At the Oregon Coast… Sort of – Shooting the Mundane in B&W

My wife and I are fortunate to live in close proximity to the Oregon coast, one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in the United States, if not the world.  We visit as frequently as we can.  When we do, I make sure to take pictures of magnificent coastal vistas, the rock formations, the sandy beaches and the pounding surf.  You know, the standard images one feels compelled to make at a beautiful scenic location.

Not long after I purchased a Leica M3, and, indeed, not that long after I started taking film images, we made a trip to the coast.  I took the usual shots but vowed on this trip to challenge myself to try something a bit different.  Loading my camera with Ilford HP 5 Plus black and white film, I resolved to shoot all or most a roll in or near the coastal lodge where we were staying, a location set well back from water.  I also ended up shooting some in and by a nearby hotel whose restaurant we often patronize. I won’t explicitly reveal locations but anyone familiar with the Oregon coast may well recognize where I took some of these images.

My goal was to see what I could accomplish photographically in rather mundane surroundings.  I just wandered about with an eye toward capturing things that might look good in black and white.  This first image is simply of bright light poring in through large windows on the ceiling.  I thought the wood pillars made some interesting shapes.

Something about these small hammocks caught my eye.  I doubt many people would think of them as potential photographic subjects but they seem to render pretty well in black and white.  The shadows also added a bit of interest.  Scenes like this were just what I was looking for.

What could be better for monochrome images than white cloth.  Draped over small tables and nicely lined up, they instantly caught my eye.  It appeared as though preparations were being made for some kind of resort function.  I seem to recall staff passing by and looking puzzled as to what I was photographing.  I doubt many guests photograph tables.

Speaking of tables, more contrast featured on these larger serving tables.  I especially like the first image.

I don’t know what it is about them, but chairs seem to interest me.  These two on a wood deck seemed inviting.  I may have even sat on one for a time.

More chairs.  Believe it or not, there is a big ocean outside those windows, but I was interested more in the chairs, the shadows and the sunlight poring into the room, a waiting room at a hotel restaurant.  I liked the background showing a bit of the building structure outside the window.

The next image is merely part of a hotel lobby.  Perhaps it is just me, but the scene gave me a sense of mystery as i peered down the corridor and saw a bit of light under a door.  What was behind the door?

The next image was taken in the same area as the above one.  Whenever I see the number 10, I think of 10 Downing Street in London.  Stupid perhaps but that always comes to mind.

The next two images are of artwork displayed on the walls of lodge property.  Nothing all that special but for some reason caught my eye.

The next image is a kind of wood sculpture of sea lion.  I liked the light and how my subject looked bathed in it.

One would get the impression that I am preoccupied with places to sit down.  I suppose for some reason I do photography them a lot.  I like doors and windows as subjects as well.

Looking up again through a window on the ceiling of the lodge.  I liked the chimney.

The next image is a dead giveaway to the location of this and other images if you have visited or stayed in this part of the Oregon coast.  It was a tough exposure with high contrast of bright light and dark shadows.

The next image was merely a composition in our hotel room.  Abstract artwork and a lamp.

I guess the resort uses the vehicle below to transport groups of guests.  I thought the vehicle made an acceptable subject.

Yet another chair.  I can’t seem to pass by without clicking.

Wow!  There is actually an ocean out there.  I did take a lot of images of the ocean but I think I had the most fun trying to make something out the ordinary just inland from the crashing waves.

I suppose they owe me for the advertising

It seems like everything has been photographed.  Certainly most every style or kind of photograph has been done before, most likely many times before and by photographers who probably have done it much better than you could possibly do it yourself.  Yet, this is a big planet, rich and complex, full of possibilities.  Though there are lots of people who have cameras and vast amounts of images are uploaded to the internet everyday, I have to believe there is room for good photography, though it may be more challenging to make your mark than it once was.

The  images in this piece are from astounding, but they were the result of trying something different.  If you ever find yourself in a creative rut, you might try seeing what you can make of your immediate surroundings, humble though they may be.  It is not difficult to make a good photograph in the Grand Canyon or in Yosemite, but what have you added to the world of photography if you do?  There are countless images of the famous places.  Your images probably don’t add much to what has been already done.  Make a good photograph in your back yard or in your hotel room.  May be, just may be, you’ve accomplished something more significant.  Just a thought.

if you like what you have seen here, you might check out curtisheikkinen.smugmug.com or @curtisheikkinen on Instagram.  Happy shooting and thanks for looking.

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