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.