To try something different...down at the north end of Lake Union...go early morning as the mist rises off the water...and the sun is still at or below the horizon... get out and await the scullers and rowers coming along in the mist...at the waters edge near Fremont Bridge, or along the canal. Explore for pov for good lines of site in the previous nite. Ken S
For non-nature photos ops, check out the Smith Tower in Pioneer Square if you want a bird's eye view of the city, but don't want the hoards of people that the Space Needle attracts. It costs about 8 bucks to ride the antique hand operated elevator to the observation deck and Chinese room on the 35th floor. The decor of the Chinese room was all given to the original owner of the building by the Empress of China in the Early 1900's. Its pretty neat stuff. The last time I was there, they were having a contest to see who could throw small wooden airplanes the farthest from the observation deck which has a pretty good view looking right up 2nd street as well as out to the harbor, all from about 400 feet off the ground.
Seattle is a cool place for street photography. lots going on in a relatively compact space. Pike place is great with its produce/fish vendors and street performers waiting to have their photos taken.
I'd add in Fisherman's Terminal, Fremont neighborhood, Pioneer Square area (around the Smith Tower). The University of WA campus is beautiful. For Nature photo ops within the city in addition to Discovery Park, try the "Montlake Fill" northeast of the UW campus in back of the Urban Horticulture Center. Oh, and uh, ride the Duck. Seriously. Land and water tour in an amphibious vehicle. Fun and perfect weather for it.
All these suggestions– better extend your time around the city to a month or so! Welcome and have a great time guys. Show us what you get.
Posted by Sean Watson on August 19, 2009 at 2:52 PM
You've already got way too many suggestions for a weekend, but just in case you want something else to consider...
The Center for Wooden Boats at the South end of Lake Union is neat in its own right, but it's also a good vantage point to shoot float planes landing. (Kenmore Air is next door -- check their schedule.)
The Arboretum has a trail through some little islands (Marsh & Foster Islands) -- good spot to shoot rowers too. Park at the MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry) parking lot and head east across the foot bridges. The WA-520 bridge is on the south side of the islands, so that offers a nice nature/non-nature contrast.
The best shots on the Montlake Fill are probably from the water. Rent a canoe from the UW waterfront activity center and paddle north along the shore. (Most people go south into the Arboretum, but I'd recommend the trail to shoot that area.) You'll see ducks and GBH for sure. Good chance of turtles. I've also seen bald eagles with some regularity, muskrats, beaver (go early or late if you want to try to see these guys), and river otters. If you don't want to shoot from a boat, some of the trails take you close to the shore.
I'd recommend the Bremerton ferry over the Bainbridge one -- a bit longer and better angle on the Olympics IMO. If you want the Bainbridge Island route take the Argosy dinner cruise; and you'll get to see Eagle Harbor too.
The fireboat dock is next to the ferry terminal.
Check out the Olympic Sculpture park at the north end of the waterfront
Magnolia Park has good views of Elliot Bay with Rainier in the background and of the Olympics across the Sound.
The Japanese Garden (in the Arboretum) has restrictions on tripods. Kubota Garden is a better park for that kind of stuff.
Alki has good angles on downtown across Elliot Bay. The cranes at harbor Island might be interesting subjects too.
If you're going E on I-90, check out Snoqualmie Falls.
Sean
Posted by Nat Coalson on August 19, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Wow - thanks! Really great suggestions, all. I see I have some tough decisions to make
Thanks for all your help.
Posted by Amy Lindsey on August 20, 2009 at 9:05 PM
Discussion
7 repliesI and a small group of photogs will be spending this coming weekend in Seattle.
Any suggestions for fun places to shoot around the city?
Admittedly OT - not "nature" photography... but if there are any beaches, lighthouses etc. within easy drive that info would be great too.
Thanks in advance!!
Seattle is a cool place for street photography. lots going on in a relatively compact space. Pike place is great with its produce/fish vendors and street performers waiting to have their photos taken.
All these suggestions– better extend your time around the city to a month or so! Welcome and have a great time guys. Show us what you get.
The Center for Wooden Boats at the South end of Lake Union is neat in its own right, but it's also a good vantage point to shoot float planes landing. (Kenmore Air is next door -- check their schedule.)
The Arboretum has a trail through some little islands (Marsh & Foster Islands) -- good spot to shoot rowers too. Park at the MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry) parking lot and head east across the foot bridges. The WA-520 bridge is on the south side of the islands, so that offers a nice nature/non-nature contrast.
The best shots on the Montlake Fill are probably from the water. Rent a canoe from the UW waterfront activity center and paddle north along the shore. (Most people go south into the Arboretum, but I'd recommend the trail to shoot that area.) You'll see ducks and GBH for sure. Good chance of turtles. I've also seen bald eagles with some regularity, muskrats, beaver (go early or late if you want to try to see these guys), and river otters. If you don't want to shoot from a boat, some of the trails take you close to the shore.
I'd recommend the Bremerton ferry over the Bainbridge one -- a bit longer and better angle on the Olympics IMO. If you want the Bainbridge Island route take the Argosy dinner cruise; and you'll get to see Eagle Harbor too.
The fireboat dock is next to the ferry terminal.
Check out the Olympic Sculpture park at the north end of the waterfront
Magnolia Park has good views of Elliot Bay with Rainier in the background and of the Olympics across the Sound.
The Japanese Garden (in the Arboretum) has restrictions on tripods. Kubota Garden is a better park for that kind of stuff.
Alki has good angles on downtown across Elliot Bay. The cranes at harbor Island might be interesting subjects too.
If you're going E on I-90, check out Snoqualmie Falls.
Sean
Thanks for all your help.