The times, they are a changin'.

There's a lot going on here in the studio today. Bruce and Troy are about to head out the door to do an aerial shoot and Amaren is building our new Photoshelter account. Much of what we have been learning about here is how to optimize out site in order for it to be seen. Our current Viewfinders Stock Photography site is almost ten years old! We thought it was time for change. Photoshelter is a great site to let us control our SEO and keep an archive of our photos. At the same time, we will have a streamlined look with up to date keywords and new clients (we hope!). Local Portland photographer friend, Craig Mitchelldyer was kind enough to pop into our studio on Monday and give us a big long tutorial. He was very convincing...we signed up that afternoon. Now we just need to upload all our photos.

 

Our new site will allow people to search and view all our different galleries and easily purchase rights managed images. We will also allow download of lo-res mock up images. Need us to create a gallery of a certain type of images so you don't have to do the searching? No problem. There is a client area designed for clients to view, rate, and purchase images in their own specially designed gallery.

We are really looking forward to this new change at Viewfinders! We hope you will check us out when the times comes for the site launch! In the meantime, keep visiting Viewfinders Stock Photography for the most beautiful views of the Pacific Northwest.

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!

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.]

Oyster Farm

One of my favorite tasks in my role at Viewfinders Stock Photography is reviewing new image submissions, especially those from photographers who have recently joined the agency. Although we preview photographers' work before inviting them to join the Viewfinders, the first formal submission lends the most in-depth view to their perspectives as artists.

This week, photographer N. Scott Trimble sent in his first batch of images, and I found his photos taken at Oregon Oyster Farms in Newport, OR to be particularly intriguing. Perhaps because I've never visited any sort of marine farm, but mostly because of the way Scott successfully captured light and vibrant color in the series. His images are featured here; they will be live on the Viewfinders site very soon.

Pirate Town

A few months ago, a friend of Viewfinders' founder and lead photographer Bruce Forster's told him about an abandoned industrial building in north Portland that had become a haven for graffiti artists and skaters. The friend thought Bruce would really appreciate the artistic value of the graffiti, and encouraged him to pay a visit to the site, and soon: University of Portland had recently finalized its purchase of the land on which the building was located, and was planning to tear down the structure.


Known in various fringe circles as Pirate Town, the building is part of the (formally-named) Triangle Park, a 35-acre former industrial site on the banks of the Willamette River. University of Portland has acknowledged the presence of multiple contaminants on the site, and has reportedly begun cleanup, as first step toward preparing the area for a new greenway and trail, as well as expansion of University facilities.


Both Bruce and Troy Klebey, Viewfinders photographer and studio manager, paid several visits to the site during the last few months, to capture the art and wonder of this unique space. Troy's photos are featured here.


One of my favorite shots from the Pirate Town series is of Tucker, Troy's faithful companion and unbelievably well-mannered, photogenic dog. For more shots of Tucker's adventures throughout the years, check out Troy's blog.