My Canon AE1 is my go-to street camera. It’s easy to carry, makes a decent photo and gets a little attention. As you know, from past posts, I like to wander the streets near home. One day last week, when it wasn’t raining, I opted for a walk in NW and inner SW Portland. I return to this area often and always find something knew that captures my attention. I’ve had a difficult time choosing what photos to post as I exposed 3 rolls. I decided to post a sampling that might give you an idea of the flavor of Portland on the street.
The AE1 was manufactured from 1976 to 1984 and was the first microprocessor-equipped SLR. Canon sold more than a million of these to the amateur photography market. One can be bought for about $25 on E-bay. It uses 35mm film and on this day I chose Kodak Portra 400 and Kodak Ektar 100. Portland continues to rate in the top 10 of the best cities in the US. Yes, it rains, but we have a moderate climate and the best part is that we are an hour from the Pacific ocean and an hour from the mountains. I should probably also mention that we have more micro breweries than anywhere else in the world.
I am attracted to the architecture of some of the apartments and houses:
We enjoy a lot of different food choices: food carts line our streets and coffee shops are just around every corner.
Portland is home to the Timbers and whether you are a soccer/football fan makes no difference. Portland loves their teams. On match night just walk a few blocks away from the stadium and you will hear the Timbers Army singing and chanting for 90 minutes, non stop. The Portland Trailblazers are doing well right now in the NBA playoffs.
Portland will be hosting the showing of “Finding Vivian Maier” , starting tomorrow, at Cinema 21 on NW 21st. This is the story of a woman who wandered the streets making photos and never developing them. Her film was found years after her death and they are now printed in several books and there have been many gallery showings. No one knows if she just didn’t have the money to develop her film or if she knew what she was capturing on film and the taking of the photo was enough for her. The film is touring the country so if you get a chance go have a look.
Oh, and I should mention that we love our books…those things printed on paper.
Great information about Portland. I plan on visiting there sometime this year specially those food carts and the little deli!
No showing yet of the movie “Finding Vivian” here yet. I’m looking forward to watching that movie soon.
All the pictures are fantastic!
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Thank you.
Portland is a wonderful city. On my Facebook page I have a link for a short video on “Finding Portland” that would give you a short over view.
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How do I find your Facebook page to look at the link?
Thanks.
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I hope you can see what I just wrote below this for the link.
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I think if you just google my name, Gretchen Hayhurst, that my Facebook page will show up, but this might get you to the link: http://www.movoto.com/blog/opinions/portland-one-prettiest-cities-america-amazing-time-lapse-proof/?fb_action_ids=10151950687836504&fb_action_types=og.likes
let me know how you make out.
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Lots of great street shots, gives a good sense of the city. I like the drink, produce and deli shots especially. Lots of info too, haven’t visit Portland (yet) but definitely on my list of West Coast places to visit when I get a chance. Last major city on the West Coast I haven’t been to.
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thank you
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Nice series! My AE-1 got stolen..did love that camera! Now replaced with a Nikon (don’t laugh) FE..which I like possibly just as much..
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I’m not a Canon snob so I don’t mind that you have a Nikon. 🙂
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Nice shots. I’m looking forward to seeing “Finding Vivian Maier” too.
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thank you
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Great series!
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thank you
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Portland seems to be a very cool city
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I lived in Portland in the early 80’s. I loved every second of my time there. Wonderful images.
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