Seattle Adventures and Getting Over Myself

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18

Mar

I get really embarrassed when I take my camera out in public. So much so that I almost NEVER do it unless I have clients with me. Isn’t that the weirdest thing? I love being behind my camera. I love the challenge of getting the shot right. And I absolutely love preserving great memories. But, time and time again I find myself pulling out my phone and getting my photo fix with that. Cell photos can be amazing nowadays, but nothing really compares to the control I have when I use my DSLR. 

I cannot totally explain why I feel like this. Part of me is always worried about damaging my equipment. I am a new business and I do not have money to just readily replace things if something was to happen without feeling a big impact. The camera and lenses are not the lightest and can be a pain in the tush to lug around. But, the biggest thing really comes down to my pride/awkwardness. When I have a camera around my neck I jump back and forth between two main lines of thought:

  • No no… just because I have a camera does not mean I think I know everything about photography. I am just out here having fun. I promise I do not take myself too seriously! 
  • Hey! I like REALLY love taking photos. I am not just out here being useless…sometimes people even trade money for my photos! 

Yeah… I know I am ridiculous. I spend way too much time thinking about what other people are thinking about me. WASTE OF TIME! I decided on this trip, I wanted to do what I love and I know I love spending time with Nick and taking photos. I warned the friends we are visiting that I wanted to take lots of photos while I am visiting. They did not look at me like I was a huge inconvenience or a pretentious snob. They basically expected it and even jumped in on the fun! I am never one to get in front of the camera and end up not having a lot of photos of Nick and I together. I brought my camera AND I handed it to other people. Big moves for Michelle Franzetti. 

We are in Seattle to visit Nick’s best friend since childhood and his girlfriend. Their names are Ty and Naomi and they have made sure we have the BEST vacation ever. They live on the coast (literally… as in their apartment is OVER the water) and have a fireplace. I am in heaven. The photos below are just a few of the amazing memories captured on just day one of our vacation. Now I look through these and I could not imagine not having these to enjoy!!! Plus, now I get the share them with you!! 

 Moral of the story: Do what you love. Don’t care what other people think!

 The  Pike Place Market  was our first stop! This market is over 100 years old and it is one thing I really wish we had in Lexington. This space is an incubator for farmers, artists and other small businesses. You can enjoy flying fish at the  Pike Place Fish Market , The Gum Wall (named one of the 5 germiest tourist attractions), and snag delicious treats like  OMG! Olive Oils . 

The Pike Place Market was our first stop! This market is over 100 years old and it is one thing I really wish we had in Lexington. This space is an incubator for farmers, artists and other small businesses. You can enjoy flying fish at the Pike Place Fish Market , The Gum Wall (named one of the 5 germiest tourist attractions), and snag delicious treats like OMG! Olive Oils . 

 Spot the flying fish! 

Spot the flying fish! 

 Oh yeah! That is the  original Starbucks  behind us! It is weird to think that Starbucks has been around for almost 50 years and now there are over 25,000 locations. My favorite: chai latte with a side of cake pop. Below is maybe the oddest and most unique crafts I have seen in awhile. The artists collects skulls from deseased animals such as road kill and turns them into something new. Can you guess what kind of skull is pictured below? 

Oh yeah! That is the original Starbucks behind us! It is weird to think that Starbucks has been around for almost 50 years and now there are over 25,000 locations. My favorite: chai latte with a side of cake pop. Below is maybe the oddest and most unique crafts I have seen in awhile. The artists collects skulls from deseased animals such as road kill and turns them into something new. Can you guess what kind of skull is pictured below? 

 Each time Nick and I visit a new place together, we add a map of that place to a wall in our home. We both love traveling and good design so maps are a way for us to remember the adventures we have had together in a beautiful visual way. Typically, we find a map we love online after we get home but we mentioned this tradition to the friend we are visiting and he took us to  Metsker Maps . This incredible store has been in Seattle since 1950 and is perhaps the largest map store in the U.S. 

Each time Nick and I visit a new place together, we add a map of that place to a wall in our home. We both love traveling and good design so maps are a way for us to remember the adventures we have had together in a beautiful visual way. Typically, we find a map we love online after we get home but we mentioned this tradition to the friend we are visiting and he took us to Metsker Maps . This incredible store has been in Seattle since 1950 and is perhaps the largest map store in the U.S. 

 The Fremont Troll is located under a bridge that was becoming a dumping group for trash and a gathering place for illegal activity. Now after the trolls arrival, this area is filled with visitors coming the check out the troll, poke his hubcap eye, or get up close and personal with the real  VW bug clasped firmly in his hand. Nick got a little too curious...

The Fremont Troll is located under a bridge that was becoming a dumping group for trash and a gathering place for illegal activity. Now after the trolls arrival, this area is filled with visitors coming the check out the troll, poke his hubcap eye, or get up close and personal with the real  VW bug clasped firmly in his hand. Nick got a little too curious…

Up next was Gasworks Park ! This park is comprised of the remnants of the sole remaining coal gasification plant. This place has so much amazing history and is such an innovative use of public space. Namoi told me this is where they filmed the paintball scene from, “10 Things I Hate About You.” 

  The Chihuly Garden and Glass  tour was a total impulse decision and I cannot be more thankful for it! This amazing exhibit features glassblowing art from a native Washington artist and is located directly next to the iconic Space Needle. Every nook and cranny seemed to be filled with vibrant colors and intricate patterns. It was beyond beautiful during the day, but check out their website to see how mind-blowing the outdoor portion looks at night! Our question: What happens when it hails?! 

The Chihuly Garden and Glass tour was a total impulse decision and I cannot be more thankful for it! This amazing exhibit features glassblowing art from a native Washington artist and is located directly next to the iconic Space Needle. Every nook and cranny seemed to be filled with vibrant colors and intricate patterns. It was beyond beautiful during the day, but check out their website to see how mind-blowing the outdoor portion looks at night! Our question: What happens when it hails?! 

 And now we move on to the most magical part of the day.  Ivars Fish Bar  has been around for almost 80 years and it is hard to tell what I loved more... the fish and chips were delicious but the SEAGULLS WERE AMAZING! They are super tame and love french fries almost as much as I do. 

And now we move on to the most magical part of the day. Ivars Fish Bar  has been around for almost 80 years and it is hard to tell what I loved more… the fish and chips were delicious but the SEAGULLS WERE AMAZING! They are super tame and love french fries almost as much as I do. 

 The boys being boys as we wait on the pier for Naomi to come home from work on the Ferry. 

The boys being boys as we wait on the pier for Naomi to come home from work on the Ferry. 

 Last but not least, it was time to watch the sunset from a ferris wheel. It was such a clear and beautiful day, we could even see Mt. Rainier! 

Last but not least, it was time to watch the sunset from a ferris wheel. It was such a clear and beautiful day, we could even see Mt. Rainier! 

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  1. Noelle Swayze says:

    I love this 🙂 Beautiful photos and beautiful message!!!

  2. Amanda says:

    This is so great! You’ve def inspired me! Next time I’ll bring the camera! No matter how heavy ?

  3. Anna says:

    These are beautiful, Michelle. You have truly entered into a new era in your photography. The sky is the limit now!

  4. Diana Franzetti says:

    I have never seen such work. I love it you have outdone yourself very proud of you. Don’t let anything get in your way.

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