visit my site each day - I really appreciate it.  And to those of you who also take the time to leave a comment, another heartfelt thank you.  I will be visiting your sites soon and look forward to catching up with all the incredible photo work you do!  Have a wonderful day everyone!

The sky's the limit

Another post and run - it's Thursday night, but let's count this as a Friday post, shall we?   I will likely be offline all weekend while we are soaking up some beach time, so thanks as always for the visits and comments - they are truly appreciated!  A lesson I learned in Seattle - don't forget to look UP.  I was wandering back to my hotel, and just kept looking side to side for ideas and inspiration, when all along it was above me!

Seattle by Ferry

Pike Place Market, two mountain ranges, nearby islands, natural beauty, the Pacific Ocean, a great art community, cooler weather - what's not to like about Seattle??

Seattle is a great town - I’m a big fan.  I have been there twice this year, and considering how dang hot it is in Austin, I am ready for another trip!  I got this shot on my most recent trip up there.  We took a ferry up to the San Juan Islands over a weekend, and this was my view on Sunday evening as I was returning to Seattle.  It was cool and windy up there on top of the boat, but hey who minds that when you are snapping away?  In case you are curious, the Space Needle is not in the shot, because it is out of frame to the left.  I went for a tighter shot in this case, partly because I just love those clouds up there!  Thanks for stopping by!