17 To Portland by Amy Sakurai

17 To Portland Along The Way

Photography and Reflections by Amy Sakurai 1

17 To Portland Along The Way

Photography and Reflections by Amy Sakurai

This book is for Thom. May your journey be one of delight and enlightenment.

17 To Portland: The Backstory

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Montgomery Park NW 21st & Lovejoy NW 21st & Glisan NW 19th & Glisan NW 12th & Everett NW 4th & Glisan NW 4th & Burnside SW 3rd & Pine SW 4th & Main Ross Island Bridge SE Milwaukie & Powell SE 18th & Holgate SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park

17 To Portland My friend and ex-co-worker Thom is undergoing a selfreassessment and/or upheaval in his life. And I’m on the periphery looking in, sometimes contributing an idea or two. But mostly I’m listening to Thom’s stories – of which he has many. He tells stories of his life and of returning to his spiritual home in NW Portland. In one of the stories – that of a Red Door – he receives a message from the Universe. The message is on the front of a bus – the lit sign that indicates the bus line and destination. For Thom 17 To Portland became a theme. He has since added the subtitle Along The Way.

Powell Butte

17 has a lot of meanings to Thom... the feelings that one has when he or she is 17... the housing where NW 17th meets the Willamette river... the fact that 17 is a prime number... and so on. He discovered that TriMet line 17 runs through his favorite portions of the city – since NW Portland is where he wants to make his home. Until Thom can realize that dream, he has opened a small art studio on NW 17th. When we talked in April about TriMet’s line 17, I suggested he ride it from beginning to end. He thought that was a great idea. I added that the ride would make a great photo essay for SoFoBoMo (http://sofobomo.org). And so the joint adventure was born. This book is about that adventure – and about life along the 17 line. The 17 is a marvelous route extending from Sauvie Island in the far northwest... across the St. Johns Bridge to North Portland and back... through the NW district along 21st... through the Pearl district and into Old Town... going south to downtown... then across the Ross Island bridge to SE Holgate... way out to Powell Butte. The 17 touches parts of Portland that are special to Thom – and parts of Portland that are special to me.

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

A TriMet Adventure Our original plan was to ride the 17 line from its first run of the day at 5 am until the last run of the day ending at 1 am. The day I chose was Friday, May 1, as that would be a workday and the bus would be transporting commuters. The end of that day would be the start of the weekend, and people would be out enjoying evening life. I did catch the 5:13 at NW 21st & Lovejoy, but Thom was late and didn’t catch up with me until 9:00 am. At that point, he took the lead in determining where and when we took the 17. It’s his journey as well, and I was content to let photography take a back seat. The number of photos I took for the rest of the day was roughly equal to what I’d done by 9 am. On Friday, the adventure was in the doing, not so much in the recording. We had great fun. 14

A person could spend a month capturing images from the 17 bus line and still not touch on everything. There are so many wonderful, mysterious, quirky, interesting, humble, rustic, sophisticated, and/or earthy places to explore. And then there are the fascinating people. So much to see! The 17 is a dream project for any photographer. The entire east side of Portland received little more than a cursory sweep on Friday, so I was determined to make up for the lack of attention. I planned a photo make up day for Saturday, May 9. Thom had intended to come along for at least part of the outing, but he ended up doing other things. I rode the 17 from 9:30 am until 6:30 pm – and then came back for a final set from 9:30 pm until 10:00 pm. While I spent much of Saturday on the east side, I also revisited Old Town, Northwest, and The Pearl. It was another delightful day. For the cost of two TriMet All-Day passes, I had the ride of a lifetime. Yet it doesn’t have to be that sort of seriously rare event. I can ride the 17 any time I want. Given all the things along the way that I didn’t get to enjoy and photograph, it’s certain that I’ll be back on the bus one day. After a long period of construction, later this month TriMet service returns to the Transit Mall on SW 5th and 6th Avenues. The route of the 17 will revert to normal. Perhaps I’ll have to do this again next year!

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

About the Photos The photos for this book were shot on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 9. They reflect a small sampling of life along the 17 line for those two days. Many photos didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make the cut because of layout conflicts. Many interesting locations and situations never got photographed at all. The 17 line is richer than these few pages can convey. Yet, more time and more photos could be overwhelming. Perhaps a two-day limit is not so bad after all.

SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

17 To Portland: The Images

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

The city is still asleep.

Early Bus Before the sun comes up the streets are quiet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as are the wordless riders on the 17 bus. Conversation can be had, if you choose the right person. I had a brief chat with a cyclist/ commuter who was waiting for the 17 at NW 21st and Lovejoy at 5:10 am. He said the 17 keeps a reliable schedule. I watched him mount his bicycle on the busâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bike rack before he boarded. I got to watch that activity a lot throughout the day. The bike racks get a good workout. 26

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Montgomery Park NW 21st & Lovejoy NW 21st & Glisan NW 19th & Glisan NW 12th & Everett NW 4th & Glisan NW 4th & Burnside

“We’ll meet at the Food Court.”

SW 3rd & Pine SW 4th & Main

Pioneer Place

Ross Island Bridge SE Milwaukie & Powell

Perhaps not so much a destination as a convenient rendezvous point.

SE 18th & Holgate SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Montgomery Park NW 21st & Lovejoy NW 21st & Glisan NW 19th & Glisan NW 12th & Everett NW 4th & Glisan NW 4th & Burnside

Accessible. Friendly. Portland encourages us – entices us – to walk. I’d never want to live in a larger, more hostile city.

SW 3rd & Pine SW 4th & Main

Downtown

Ross Island Bridge SE Milwaukie & Powell

A visit to downtown always makes me smile.

SE 18th & Holgate SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Montgomery Park NW 21st & Lovejoy NW 21st & Glisan NW 19th & Glisan NW 12th & Everett NW 4th & Glisan NW 4th & Burnside SW 3rd & Pine SW 4th & Main Ross Island Bridge SE Milwaukie & Powell

Larger than life, a Portland icon, fundraiser, activist, and performer, Darcelle is deeply loved and admired in the community.

Darcelle XV

I will be very sad the day she departs this world and sets up a new cabaret in heaven.

SE 18th & Holgate SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

NW Glisan is part of my normal commute home in the evening. In fact, I’m often in competition with the 17 bus for street space.

Old Town Every afternoon there is a line of people along the front and the side of Blanchet House. A block away is Transition Projects, an organization to whom I regularly donate money. The streets of Old Town are home to many who are far less fortunate than I am. Every weekday I’m reminded of my good fortune – and the need for all of us to do more for the homeless. 40

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

This is Thomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neighborhood. His marketplace.

NW 21st Avenue The Northwest district, a.k.a. Nob Hill, is home to a dizzying variety of interesting eateries and shops. Definitely a place for walking, not driving. The 17 is the perfect way in and out of the district.

SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

A portly, middle-aged gentleman with a cane for support trundles up the sidewalk as I’m photographing a parked motorcycle. I’m trying to use the chrome of the motorcycle to reflect storefronts on NW 21st. “Wouldn’t that look better if you were spread across the top of that motorcycle?” He grins mischievously.

Interlude on NW 21st

Wow. A come on. I’m rather flattered, actually. I smile back at him. “Oh, I don’t think that’s my style of photography.” “Ah. Well, I can take the picture for you!” Still smiling, I shake my head. My ponytail wags from side to side. “OK,” he grins even more and taps an index finger against his head. “But I still have the picture in here.” “As long as it stays there!” I admonish. He continues his walk up the street, and I return my attention to my photography.

Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

I love Cinema 21; it’s where I go to see independent films.

Cinema 21 When my kids were little we took them there to see Spike and Mike’s Animation Festivals. When they were older, we’d go there to watch subtitled anime, such as Lensman and Laputa. Most of the foreign language films I’ve seen in the past 25 years were viewed at Cinema 21. It’s a local landmark.

SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Montgomery Park

Portland is a city of bridges. Eleven bridges cross the Willamette river. Thom’s favorite Portland bridge is the Fremont – while mine is the St. Johns. Thom had run across the St. Johns Bridge during a Portland Marathon. I’ve ridden across the St. Johns Bridge in my three Seattle-toPortland bicycle rides. But until our 17 To Portland project, neither of us had walked across the St. Johns Bridge.

NW 21st & Lovejoy NW 21st & Glisan NW 19th & Glisan NW 12th & Everett NW 4th & Glisan NW 4th & Burnside SW 3rd & Pine SW 4th & Main Ross Island Bridge SE Milwaukie & Powell SE 18th & Holgate SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park

Thom and I had gotten separated Friday afternoon and were riding different busses. When my 17 stopped on NW Bridge Avenue for a mechanical problem, I made the quick decision to disembark. There are no bus stops near the bridge, so the Universe decided I should be given the opportunity for a photo walk. I claimed the moment. A very strong wind blasted across the bridge. I made sure my camera was securely strapped around my neck. My fear of heights notwithstanding, I had an exhilarating walk across my favorite bridge in the city. This could have been its own photo book.

Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Montgomery Park NW 21st & Lovejoy NW 21st & Glisan NW 19th & Glisan NW 12th & Everett

St. Johns St. Johns still has the feel of the small town it once was. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like a time bubble inside of a larger city. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never know you were inside of the Portland city limits.

NW 4th & Glisan NW 4th & Burnside SW 3rd & Pine SW 4th & Main Ross Island Bridge SE Milwaukie & Powell SE 18th & Holgate SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Montgomery Park

Sauvie Island Sauvie Island is often a destination for Portland-area bicycle riders. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not really sure why... the island is flat and featureless... perhaps it is the getting there that is fun.

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

This bridge says home to me. Montgomery Park NW 21st & Lovejoy NW 21st & Glisan NW 19th & Glisan NW 12th & Everett NW 4th & Glisan NW 4th & Burnside SW 3rd & Pine SW 4th & Main Ross Island Bridge SE Milwaukie & Powell SE 18th & Holgate SE 67th & Holgate

My childhood home and my grandparents’ home are both just off SE Holgate, and the Ross Island Bridge was a key piece of the route to I-5. For our family, any long drive to Portland culminated in leaving the freeway and crossing the Willamette on this landmark.

Ross Island Bridge There’s a special feeling of welcome and centeredness I get whenever I’m on this bridge.

SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

A lot of bus drivers ride the 17 as it’s one of two bus lines that stop at TriMet’s main administration building on SE 17th. On Saturday one of the riding drivers recognized me from the Friday outing and asked me where my partner was... and how was 17 To Portland project was going. All was well; I had plenty of photos and would be done at the end of the day. Curious, he asked what bus line I’d be photographing after the 17.

TriMet Main Office “None. This is the only one. The 17 is special.” I was amused by his surprised and puzzled look.

Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

One of the scenes I remember as a child is when our family was returning from a trip, and our car drove up SE Holgate, onto the bridge that spanned the Brooklyn Rail Yard. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d look out the car windows and be amazed at the wide spread of railroad tracks with numerous long lines of boxcars and engines.

Brooklyn Rail Yard I get that nostalgia every time I go over this bridge.

Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Even when I was a little kid I thought the shop seemed out-of-place – a flower store in the middle of nowhere. The building and its neon sign attracted attention by forcing SE Holgate to take a slight jog to one side. The FLOWERS sign was a landmark to us and unmistakeably indicated we were on our way to grandpa’s and grandma’s house. Nearly fifty years later I’m surprised Kern Park Floral is still there – same building, same sign – a bit worse for wear and still out-of-place.

Kern Park Floral

Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

When I was young, the cemetery was a mysterious place â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a quiet contradiction to the noise and movement at the intersection of SE 82nd Avenue and Holgate. Whether in our car or on foot we never stopped to visit. What the cemetery meant to us as kids is that we were very close to my grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house.

Multnomah Park Cemetery

Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

It’s dead to me now. They tore down the little shopping center and in its place erected a giant WalMart plus a few junky strip mall stores – a monument to cheap mediocrity. When I was young, my grandmother and I would walk across the street to Eastport and shop at Lipman’s and J. J. Newberry and the Karamel Korn shop. Perhaps I would be treated to a toy or a book. No matter what was seen or purchased, a visit to Eastport was a marvelous adventure for a small child.

Eastport Plaza

Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

One of the things I remember from my childhood are the bright lights from night baseball games at Lents Park. Portland is thinking about building a AAA baseball field at Lents Park, but it seems to me the park is best suited as a neighborhood resource. Perhaps thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nostalgia speaking.

Lents Park

Powell Butte

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Another of many quirky and fun dining establishments along the 17 line, the Takahashi Japanese Restaurant serves good food in a uniquely Portland environment. In what other Japanese restaurant does a model train run the circumference of the dining area, cheerfully chugging along over the heads of the restaurant patrons?

Takahashi Restaurant 96

Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

People. Always going Somewhere.

Along SE Holgate

SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

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Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Ashamedly I’d never before visited this icon of Portland after hours. But the 17 provided a perfect opportunity for me to dine at the 54-year-old establishment. The middle of the afternoon is not Prime Time; in contrast the joint is packed at 2 or 3 am. During the day, tables are actually available. I was seated and served unusually quickly.

Original Hotcake House I had a 1/4 pound hamburger, but I’m sorta regretting that I didn’t order my favorite breakfast – minced ham and scrambled eggs. I’ve got a reason to go back now.

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Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Portland’s Chinatown district is of modest size and getting smaller as businesses migrate to the new Chinese district in east Portland. While family favorite Hung Far Low has moved east, a number of restaurants such as House of Louie and the Republic Cafe remain along the 17’s route.

Chinatown

I suppose this view of the Chinatown gate is unconventional as I took this photo from the gate’s backside, facing away from Chinatown. But I liked the contrast with Big Pink.

SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

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Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Montgomery Park NW 21st & Lovejoy NW 21st & Glisan NW 19th & Glisan NW 12th & Everett NW 4th & Glisan NW 4th & Burnside SW 3rd & Pine SW 4th & Main Ross Island Bridge SE Milwaukie & Powell

Portland is lush with parks; the 17 cruises alongside at least nine, including the grandest of all, Forest Park. The North Park Blocks are representative of Portlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s city parks, green with grass and tall evergreen trees... with courts and play areas for fun lovers, large and small.

North Park Blocks The laughter of children, the running of dogs, and the hustle of basketball players infuse the park with life and energy

SE 18th & Holgate SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

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Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

NW Glisan is the main artery that runs through the heart of the Pearl District. There is always something happening, something to see, and people to watch along the street.

NW Glisan I enjoy my evening commute along Glisan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; except for First Thursday, when the street is packed with cars and pedestrians jostling for places at the Pearl Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monthly gallery funfest.

SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

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Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Montgomery Park

While speeding between the Pearl and Northwest districts, one might easily skip past this hidden gem. That would be a mistake.

NW 21st & Lovejoy NW 21st & Glisan NW 19th & Glisan NW 12th & Everett

Couch Park

NW 4th & Glisan NW 4th & Burnside

Portlanders love their parks.

SW 3rd & Pine SW 4th & Main Ross Island Bridge SE Milwaukie & Powell SE 18th & Holgate SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

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Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

MLC is a great place for kids who for one reason or another donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit in with the normal K-12 environment.

Metropolitan Learning Center Over the years my work with SMYRC has given me the privilege of talking to many MLC students â&#x20AC;&#x201C; exceptional young people. Any school that makes life better for them gets a gold star in my book.

SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

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St. Johns Bridge

Montgomery Park NW 21st & Lovejoy NW 21st & Glisan NW 19th & Glisan NW 12th & Everett NW 4th & Glisan NW 4th & Burnside SW 3rd & Pine SW 4th & Main

Dining in Nob Hill Culinary options abound. A gathering of friends. What could be more fun?

Ross Island Bridge SE Milwaukie & Powell SE 18th & Holgate SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

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Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

One of Thomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite hangouts

Blue Hour

The Pearl district has an abundance of swank and trendy eateries. Choosing just one can be a dilemma. Once you choose one, enjoy being pampered. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what Thom and I did on Friday evening.

SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

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Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Montgomery Park NW 21st & Lovejoy NW 21st & Glisan NW 19th & Glisan NW 12th & Everett NW 4th & Glisan NW 4th & Burnside SW 3rd & Pine SW 4th & Main

The Pearl pearl of the night, seductive shadow and light. i want my friends near.

Ross Island Bridge SE Milwaukie & Powell SE 18th & Holgate SE 67th & Holgate SE 82nd & Holgate Lents Park Powell Butte

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Sauvie Island

St. Johns Bridge

Coming out of Blue Hour I walked down NW Everett towards the bus stop on 11th. Just then the 17 roared by. I chased it all the way down to 9th, but the gap kept growing. Swell. I’d missed the 10:15. The next and last bus to Holgate wasn’t for another hour. I called Thom (who was getting his truck) and camped out in the north Park blocks. Studying the bus schedules I determined we had just one last, narrow chance to get to the Ross Island Bridge and back. It’s a little scary being alone at night in the park, and I was on extra-high alert. Most of the people who came by were quite relaxed, though – young couples, small clusters of laughing teenage girls – even a young mother and her little girl. Still, I was relieved when Thom finally arrived. The 11:15 bus was 10 minutes late. By the time we reached the Ross Island Bridge it was 11:45 – and the rain was coming down.

Portland at Midnight

Accuweather had told me rain wouldn’t arrive until 4 am; Thom had expected rain before midnight. Thom 1, Accuweather 0. In the bus shelter I organized my gear while Thom scouted our route across the highway – and also the location of the bus stop for our return trip. At 11:55 pm he returned.

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“C’mon! We’ve got 20 minutes!” “No, Thom. That’s not enough time. Forget it.” “Amy, we’re going! The worst that can happen is that we’ll miss the bus. If that happens I’ll go get my truck and drive us back.” “No, Thom!” “C’mon! Let’s go!” And he took off. I followed him across the median, pausing for gaps in the traffic. “I’ll run ahead and get the tripod set up!” Thom yelled as he sprinted away. I ran after him albeit not very fast. I was laden with two bags of gear and a camera out in the open that I could barely protect from the rain by tucking under my open running jacket. Darkness on my left... a blaze of car headlights on my right... rain pouring down from above... my running was hardly more than a flailing but controlled stagger uphill. Thom got farther and farther away. The Ross Island Bridge stretched seemingly forever. I never realized the bridge was so long. We’re running out of time, I thought after stumbling ahead way too long. We have a clear shot of Portland here... but Thom, a small, dark blot in the distance, was still running. Damn you, Thom! Where are you going?? This is good enough! But he kept moving ahead.

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We ran. And ran. Finally he stopped. I could see the sign overhead. Thom had run all the way to midspan. I caught up, popped my camera onto the tripod, and tried to focus and set focal length. I was using the broken Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens. Thom held his newlyfound cap over the setup to keep the camera dry. I took four quick shots, then flipped the latch to release my camera from the tripod. Tucking the camera under my jacket I started running back down the bridge, towards the bus stop on SW Kelly.

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Notes

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Bus Stop SE 17th at Center Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 26mm, 1/60s, f/13, ISO 200

Layover SE Holgate at 134th Nikkor AF 35mm f/2 @ 35mm, 1/250s, f/4, ISO 400

Couch Park NW Glisan at 19th Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/1250s, f/4, ISO 400

Bus Stop Bench SE Holgate at 18th Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, 1/500s, f/8, ISO 200

Passenger Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 24mm, 1/90s, f/4, ISO 800

Lux Lighting NW Glisan at 13th Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 26mm, 1/8s, f/4, ISO 800

On the 17 Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/50s, f/2.8, ISO 400

On the 17 Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 34mm, 1/125s, f/4, ISO 1600

Passenger Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 34mm, 1/2s, f/2.8, ISO 1600

Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Station Nikkor AF 35mm f/2 @ 35mm, 1/320s, f/2.8, ISO 400

On the 17 Nikkor AF 35mm f/2 @ 35mm, 1/60s, f/4.8, ISO 400

SW 3rd Avenue Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 31mm, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 1600

Bus Shelter SE 122nd at Powell Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, 1/500s, f/11, ISO 200

SE Holgate at 104th Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 55mm, 1/500s, f/8, ISO 200

SW 3rd at Yamhill Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, 1/90s, f/4, ISO 1600

On the 17 Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 18mm, 1/45s, f/4, ISO 200

At Laurelwood Park Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, 1/750s, f/8, ISO 400

SW 3rd at Yamhill Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 22mm, 1/30s, f/4, ISO 1600

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Pioneer Place SW 4th Avenue Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, 1/125s, f/4, ISO 800

Transition Projects NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/320s, f/2.8, ISO 400

Keep â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em Flying NW 21st Avenue Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 31mm, 1/250s, f/6.7, ISO 400

Pioneer Place SW 4th Avenue Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, 1/125s, f/5.6, ISO 800

Blanchet House NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 24mm, 1/2000s, f/4, ISO 400

Cannibals NW 21st Avenue Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 30mm, 1/350s, f/8, ISO 400

Bijou Cafe SW 3rd at Pine Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 32mm, 1/60s, f/6.7, ISO 200

Transition Projects NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 40mm, 1/500s, f/5.6, ISO 200

Telephone Pole NW 21st at Irving Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 48mm, 1/500s, f/6.7, ISO 800

513 SW 4th Avenue Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 18mm, 1/90s, f/4, ISO 800

City Market NW 21st Avenue Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/2000s, f/4, ISO 400

NW 21st Avenue Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 30mm, 1/350s, f/5.6, ISO 200

SW 3rd at Alder Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, 1/180s, f/5.6, ISO 800

Coffee Time NW 21st Avenue Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/500s, f/2.8, ISO 400

NW 21st at Irving Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/640s, f/4.8, ISO 200

Darcelle XV NW 3rd Avenue Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 32mm, 1/350s, f/2.8, ISO 800

City Market NW 21st Avenue Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/400s, f/2.8, ISO 200

Cinema 21 NW 21st Avenue Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 26mm, 1/180s, f/5.6, ISO 200

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St. Johns Bridge Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 55mm, 1/1500s, f/8, ISO 400

St. Johns Booksellers Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, 1/350s, f/6.7, ISO 400

The 17 Bus On Sauvie Island Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 38mm, 1/750s, f/5.6, ISO 400

St. Johns Bridge Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, 1/750s, f/5.6, ISO 400

Wishing Well Restaurant Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 18mm, 1/1000s, f/6.7, ISO 400

On the Ross Island Bridge Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 38mm, 1/2000s, f/4, ISO 200

Cyclist St. Johns Bridge Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 38mm, 1/1000s, f/8, ISO 400

Atomic Daylight Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 34mm, 1/250s, f/6.7, ISO 400

SE Powell Blvd East of the Ross Island Bridge Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 28mm, 1/750s, f/6.7, ISO 200

Stalled 17 Bus NW Bridge Avenue Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 44mm, 1/2000s, f/4, ISO 400

N. Philadelphia at Lombard St. Johns Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/350s, f/4, ISO 200

View of Portland From the Ross Island Bridge Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 55mm, 1/500s, f/4.8, ISO 400

The 17 Arrives St Johns Bridge Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/320s, f/6.7, ISO 200

The 17 Bus On Sauvie Island Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 20mm, 1/500s, f/8, ISO 400

TriMet Bus Barn SE 17th at Center Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 18mm, 1/1500s, f/4, ISO 200

St. Johns Cinema Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, 1/1500s, f/6.7, ISO 400

Sauvie Island Bridge Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 24mm, 1/180s, f/8, ISO 400

Bridge Railing Brooklyn Rail Yard Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 45mm, 1/1000s, f/5.6, ISO 200

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Brooklyn Rail Yard SE Holgate at 18th Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, 1/180s, f/9.5, ISO 200

Multnomah Park Cemetery SE Holgate at 82nd Nikkor AF 35mm f/2 @ 35mm, 1/100s, f/4, ISO 100

Little League Softball Lents Park Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/640s, f/2.8, ISO 100

Brooklyn Rail Yard SE Holgate at 18th Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, 1/350s, f/8, ISO 200

Multnomah Park Cemetery SE Holgate at 82nd Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 34mm, 1/250s, f/5.6, ISO 200

Little League Baseball Lents Park Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/1500s, f/2.8, ISO 100

Kern Park Floral SE Holgate at 67th Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 38mm, 1/750s, f/8, ISO 400

Multnomah Park Cemetery SE Holgate at 82nd Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 50mm, 1/350s, f/5.6, ISO 200

Takahashi Restaurant SE Holgate Blvd. Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 31mm, 1/350s, f/5.6, ISO 200

Kern Park Floral From the 17 Bus Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 55mm, 1/1000s, f/4, ISO 200

Lents Park SE Holgate Blvd. Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 55mm, 1/180s, f/9.5, ISO 200

Apocalypse Cafe SE Foster Rd at Holgate Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 55mm, 1/350s, f/8, ISO 400

Kern Park Floral SE Holgate at 67th Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 50mm, 1/180s, f/5.6, ISO 400

Little League Softball Lents Park Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/800s, f/2.8, ISO 100

SE Holgate Blvd. Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 55mm, 1/500s, f/11, ISO 400

Multnomah Park Cemetery SE Holgate at 82nd Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 38mm, 1/500s, f/5.6, ISO 200

Little League Softball Lents Park Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/750s, f/2.8, ISO 100

Seen from the 17 bus On SE Holgate Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 45mm, 1/250s, f/5.6, ISO 200

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Original Hotcake House SE Powell Blvd. Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 19mm, 1/750s, f/6.7, ISO 200

Cyclists NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 52mm, 1/750s, f/5.6, ISO 200

Couch Park NW Glisan at 19th Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/640s, f/4, ISO 400

Chinatown Gate & Big Pink NW 4th Avenue Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 22mm, 1/750s, f/2.8, ISO 800

17 Bus NW Glisan at 16th Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, 1/60s, f/5.6, ISO 200

Metropolitan Learning Center NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 55mm, 1/180s, f/4.8, ISO 400

North Park Blocks NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/125s, f/5.6, ISO 400

Couch Park NW Glisan at 19th Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/1000s, f/4, ISO 400

Metropolitan Learning Center NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 28mm, 1/1000s, f/4.8, ISO 400

North Park Blocks NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/400s, f/5.6, ISO 400

Couch Park NW Glisan at 19th Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/200s, f/4, ISO 400

Metropolitan Learning Center NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/750s, f/4, ISO 400

North Park Blocks NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/160s, f/5.6, ISO 400

Couch Park NW Glisan at 19th Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/1000s, f/4, ISO 400

Dinner at Blue Moon NW 21st at Glisan Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 32mm, 1/60s, f/6.7, ISO 200

NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/750s, f/4, ISO 400

Couch Park NW Glisan at 19th Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 @ 85mm, 1/1250s, f/4, ISO 400

Dinner at Taste of Mexico NW 21st Avenue Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/5.6 @ 70mm, 1/20s, f/5.6, ISO 400

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Dinner at Virgo & Pisces NW 21st Avenue Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 38mm, 1/45s, f/6.7, ISO 200

Lux Lighting 1333 NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 26mm, 1/3s, f/4, ISO 200

Drinks at Blue Hour NW Everett at 12th Nikkor AF 35mm f/2 @ 35mm, 1/125s, f/4.8, ISO 800

View of Portland at Midnight From the Ross Island Bridge Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm VR @ 18mm, 1.8s, f/8, ISO 800

All photos were captured using Nikon D300 and D200 DSLRs, saved in NEF (Raw) format, and processed using Adobe Lightroom v2.2 and Adobe Photoshop CS3 on an Apple Power Mac G5 with 23" Apple Cinema Display.

MoulĂŠ 1225 NW Everett St. Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm VR @ 60mm, 1/20s, f/4.8, ISO 800

Lens assignments: D200: Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4D, Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/5.6G

Palomino 1211 NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 38mm, 1/3s, f/5.6, ISO 800

D300: Nikkor AF 35mm f/2D, Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8G

Andina 1314 NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 31mm, 0.7s, f/5.6, ISO 800

This book was created using Adobe InDesign CS3, Adobe Bridge CS3, Boinx FotoMagico 2.6.2, and Microsoft Word 2008 under Mac OS 10.5 on the Apple Power Mac G5.

Andina 1314 NW Glisan St. Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 26mm, 1/3s, f/4, ISO 800

The font Myriad Pro is used for all text.

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Postscript The goal of SoFoBoMo is to shoot and assemble a photo book within the space of a month. The goal of SoFoBoMo is to have fun. Both missions accomplished. I had been concerned with my intense work schedule that I wouldn’t be able to find the time to do my SoFoBoMo project this year. If a month seems like hardly enough time to create a photo book from scratch – try three weekends. I basically did two days of photography, two days of image sorting and post-processing, and two days of layout and writing. And yet it all worked out. I flew with instinct and intuition, and I’m happy with the result. I did start out with some intention to add more variety of style and to play with artistic shots. The time constraints kept that from happening. Maybe SoFoBoMo isn’t the best framework for experimentation. It’s quickest and easiest to just go with what you know. The essence of SoFoBoMo is to be quick and to let go. Don’t get wound up in details and perfection. Do the best you can in the time alloted. Have fun. Be content with what you produce. I love doing the SoFoBoMo project and am looking forward to participating in the challenge next year. In the interim, you might see me riding the 17 and having fun.

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About Me I started exploring photography in 2007. I’m an artist in general – but also a technogeek, as I make my living as a software developer and IT analyst. I’m loving my excursion into photography. Perhaps it will be a big part of my retirement or second career. I’m also a writer, although I don’t get the chance to write much for myself. I write a lot of technical documentation at work, and I maintain a personal blog, so my keyboards get a decent workout, daily.

On the web, here’s how to find me: Blog: http://lovelyangel.livejournal.com Photo Gallery: http://lovelyangel.zenfolio.com Website: http://members.macconnect.com/~lovelyangel

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A book by Amy Sakurai / Kokoro Designworks 150