Thom Zehrfeld Photography : Tom McCall

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Willamette Queen Sternwheeler

Willamette Queen

Sternwheeler, steamboat, paddle-wheeler, whatever you want to call it the "Willamette Queen" is a colorful steamboat situated at Riverfront City Park in Salem, Oregon. And, colorful cannot be overstated.

Richard Chesbrough who is the owner and Captain of the vessel was so kind as to let me come aboard and photograph whatever I wanted to photograph. They were very busy getting ready for a luncheon excursion and could have told me to buzz off, but he didn't.

This always tells me a lot about folks, so I am going to give them a plug! It is available for excursions, dinners, lunches, weddings, you name it... 200 Waterstreet North East, Salem,OR 97301 (503) 371-1103.

Although, most of the photos here were taken inside, it was a super foggy day outside. And, I couldn't get a full shot of the vessel without incorporating fences and so forth.

Also, in this same park is a carousel and a superb sculpture of Governor Tom McCall. In my opinion Oregon's finest governor ever. Please enjoy!

Willamette Queen

Willamette Queen Buffet Tables

Willamette Queen Dining Area

Willamette Queen Bridge-Elvis was there!

Willamette Queen Bridge-Controls are off to the right!

More Willamette Queen Bridge

Governor Tom McCall

Riverfront City Park Carousel in Salem, Oregon

Friday, October 22, 2010

Portland Photography

The Portland “Waterfront Park” is extremely cool and is named after Gov. Tom McCall. In my opinion he is the best governor that Oregon ever had and would have become a great president if he so desired!

He was preaching “green” way before it was cool to preach green. He had foresight into our environment that few could comprehend at the time, and that few can get in their heads even now.

And, the best thing is: He was doing something about the environment. He wasn’t sitting on his duff hoping something would happen….he made it happen….Google him, you may just learn something about a great man.

His park is 30 acres and embraces the west side river bank of Downtown Portland. You'll see joggers, bicyclist and walkers along it's entire stretch. Many events are held in the park including a world-class Blues Festival, aspects of the Rose Festival and tons of other things.

Portland Saturday Market

At the north end of the Tom McCall Waterfront Park is the Portland Saturday Market. My wife and I first visited the Market in the seventies. There's live music, food and all kinds of handmade things by local artists.

Well, now days the "handmade" thing has taken some liberties, but that is the way it started out in the 70's. It's about three times the size it was. It's still pretty cool, though! When you visit Portland it's a must thing to go and see.

Being a amateur photographer, I gravitated to an artist that specialized in Oregon landscape photography. Hands down some of the best stuff I have ever seen. He uses a Hasselblad film camera using Kodak film.

Mentioned he would like to get a new Hasselblad Digital, but they wanted 50 Grand for one...yes, $50,000. Said he would stick with his present camera.

Portland Saturday Market

The next phase of the Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the Portland Saturday Market photography are taken just across the street: You can go totally berserk taking photos in Portland.....well Oregon, it just doesn't end. I didn't even begin to touch on all the ops there are.

Portland Photography

Morrison Street Bridge

Portland Photography

Who Am I?

Thom Zehrfeld is an artist and photographer based in Newport, Oregon, specializing in coastal wall art, nautical scenes, lighthouses, commercial fishing boats, vintage automobiles, and nostalgic Americana. His work blends photography, digital painting, texture, color, and imagination to create artwork with a strong sense of place and character. Inspired by the Oregon Coast, historic harbors, classic cars, old service stations, and seaside communities, Thom creates art that feels both familiar and timeless. His collections include Oregon Coast landscapes, retro car art, fishing boat scenes, lighthouse wall art, surreal coastal fantasy, and vintage-inspired decor. Thom’s artwork is available as fine art prints, canvas prints, metal prints, acrylic prints, and home decor through his online galleries.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Willamette Queen Sternwheeler

Friday, October 22, 2010

Portland Photography

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