Chasing Mood in the Pacific Northwest

This weekend I’m heading out to the Seattle area and it honestly feels a little surreal. I’ve only been there once before and that was a quick work trip, in and out, didn’t really get to see much of anything. So this kind of feels like my first real time there.

We’re starting in downtown Seattle for a few days and I don’t totally know what to expect yet. I’ve seen photos of Pike Place Market forever but it will be different actually walking through it, camera in hand, trying to figure out what catches my eye. Hoping for some good street photography moments but also just trying not to force it.

The skyline is another thing I’ve wanted to see in person. The Space Needle, the way it sits in the city, and then everything around it with the water and mountains somewhere out there in the background. I feel like this is one of those places that probably looks different depending on the light every few minutes.

After that we’re heading out toward Olympic National Park and staying near Forks. This is the part that feels the most unknown to me in a good way. The Hoh Rain Forest, Rialto Beach, Second Beach. I’ve seen so many images of those places but I have no real sense yet of what it feels like to actually be there. Just expecting a lot of green, a lot of texture, probably a lot of moments where I stop more than I shoot.

Then we finish up at Mount Rainier National Park. Another place that just feels massive even in photos. Hoping we get some clear views but also kind of open to whatever shows up. Sometimes the weather ends up being the best part.

I’m really excited about trying to capture the overall moodiness of this area. That’s always been the thing that’s pulled me in. And honestly the uncertainty is part of it. Rain, fog, wind, all of it is on the table. It could change everything and that’s kind of what makes it interesting.

This trip couldn’t come at a better time. It’s been a long stretch since I’ve taken this kind of time off all at once. I need the reset. Time to get away, slow down a bit, and just be present with my family.

Of course I have locations in mind, but I’m trying to hold that loosely. Just observe more, take what’s given to me instead of chasing everything.

For the gear side of things, keeping it pretty simple:

• Canon R6

• 70-200mm f4

• 35mm f1.8

• 16mm f2.8

This setup should give me what I need without overcomplicating it. Wide when the scene calls for it, the 35 for most of the day, and the 70-200 if something a little more compressed stands out.

I’m excited to share what comes out of this. The experience, the images, all of it. Check back in a couple weeks at steveellerphotography.com, I’ll have a full set up there. And if something hits while I’m out there, I’ll probably drop a few rough edits along the way.

Should be a good one.