Love, Werewolves and the Pacific Northwest

Two years ago I flew to Washington . Unexpectedly, I fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. The “PNW’  is a land of mystery and beauty.  With ever changing weather to the stunning vistas, she’ll leave you breathless, humbled and yearning to return. It was on my second visit that I encountered the werewolf. For sure, you think I’m nuts. Trust me. I have the photo to prove it.

When I landed in Seattle last Christmas it was cold. I wanted to see the city at night, a magical time for me.  It was raining, what Washingtonians call “mist”. I drove in and parked at Pike Place Market, which tells you it was after hours. Pike’s is a world class market with fish mongers, and purveyers of a million different things. As I got out of my car, I walked a few paces and stood right in front of the original Starbucks, my favorite coffee next to Chicory New Orleans Blend. Needless to say I loved it. A new and world class city, at night, at Christmas time.

I had dinner at Steelhead Diner, a lovely restaurant right next to the market. Its chef is from New Orleans which made the meal more special. The bartender directed me to “downtown” and I walked a few blocks, surprised by how many young people were walking the streets at about ten oclock at night, in the rain, of course. It’s the PNW. Get used to it.

I came on an area with small amusement rides and beautiful Christmas lights strung on the trees. So, I decided to try a technique which is simple yet can give wonderful results. I shot the lights in the trees with a slow shutter speed while I zoomed the lens. It’s basically “painting light onto the sensor” and can yield amazing images.

So, there you have it. Straight up, no Photoshop, no trickery. And it’s still on the card. Anyone who doubts it can see, but has to buy me coffee. New Orleans Blend Chicory of course.