Seattle in grayscale
Exploring Seattle’s Fremont neighbourhood and testing my new camera (Nikon One Touch Zoom 90 35mm Point and Shot).
The streets of Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood were my first subject for this new camera and my first time shooting black and white film. I came here drawn by the promise of an eclectic, walkable community. It turned out to be the perfect place for a photo walk, where every corner felt picturesque yet casual (this is how I would describe Seattle as a city, by the way).
At first glance, Fremont felt like a fusion of lively and quiet, a blend of young energy with a small-town pace.
It was Sunday – and Sundays in Fremont bring out a vibrant street market. They call it "European style," a place where you can grab a snack, a drink, and just hang out with a friend. A Third place in a way. And people did show up although it was a cool grey day of early January.
As I walked, I kept finding little cosmic clues. Various public art forms and signs. Fremont seemed to be obsessed with all things alien and extraterrestreal. It made me wonder if it was a nod to the Space Needle, or something else entirely.
These shots were probably taken in Capitol Hill. The transition between the neighbourhoods felt seamless.
This little bookstore was an absolute gem. They only sell used books (quite an impressive collection), but the highlight was all the cats they adopted. The cats felt like the mystical guardians of the bookstore, and reminded me of the foxy creatures who watched over the library in Avatar: The Last Airbender.
As the afternoon came out, the sun transformed the streets. I love how the light turned out in these shots.
These are the views Seattle is known for: the vast lakes, the hills, and that majestic Pacific Northwest atmosphere.
In a city known for its rain, make sense there were so many reading places.
Looking back, I realize that choosing black and white film turned out to be more than just an experiment. It was the perfect way to see Seattle in winter. The greyscale helped me focus on the character and details of the city, rather than the muted winter colours. And the camera test turned out well, too! Nikon One Touch Zoom 90 35mm is very lightweight and makes it easy to just point and shoot without drawing too much attention.
