Eye in the Sky

I hate to brag but one of the coolest things about ViewfindersNW is the amount of aerial shots we have! Owner of ViewfindersNW and lead photographer, Bruce Forster, does routine helicopter trips capturing the most beautiful views of the pacific northwest. Most people think of aerial shots in terms of maps (think satellite view on Google maps) limited only to a view from directly above. Using a helicopter (instead of a fixed wing airplane) allows Bruce to fly in as low as rooftops (sometimes!) and get an oblique perspective.

Many architectural beauties in this city are amazingly constructed to be seen not only at ground level but also from the sky. Take for example Portland's Walk of the Heroins designed by Mayer Reed which is nestled at the far west corner of Portland State University's campus. The walk honors all the women that have illuminated our lives. From above you can see the beautiful design of the walk encorporating the naming wall and the natural landscape.

The Twelve West Building on SW 13th Ave has the first inner city wind turbines on its rooftop. This sustainable building bridges the division between downtown and the Pearl District while also being one of the most future oriented LEED projects of Portland. The rooftop is not only home to these modern windmills (which, when harvested, provides about 1% of the building's energy) but also to tenant shared barbecues and a rainwater-recycling system. The aerial view shows all the benefits Twelve West has to offer (at least on the roof).  I just think it's cool to see wind turbines when I am driving down Burnside on my way to work!

 

If your vertigo hasn't kicked in yet, tap into this ongoing project Bruce has been diligently powering through. As we all know, Portland's South Waterfront is steadily becoming more and more developed offering green living and waterfront views. Before builders broke ground, Bruce was down there shooting away. Now, whenever on a flight, he makes sure to swoop down and grab some shots of their progress. It's proof of Portland's ongoing changes to both the environment and people's way of life.

 August 16, 2004

October 11, 2009

This year, Bruce has been airborne twice and if there is any foreseeable, dependable break in the weather combined with enough interest, be sure to look for him up there again! In need of some aerials? Get on the flight list! studio@viewfindersnw.com 503.222.5222.

Berlin: Non-Stop Action!

Despite all that's gone on in Berlin, the people of the city still manage to live up their nights to the fullest! One of our newest contributing photographers, Leah Nash took three weeks to immerse herself in one of the most progressive cultures in Europe. Sent to do a story that marks the 20th anniversary of the falling of the wall, she rented an apartment with a performer friend of hers, borrowed a pink bike, and partied at three clubs a night! (Not a bad gig, eh?)

 

The reason for Berlin's insane nights? Tons of artists are flocking there because of the amazingly cheap rent. The queer scene is popular because of the tolerant sexual culture. And, the city never sleeps: clubs stay open all night until noon the next day with no last calls. Pretty much you can do whatever you want in Berlin!

 

We always love submissions from Leah! See more of her Berlin photos on her website. We're looking forward to her next project!

Fall Fun!

Fall is my favorite time of year. In fact, today has got to be the most perfect weather, 60 degrees, no wind, gray, no rain. Ahhhh. For some reason, it also seems to be the busiest time of year. We are still revamping Viewfinders with our addition of new photographers Leah Nash and Zeb Andrews as well as making our keywords absolutely outstanding!

 

photo by Zeb Andrews

This weekend (October 16-18, 2009) is the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest! Yum. I had a local apple yesterday that tasted like drinking apple cider. So sweet. Also out in the Gorge up the hill from Hood River in Odell is the Gorge Fruit and Craft Fair (October 17 & 18) which hasn't been around as long but still has some great treats to check out. I can't think of a better way to spend a fall weekend than hitting up a farm to grab a pumpkin for Halloween and some fresh, perfectly ripe fruit.

photo by Greg Vaughn

Another nice thing about this time of year is being able to stay inside with a warm cup of joe and enjoy a fire. Luckily Barista is downstairs in the Gadsby building so we have constant access to Stumptown coffee. Also, shown in Leah Nash's photo, the Ace Hotel is always a great place to relax with those big comfy couches and beautiful light. Taking photographs there is a dream!

photo by Leah Nash

We have joined Twitter! Our name is ViewfindersNW so follow us. We will be updating with new photos and information! Enjoy the weather before we get snow storms like last year. Yikes!

Meier & Frank Warehouse

In the fall of 2007, Portland-based developer Gerding Edlen announced its acquisition of the former Meier & Frank warehouse in the booming Pearl District, and related plans to convert the building into LEED-certified office space.

Two years later, the building, located just a few blocks from the Viewfinders studio at 14th and Everett, is still standing empty, a symbol of the depressed economy. According to an article in the Daily Journal of Commerce, Gerding Edlen has had trouble securing the financing needed to proceed with the project, thus construction has been delayed.

Viewfinders photographer Troy Klebey obtained access to the warehouse this week and captured this beautiful series of images of the building in its current condition, patiently awaiting its next iteration.

More images from his shoot can be viewed on his website's gallery.

Gone to the Dogs

We're all pretty dog crazy here at Viewfinders, and we are lucky to work in a loft building that allows its tenants to bring their dogs to work!

Lucy (pictured here) is a pit bull/Jack Russell mix; she was a rescue dog adopted by our business development manager five years ago. She commutes in to the studio a few times a month, and enjoys the attention that is lavished upon her during visits.

 

Lead photographer Bruce Forster captured these (strikingly lovely!) shots of Lucy last week while she laid in her favorite spot in the studio: the sunny area rug by the window, taking in a lovely view of Portland's West Hills.