The End Approaches...

Well it turns out I can't shake this stir-crazy urge to move to Seattle, and I have quit my job at Safeway. I'll be moving to Seattle on January 11th after I get back from vacation in California.

I felt that I should create one more farewell post. Farewell to this small town, this ghost town. Some things I will miss; my parents, the smell of sagebrush, the epic rural vastness, and the crisp desert air. However, I have to be honest in saying that my life is about to change for the better. Farewell G.C.

Here are few photos of my current home, and what will be my new home. Seattle. <3

This last shot is of me at Lake Washington after a lovely drive along the water. I can't wait to live here. Thank you for being wonderful, and reading/looking at my blog. Expect more! I'll post a link to my new blog once I figure out what it's going to be.

Peace.

Epic Hike + Tips & Tidbits on budget friendly photography...

Hello Friends,

Today's entry is going to be a little different that usual, for I have decided to share not only photographs, but also some info from my own brain about how to create lovely images without breaking the bank.

Let's face it, most nice SLR camera's plus the lenses more often than not will cost you upwards of $1,000, and even more if you get the professional level cameras. Many people believe that you can only take great photos with a high-end, fancy-pants camera. Bollocks I say to this!! It is the photographer's eye that is the most important, and yes the tools obviously play a significant role, but you can make great art without spending the big bucks.

For instance, holga's cost on average about $20.00, and you can make some great images with these "toy" cameras. Also, I want to show some examples of my work which was done on my canon powershot, which is a simple point and shoot camera. Only cost me about $300, and I am very happy with the images I create with it!

Here are some photographs from my recent hike, and below each photo I explain the setting I used on the camera to produce the specific image. 

 This beauty, as you can see, has a slight fish-eye effect which gives it those fun curves. Adding a hint of surrealism, and distortion. The canon comes with a "fish-eye" setting, and well, I used it!

 Fish-Eye again, used on a sage bush.

 This image was taken with the "Program" setting, which gives you the option of changing the white balance, color, contrast, and several other features, to your heart's content. :)

 This image is one of my favorite from this shoot, and it was done using the "Miniature" effect. This makes it look farther away, when you are at a distance, and it places the blur along the top and bottom of the photograph.

 Also, Miniature Effect.

 Another miniature effect, but this one was used correctly because I took it close up, and "miniaturized" the moss on this rock.

 "Program" setting.

Program Setting.

So there you have it...photography on a budget, or for those of you who feel intimidated by SLR's or are simply starting out in the field and you want to strengthen your eye before you whip out the big guns. I hope this post was enjoyable and informative.

Go look the world in the eye, so it can look back into yours. <3

I Played Outside...

My boredom got the best of me yesterday, and despite my urge to cuddle up in my bed and surf the internets, I chose to go on a lovely hike.
Banks Lake is a true beauty, and quite the little gem here in Washington. I live about 5 minutes away, hence it was my first choice for a hike around. My little adventure produced these photos, which were taken on my phone. (shhhh, don't tell)

Through Alex's Eyes...

This past weekend I spent some time up in the backwoods of Colville, WA with a dear friend of mine. We stayed out at her family's cabin, with her extended family; parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles, and the sweetest 3yr old nephew, Alex. This post is about him.

I instantly fell in love with Alex, and while we all played cars and trucks with him, he immediately took a liking to my small point and shoot camera. I saw an artist in the making, and showed him how to use the device.

I observed as he played around with the camera, and started taking photos from his point of view. Most of them were close ups, pictures of his feet, and toys with strange angles and no second thoughts. It was pure experimentation.

We can learn a lot from children and their untainted, non-judgmental eyes. I loved the raw and unplanned photographs he took and I want to share them with you today. The first is a photo I took of precious Alex, and I chose several of my favorite photos that he created:

The Empty Streets I Walk on...

I took quite a few photographs today, and I decided to split them up into 2 different posts. This one features the other buildings/sites I found on my walk today. I chose to capture the abandoned buildings in the main business area of Grand Coulee, for there are many, sadly. This small town nearly shuts down during the winter months, and quite honestly doesn't have too much more to offer during the summer, aside from outdoor recreation.

It feels like a ghost town to me. Devoid of human beings, and I feel I may run into zombies or dead spirits around every corner. Not to say the people here aren't living perfectly fine lives, at least for them, but I just don't think I can last much longer in this desolate place.

The gritty, desolate vibe does transcribe well in photos, however. This I am thankful for.

 These first two photos describe how Grand Coulee feels to me at times. "The Car Ran without Gasoline"...this place functions, and things happen, but it seems that there lacks spirit and energy to go along with the life here. Weathered and run down, but it still goes on. Ever the same.

Beautiful Dilapidation...

After my 6 hour shift at the only grocery store in Grand Coulee, Safeway, I decided to rid myself of the mundane fibers that lingered on my sleeves, and go out on a photo adventure. Alone, but of course. I set out towards a building I had been meaning to photograph, and found my treasure.

Here is that lovely, abandoned, run-down building just blocks from my house. 'Tis my favorite.

Light Study...

 Today there was some lovely light pouring in through the windows, so I decided to take advantage of it. Winter is encroaching upon us, so light is precious. Here is what I came up with. All of these photos are straight from the camera, no photoshop/editing today.

Obligitory Dam Photo...

So I live by a dam, and I feel the need to have at least one post about it. Considering Grand Coulee Dam is one of the largest dams in North America, and it generates power for an absurd amount of people. Not to mention, my dad works there!

Pretty Cool. I know. Well, not too much else to explain. This is a view of the dam from a lookout point that you can drive to just North of Grand Coulee on the road towards Brewster.

My Alone Time...

How do I keep myself occupied/entertained in this inexplicably small town without any friends?

Exhibit A (Fantasy): Layna's favorite slippers, Lady Slippers, called out to the frisky BlueMoon beer bottle, enticing him with her cozy interior. BlueMoon hopped into my left shoe to snuggle up with her. It's a fine romance.

Mr. Ukulele was a little drunk and he passed out, misssing his chance to get with the Lady Slippers. Poor Mr. Ukulele.

Exhibit B (Reality) : I put my slippers on my bed, placed my beer in my shoe, and set my Ukulele down beside them.

Down the Road...

 Occasionally I will make my way down to the water just behind Grand Coulee Dam either on a run, or for a nice long think without any distractions. This area is one of my favorite spots, and is conveniently located about 5 minutes from my home.

 I loved the stark contrast between the bright yellow brush and the dazzling blue water.  The day was tired, but choppy waters and light blue skies lifted me up. The desert climate is really growing on me. It's October,
yet I got slightly sunburned today despite the low temperature, and this brings me joy.


Dear Grand Coulee,
Although the population hasn't impressed me yet, your subtle beauty and sunshine has brought you redemption.

Thank you.

-Layna Be.