2012, Day 74 - Repose

The great thing about photography is that it has the capability, when properly executed, to convey both action and inaction.  In this case I like the stillness.  You can smell a bit of diesel mixed with tar and a hind of the river on the breeze.  During the day I expect that the crane is in motion and you can hear the gravel pouring over the edge of t he conveyor belt onto the pile like a bit of white noise while trucks and tractors rumble through the yard.  But at night it is still, the air is cool, and the only sounds come in the form of the low hum of traffic speeding across the Fremont Bridge high above.  In spite of the signs of activity that surrounds the site it is almost peaceful at night.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 17-40/f4L
25mm, f8, 30 sec @ 200 ISO

2012, Day 73 - Reinforcement

While exploring the riverfront in North Portland this warehouse caught my eye.  It isn't attractive or especially interesting but I was amazed that over fifty percent of it was hanging over the river supported by innumerable timbers.  Wouldn't it have been cheaper to build on a larger lot?  Is there some aspect of its use that required it to be in the river?  What kind of weight is each of those posts supporting?  Do they drive forklifts though the building?  Why is the structure sided in plywood?

As all those questions were running through my mind I couldn't help but appreciate the forest of supports reflected in the water, the lights of the industrial west side of Portland in the distance, and the inky blue sky.  I like that the subject is rather plain and the background is interesting but there remains texture throughout.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 17-40/f4L
17mm, f11, 117 sec @ 200 ISO

2012, Day 72 - Divided

And we come back to the Fremont Bridge!  Today Brian Matiash wrote a great article on the importance of caution in urban exploration.  Facilities that employ security do so for a reason and the most important thing is that you're safe so if you're out adventuring and security legitmately asks you to leave please have the good grace to do as you're asked.

As we familiarized ourselves with our environment Brian and I found a nice vantage point underneath the Fremont Bridge.  The west hills and Forest Park is dwarfed by the distance and the sheer size of the bridge.  Although you would never be able to see them clearly if you look closely you can see a few stars in the sky thanks to a relatively long exposure.  The light pollution from Portland is enough to drown out all but the brightest celestial bodies.

One of the most important lessons in photography is to be persistent.  Some days you go out shooting and you come home with nothing that inspires you.  It can be disheartening but it is vital to take advantage of the next opportunity because you never know what you're going to find.  I didn't imagine we would be able to find such a spectacular location but the conditions were almost ideal and we were greatly rewarded!

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 17-40/f4L
17mm, f5.6, 57 sec @ 200 ISO

2012, Day 71 - Limits

Today's photo outing was all about working within your limits.  I rousted Brian Matiash from his apartment and, at his suggestion, we went on an iPhone only photo walk.  Being a bit of a pessimist I brought a real camera with me in case I got annoyed working within the iPhone's limits but I managed not to take it out at all.  There is a great feeling of accomplishment when you are able to overcome limitations, even if they are self-imposed, to get results that show no evidence of compromise.

Both of the photos below were taken with SmugMug's Camera Awesome iPhone app and processed with Camera Awesome and Nik Software's Snapseed.

iPhone 4S
4.28mm, f2.4, 1/30 sec @ 80 ISO

iPhone 4S

2012, Day 70 - Lair

During last night's adventuring Brian Matiash and I found what looked like an asphalt depot where trucks pick up gravel aggregate to pave and repair roads.  Honestly, I followed Brian's eye to this scene, it was so well-lit that I had to take a few brackets.  I live the tractor parked under the tower like some sort of guardian protecting its lair.  It was dirty and weathered and the interplay of light and shadow was perfect so even though I have some great bridge shots left to share this one is jumping the queue.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 17-40/f4L
26mm, f5.6, HDR of 2, 4, 8, and 15 sec @ 500 ISO

2012, Day 69 - Beast

I can't remember the last time I had such a lovely day.  This morning I awoke sandwiched between sleeping dogs in my comfortably cool bed.  It isn't often that I am allowed to wake up without the prompting of one of the dogs so already the day was off to a good start.  We took a nice walk in the brisk morning air with the sun rising over the rooftops.  Then I was free to work for a few hours before a friend called to invite me out to lunch.

As I was headed home from lunch I was invited to join another friend for a walk in the park before the rain returns tomorrow.  So I went home to feed the dogs and take a thirty minute nap before walking the dogs again and taking the new pup to the park.  I met with my friend Christine and her dog and we took a leisurely stroll through the tall trees along the dappled sunlight hitting the trail.

When we returned to our cars who should call but Brian Matiash.  We had been trying to meet up this week for a little photo adventure and after a few false starts tonight was the night.  So back home I went to get the dogs out again before picking up Brian and having a dinner of succulent hot wings and a massive pile of tater-tots.  The we went to North Portland's massive industrial neighborhood.

I had only a vague idea where I wanted to go and after taking a couple side roads we found the eastern foot of the Fremont Bridge.  As we approached I was completely awestruck.  I have driven across this bridge countless times but I never appreciated how truly massive it is until tonight.  In the photo below you can see the ghostly silhouette of Mr. Matiash under this monolith of infrastructure.  Even at the time it seemed odd to be able to walk so freely to the base of the bridge but we took advantage of our freedom and were well rewarded.

Our photographic appetites sated we headed home with quick stop for some tasty gelato at Staccato Gelato.  Rarely are days so fun and productive as today has been.  Hopefully next time I have one of those days where nothing goes right I will look back into my blog and see this image to remind me that for as often as things go wrong the also go better than you might have hoped.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 17-40/f4L
24mm, f5.6, 25 sec @ 200 ISO

2012, Day 68 - Weathered

Nature constantly amazes me.  I have always lived in communities where natural space is treasured but I somehow managed not to notice it until I moved to Portland.  Today the high h it the mid sixties and the warm weather and sun seems to have spurred on the coming of spring.  My star magnolia that was in bud yesterday is starting to bloom in earnest.  The winter daphne is strong and sweet in the air.  As I walked my dogs cool air filled my lungs while the warm sun beat down on my back.  Life is so vibrant this time of year and I hope that everyone has an opportunity to appreciate its beauty.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f.2.8L IS
100mm, f5.6, 1/250 sec @ 320 ISO