Seattle Ferry Photo Walk: A Little Sunshine, a Little Sleet, and the Magic of Just Being There
The Great Wheel through the window of a Seattle ferry
Planning a photo walk in Seattle, you can never be sure that the weather will cooperate. When a group of friends from The Click Community planned to meet for a photography outing on a Seattle ferry in March, we just hoped for the best. Little did we know, we’d see everything from sunshine to sleet during our meetup to ride the ferry to Bainbridge Island. We met at the ferry terminal, cameras in hand, excited to photograph the iconic Seattle skyline from the water. For a while, the light was perfect – highlighting the beauty of the sound and the city skyline in the distance.
Seattle Skyline from the ferry to Bainbridge Island
I spent time wandering the ferry, feeling particularly inspired by the images I've been observing on the popular @FerriesonFilm account. Seeing the unique perspectives and textures captured on film really ignited my creative spirit.
Photo walks are more than just social gatherings; they're vital for practicing photography. They inspire me to work on skills that have gotten rusty in my routine ways of shooting. Ferry rides, in particular, are the perfect place to seek out compositions and scenes that I wouldn’t traditionally photograph. It’s about stepping outside my comfort zone and challenging myself to see the world differently.
Slowing down and taking the time to truly observe, I found myself noticing interesting reflections, subtle focal points in the ferry's architecture, intricate patterns in the ropes and railings, and unexpected juxtapositions between the industrial vessel and the natural beauty of Puget Sound. I was drawn to the uniqueness of these elements, things I might have overlooked in my usual shooting routines.
And because we were lucky enough to have a sunny day, the ferry ride was filled with beautiful shadows and light. The interplay of light and shadow created pockets of light highlighting textures and adding depth to the scenes. After a long grey winter in Seattle, light and shadow is a constant source of inspiration, and the ferry provided a unique canvas for exploring these elements.
Seattle Skyline from the Ferry to Bainbridge Island
While on Bainbridge, we enjoyed lunch at the delicious and charming Cafe Hitchcock. The vintage vibes paired with the beautiful light offered more opportunity to take photographs. The cozy cafe was the perfect spot to warm up and share stories of our photography journeys.
After refueling, we wandered the town, finding hidden gems and unique photo opportunities. Bainbridge Island offers charming street scenes and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for exploring. The sunlight was fading and the temperature was dropping, but signs of spring were lingering on the island.
In true Seattle form, the weather shifted dramatically for the return ride to Seattle. The sky darkened, sleet and hail began to fall. Instead of letting it dampen our spirits (ha!!), we embraced the moment. We captured the dramatic interplay of light and atmosphere, finding beauty in the unexpected. Seattle photography tips often include being prepared for any weather, and this outing certainly proved that point.
Winter weather on the Puget Sound
Stormy weather and Puget Sound views
You never know what unexpected beauty you might discover. Remember, it's not always about the perfect shot; it's about the moments, the connections, and the stories we create along the way. I hope our little adventure inspires you to slow down, see the world with fresh eyes, and capture the magic that surrounds you, even when the sleet is falling.
What unexpected moments have you captured when you least expected it? Share your story in the comments below.
These images were created using a Sony a6700 + Sigma 18-50 f2.8 lens.
Thank you for joining me In Search of Wonder. Until next time.
💛 Jenny
