I was in Seattle on a layover and figured Id devote the entire day to a photo scavenger hunt. Hit all the typically over photographed places in the city. I was staying by the airport, which meant easy access to rental cars. Day rates are pretty low if you return the same day so that’s what I did. I got the cheapest car Enterprise offered for $34. Picked it up about 8am, and returned it around 6pm. First stop, Kerry Park to get a good view of downtown
When I got there I was the only person around. It was Friday morning, so im guessing most people were still at work. I spent about 20 minutes here looking for different angles to try and put my own spin on the famous photo spot.
Best I could manage, I threw my longest lens (85mm) on the camera and shot through a statue to frame the space needle. On to the next stop, the Suzzallo library! Its a short drive from the park, only about 15 minutes and the parking is easy to navigate.
If you come here make sure you come earlier in the day when the sun is at a low point in the sky. You’ll get more dramatic lighting inside vs at mid day.
Pro tip for the library, its actually used to study. There are people in there getting their learn on, so don’t be that photographer that ruins the quietness. Put your camera on silent shooting mode. Next stop, back to the city! Heres where its helpful to look for the cheapest parking in the city because it can get expensive. I found a place that I could park for 4hrs for $16. Also important to park somewhere in the middle because the walking shoes are about to come out.
Space Needle! Maybe the most touristy spot in the city but its still really cool and worth taking the time to go to the top. While you are here the Chihuly exhibit is next door and is cheaper when bundling both together.
I didnt spend a whole lot of time up here, mostly because my palms were sweating the whole time. Im terribly afraid of heights. On to the Chihuly exhibit! Its a unbelievably short walk from the base of the space needle.
I didnt take too many pictures in the exhibit, I felt I should take some time to appreciate another artists creations. Its very inspiring to see how a persons whole life can be devoted to creating such amazing things. Next up an Amazon pilgrimage.
Around the center of the city, Amazon has made a home. They’ve build these forest domes for their employees to meet and work. They also made a few of their own stores, like the prototype Amazon Go store, where you don’t checkout. You just take what you want, walk out, and they charge your amazon account. Also the 4 star store. Filled with everything that has a 4 star rating or higher! Naturally being a huge Amazon supporter I had to see this first hand
After getting a bottle of water from Amazon Go, I headed for the Seattle public library. I brought a crazy wide 10mm lens with me and figured something this architecturally interesting would be that much more with a funhouse mirror stuck on my camera.
I perused around for a bit looking at all the different places in the library. They even had sound proof music rooms for people to practice. On to the last stop! Pikes Market.
I saved this for last as I knew it was going to be a much better experience around sunset. It was crowded but actually not as bad as I would have guessed on a Friday afternoon.
I walked around until the sun was down. There were a lot of food options that smelled pretty good here.
Also a few street performers that dragged their own pianos out from somewhere.
Also, this is the place where the first Starbucks is. Becky’s rejoice! I didn’t go inside because I cant drink coffee sadly.
I figured this was my last stop until I remembered I was going to pass by Jeff’s Balls on the way back to the car. I figured why not one more photo challenge. So I sat on a street corner and propped my camera on top of my backpack and got some long exposure of the Spheres.
Far more impressive at night I think. Thanks for coming along on my day trip!
