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.

Farmers' Markets

One of my favorite things to do in summer and early fall as a child was accompanying my mother to the local farm stand to buy fresh peaches, apples, cherries, tomatoes, corn and other local produce. I think it felt like such a treat because the Midwestern climate only allows for a few months of local harvesting. The rest of the year, much of the fresh produce we consumed was shipped in from other regions and countries. And no matter how well it's been packaged or transported, week-old apples simply do not taste as good as the ones picked from the tree just yesterday.




So, as an adult, I've developed a strong affinity for farmers markets, and it's heavenly to live in Portland where various markets run almost year-round. Some of these markets have evolved to be not just about the farmers and their produce: There are often prepared food stands and art vendors, tables hosted by community organizations and nonprofits, and live cooking demonstrations and music.

Instead of a stop-off for weekly grocery shopping, farmers' markets are now more like a weekly festival, and yet so intrinsic to the local culture here in Oregon that I don't think most people view them for what they are: a real treat.



[The images I selected for this post were taken by Viewfinders photographers Bruce Forster and Troy Klebey, and are available on www.viewfindersnw.com for licensing or as prints for purchase.]

Lost Lake

Because Mt. Hood is so clearly and closely reflected in the waters of Lost Lake, the area allows for some of the most scenic views of the mountain and is a popular postcard shot. On the Viewfinders site alone, there are more than 60 photos taken of the lake and in the nearby woods, which are part of Mt. Hood National Forest.

Viewfinders photographer Troy Klebey paid a late evening and early morning visit (almost exactly 12 hours apart) to the lake last weekend, to capture the quickly fading summer light. He came away with hundreds of shots; these were two of his favorites.

When I look at the images, I can hear the voice of Jon Stewart, closing each broadcast of "The Daily Show," saying, "And now, for your moment of zen..."