Portland and Seattle

[picturetaker]

This summer I will be having a very short visit to these two locations. Basically, while my wife and daughter shop using their money (don't I wish), I get to take photos and visit used camera shops.

I have done the usual web search for used cameras, thrift and second hand stores, pawnshp etc.Too many to count. So I would appreciated a few suggestions for each of the cities for good used equipment (rangefinder, slr) that doesn't cost my first born.

I would also appreciate a couple of photo suggestions 'near' the downtown core. The usual tourist sites (ie Space Needle) are OK but what about the slightly quirky, off the beaten track locations. Thanks for your suggestions and directions.

 

[charjohncarter]

I don't know what type of images you like to take, but there are many bridges over the Willamette River, some right downtown. And there is a nice Japanese garden in Washington Park. These are both in Portland, Oregon.

 

[cysewski]

Check out my Wandering In Seattle web site, just walking in downtown Seattle is fun. The International District, Pikes Place, the Pioneer Square, the Waterfront
http://www.cysewski.com/seattleweb/
Steve

 

[nikon_sam]

In Portland, go near downtown but stay on the east side of the river, find the path that is on the river...walking north find the Steel Bridge...wait for the sunset...when you're done there walk back and shoot the city...tripod would be nice to have too...

 

[Morca007]

Unfortunately, there don't seem to be any decent camera stores is Portland. :-/

EDIT: JayC- I'd never heard of Blue moon, I'll have to check it out soon!

 

[JayC]

Yes, there are...

Yes, there are...

good camera stores in Portland.
www.bluemooncamera.com They are my favorite. There is not a single digital camera in the store. They have a few leicas, a bessa t, my contax g1 and g2 with lenses, my 90/4 elmar, minox stuff, tons ofr bronica 645 and mamiya rb stuff, 4x5 stuff, etc, etc. Plus tons of slr lenses and bodies.

The quirkiets thing going right now is Last Thursday in the Alberta Arts District. On the last thursday of each month, starting around 4pm NE Alberta street between 10th or so and 30th comes alive with stilt walkers, street vendors, bands, food, crazies, hippies. There are tons of artists (photography, mixed media, etc), and the street already has tons of brick and mortar galleries and restaurants.

A street photographers dream (or training ground) if you will.

 

[picturetaker]

In either of the two cities, is there a location/area that street performers generally do their stuff. I don't mean like all in the same block, but just a general area like say Pioneer Sq in Seattle (just an example - don't know if that is one of the locations).

My problem now is deciding on my kit - oh to have such difficult decisions.

 

[plummerl]

Seattle-wise, I would probably recommend Pike Place Market, followed by Westlake Park.

 

[picturetaker]

Up here (Vancouver, BC), it is good form to make a donation before taking a photo. Same down in Seattle / Portland (better make sure I have lots of US$ on me)?

 

[plummerl]

Up here (Vancouver, BC), it is good form to make a donation before taking a photo. Same down in Seattle / Portland (better make sure I have lots of US$ on me)?

Let your conscience be your guide! If you do donate, it doesn't have to be excessive. Besides, our dollar has never been cheaper. 🙂

 

[Avotius]

ya know I lived there for so long and I never got around to taking pictures of it, strange, anyway if you want to see a fun camera store go to glazers in seattle, neat place. Hope the 30v suits you well down there

 

[picturetaker]

Hi Avotius

The 30V worked just fine thanks. Was down in Seattle yesterday - the Market and Pioneer Sq. My bad - left my Bessa L in the car so *had* to use the 30V 😉

 

[Graham Line]

The Saturday (and Sunday) Market in Portland, under the Burnside Bridge, draws street performers. They also turn up in the area a block or two around Pioneer Courthouse Square and sometimes at the Farmers Market on Wednesdays in the South Park Blocks near the Portland Art Museum.

Some of the Portland pictures on my Flickr page are keyed to maps.
Transit is free of charge east of I-405, south of Flanders St., and west of the Lloyd Center. Pop into Powell's Books (OK photography section) for their downtown walking map. Mio Gelato is across the street to the west. 😉

 

[Avotius]

Hi Avotius

The 30V worked just fine thanks. Was down in Seattle yesterday - the Market and Pioneer Sq. My bad - left my Bessa L in the car so *had* to use the 30V 😉

Fantastic, nice to know the old war horse is still knocking em down. I am trying to find time to make it back to seattle this summer....oh its so expensive too....