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.

Alpenrose Velodrome

There are only about 20 operating velodromes in the United Sates, and I find it highly appropriate that one of them is located in Portland, which has the reputation of being an incredibly bike-friendly city.

Alpenrose Velodrome is a high-banked, Olympic-style bicycle racing track, located in northwest Portland. The track features a 43-degree bank, which qualifies it as one of the steepest velodromes in the country. (A typical track features bank degrees ranging from 25 to 33.) Oregon Bicycle Racing Association recommends that even experienced racers complete one or two training sessions on the track before participating in a race at Alpenrose.


Viewfinders lead photographer Bruce Forster spent a few hours at the velodrome on a weekend earlier this month, capturing a great series of action images. Bruce was in awe of the close proximity of the cyclists during the races, and of the fierce competitiveness that emerged during tight sprints, as captured in the below shot. Hello, elbows...

Seattle Light Rail

I'm an unabashed fan of writer/director Cameron Crowe, and my favorite of all his films is "Singles," an ensemble romantic comedy set in early 90s, Grunge-era Seattle. One of the main characters, Steve, is working on a proposal to build a public transit, high-speed train line in an effort to ease the city's renowned gridlock. His efforts are ultimately shot down because, as another Seattleite character explains, "I just love my car."

Fast forward 17 years (wow... where did that time go?) and the attitude toward public transit in Seattle, and elswhere, has changed vastly. Seattle's light rail transit system commenced service in mid-July , and Viewfinders photographer Paul Gordon quickly jumped on board to capture photos of the inaugural month. His images are featured here.


One thing that caught my eye in the images was the embracement of art and design in the commuter stations and on the train platforms. Kudos to the Sound Transit art program (STart) on their efforts!

Pirate Town/Graffiti - Part Deux

A few weeks ago, I posted images of the now-demolished "Pirate Town," a punk/skater/graffiti haven in north Portland, as seen through the eyes of Viewfinders photographer Troy Klebey. Lead photographer Bruce Forster also paid several visits to the site (as always, with camera in tow), and captured a beautiful series of images that honor the color and artistry of the graffiti writers--an interesting contrast to Troy's shots, which exuded a spookier vibe.

A selection of Bruce’s photos taken on location at Pirate Town will be showcased in the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Center for Architecture in the Pearl District in September. As a quasi=preview, a few of my favorites of Bruce's are featured on this page.

Mt. Hood

The first time I flew in to Portland during the summer was in August of 2004, and I was stunned and delighted with the clear view of Mt. Hood that I was able to take in during the airplane's final descent. Window seats rule!

Now working for a photography agency based out of Portland, I have seen more than my fair share of gorgeous photos of the mountain, but two new ones submitted by longtime Viewfinders contributor Rich Iwasaki caught my attention... perhaps because the focus is sharp enough to make out tree lines? Maybe because the evening light is just right?


Rich was coming home to Portland on a flight from Boise a few weeks ago when he took these photos. He says he shot only a few frames, watching Mt. Jefferson line up in the background. Some post-processing magic helped boost the quality of the image (scratches on the airplane window had lent some distortion to the originals).

Hooray for late summer sunsets and clear skies!

Mannequin Beach Party

I first noticed The Lippman Co. party supply store in downtown Portland in February, shortly after I had moved here. My son and I were driving over to Airplay Cafe for a mid-morning playdate, and the exit ramp from I-5 dropped us just in front of the store.

Located in an otherwise industrial neighborhood, the Lippman store stands out not just because it is the only storefront within a few blocks, but because the window displays are brightly colored, amusing and impossible to miss. The display in February was Mardi Gras themed, and on that gray Portland morning in February, it was like seeing Las Vegas light up the dark desert sky.

Viewfinders lead photographer Bruce Forster drove by last week and got such a kick out of the current "Beach Party" display that he parked and took this series of shots. I realize they are inanimate objects, but doesn't it seem like they are having a blast? Happy Summer, Portland!

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.