According to Washington State Ferries, “WSF is the largest ferry system in the United States, serving eight counties within Washington and the Province of British Columbia in Canada . . . Washington State Ferries came into existence with the state’s buyout of Puget Sound Navigation in 1951. Ferry service around Puget Sound has changed tremendously over the course of the last century.”
For the photographically inclined, the state ferry system provides a wealth of opportunity for easy access to and photography of the marine environment of Puget Sound, as well as – on many routes – outstanding views of the Seattle marine skyline.
Several runs daily are scheduled from major locations around Puget Sound and fares are reasonable. The vessels are clean, well maintained and rich in photo opportunities ranging from the broad vistas of shoreline and the Seattle waterfront skyline to a chance to possibly sight a killer whale, US Navy vessels from submarines to aircraft carries, to huge commercial cargo and container vessels and a wealth of privately owned power and sailing yachts.
A fellow photographer, Justin Pearson, and I frequently take a sailing from somewhere on the Kitsap Peninsula to downtown Seattle just so we can add new marine and Seattle skyline images to our photo files. Our collections include graphic skylines, stunning sunsets and numerous macro shots of details found on the ferries – from coiled lines and ropes to marine valves, signs, switches and ferry interiors.
As Justin happily pointed out one day, “It is absolutely amazing what you can take pictures of if you keep your eyes open and pay attention to details.” And each time we make the water born trek to Seattle and back his observation is proven true, beyond any doubt.
If you are planning to take a Washington State Ferry, or, for that matter, a ferry in any other state or country, make it a point to explore the vessel -- I am sure you too will be amazed at the photo possibilities you will discover.
While waiting to board the ferry, if you have time, pay attention to the loading mechanisms and pilings and don’t be surprised at the variety of sea birds and other marine creatures you might discover. And, I have yet to ride a ferry anywhere in the world which is not followed by curious sea gulls. A ferryboat can be a great moving platform from which to capture images of sea gulls and other sea birds in flight.
For me, a ferry ride is an inexpensive and enjoyable way to look for and frequently find excellent opportunities to add marine based images to my files. |
