Lori Takes on the City

I've taken random shots in DC. I've taken random shots in New York. Might as well add San Antonio, Austin, Baltimore, Portland, New Orleans & San Diego to the list, too. What's missing? The city in my own backyard... Seattle. I had intended to spend the whole day randomly wandering about. I envisioned starting at the market early in the morning while everyone was setting up, grabbing some coffee in Belltown, wandering up the downtown area, perhaps a swing through the side gardens of Volunteer Park, maybe even a stroll through Ballard? oooo how'bout Fremont?? I figured my eyes were so used to the usual sights of Seattle that it would be interesting to view it from the eyes of an artistic traveler.

Well, it didn't exactly happen that way. I slept in & then spent a while doing the "lori dawdling" that I am known for. It was a luxurious morning. The flip side to the comforts of home is that I only had time for one destination. Can you figure it out from my photographic clues?

First Picture
After I left the parking garage, this is the first picture that I took. I knew it would be a wacky, random day.

Clues Numbered Two & Three

Does the shadow of the artwork offer any insight? How about the fountain feature below?

Art, Past & Present

Ok, now this one should tell you. Actually, if you were standing where I was standing and you looked up, you would know EXACTLY the location of my photo shoot. But, there were some people having their wedding pictures taken in this spot, so I skidaddled out of their way.

Under Exposed

I loved the old lights in this place. I took a few shots here. The first one below is intentionally underexposed (I thought it looked cool); you can't even tell that I took it in broad daylight. The second one below has brighter exposure. I steadied my camera on a post, but still would have liked a tripod. (oooh, I bought a new tripod today, too, btw. I am now in the Manfrotto club. Thanks for the recommendation, dma).

Inspiring Window 1 & 2

I was checking out the view, basking in the sun, when I noticed the writing on the window sill. Sharpies can be so inspirational.... do the scenes in the back give you any clues on my locale?

Ta-da!

Ok. If you are from Washington you should know where I am at by this picture. If you can't figure it out then I am going to talk to the proper authorities about having your Washington State citizenship revoked. Remember, I have macro super powers ;)

And Why...

And why did I chose Pike Place out of aaaallll the possible cool places in Seattle? Well, a couple reasons :) for starters, Pike Place is such an iconic destination; who doesn't take their out of town visitors to Pike Place, or at least recommend it for "someday"? I thought it would be a good challenge to take my random shots in such a popular place. The other big reason is for the flowers. A lovely bouqet of birthday flowers are gracing my living room. These lovely petals reminded me of how nice it is to have fresh flowers around, so, naturally, I headed to the market in search of flowers.

The pics below are the first of many. I like the expression of the people in the top one; un-posed, natural, with motion. However, I didn't have a good focus on my flowers. That, I don't like. The one below it is a bit better. I like the flowers this time, but wish I had better candid people shots.

Can't Decide 1, 2 &3

Oh man, I don't know which one of these I like better. I included them all. I like the trail of color in the first one; I like the glow of the sun on the brown paper on the second one; and I like the people in the background on the third one. The third one looks like stock photography; and I can also think it is sweet to see the dude buying flowers. He is solo; so maybe the bouqet is destined to be a nice surprise for someone?

Behind the scenes

Luckily it wasn't too crowded at the market. I had a chance to walk around to the back of the flower stands and snap this shot.

Don't Steal Art

How do you know when you are truly in Seattle? The level of passive-aggressivism goes up about, umm, three notches. I had envisioned the picture below as an example of the funkyness of the market... you have creativity of art next to beauty of agriculture, leading towards the roughness of the fish market. HOWEVER... as I was mentally composing this shot (and of course in a bit of a dreamy daze thinking about what to do, technically speaking) I got in someone's way. I realize that it was closing time and he was in a hurry. I did get out of his way, and gave him a friendly smile and an "oops sorry!". He didn't even have to slow down. Yet, as he trotted past me and onto the brick road outside the market the hollered back "don't steal art" without so much as a glance in my direction. pffssshhht. whatever. So, to join into the Seattle passive-aggressive nature, I have named this picture "don't steal art." Ha.

Empty Spaces 1, 2 &3

At one point during the photo shoot, I realized that I had taken a handful of shots in empty spaces. While I was taking them, I hadn't thought much of it. They caught my eye. They lured me in. The said "look at me!" It made me wonder; am I feeling empty? Am I like these empty spaces; unneeded and forgotten? I dunno. Or maybe it is as simple as an inner need for quiet contemplation. still dunno. I converted these three to black & white to give them similar tones.

Token Random Shot

So, after I took the reflective, solemn shot above, I headed back to the row of flower stands to pick up some truly beautiful little bouquets. On my way there, I stopped take a picture of these fun, zany bowties. Because bowties are just too "boring" on their own, gotta mix 'em up with funky fabrics. Oh dear. These things make me chuckle. So, with that I end my trip to the market with this token random shot. Enjoy.