Images of the Modern American West - Part 2 - by David Sharpe

POINT REYES DERELICT BOAT

This old fishing boat is beached on Tomales Bay in the town of Inverness.   I’d seen photos of it before, but never had the opportunity to make my own images until this trip.  I loved the reflection in the small creek flowing under the bow and knew that sunset would really add some pop to the scene.  As I worked the area I was joined by a few other photographers and we enjoyed each other’s company as we created our own visions of the scene.

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POINT ARENA LIGHTHOUSE​

This classic lighthouse in Northern California has often been a favorite of mine.  This particular image shows the last of the setting sun reflected on the tower and the light keeper’s house.  I was perched on a narrow rocky point just north of the lighthouse itself, surround on three sides by the ocean waves and loving the glorious sunset we were gifted with this night.

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NIGHT LIGHT​

Just when ​I thought I was through for the night, I noticed that the tower had suddenly been lit with exterior lights.   I ran back out to my perch and framed the shot to include the striated rocks in the surf line below me.   This is one of my favorite images of the entire trip.

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And finally, a few images from closer to home:

SNOW BRIDGE 

I don’t usually photograph the Deception Pass Bridge, but a rare snowfall on the island prompted me to head north to catch the bridge clothed in fresh snow.   This image is emblematic of Whidbey Island in winter.  ​

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COUPEVILLE SUNRISE

My hometown of Coupeville is reflected in the still waters of Penn Cove at dawn.  This is a single photograph cropped to a 1:3 ratio to focus the eye on the town, but leaving enough of the dramatic sky in place.  This has been my most popular selling image, providing visitors and residents alike a reminder of just why we love Whidbey Island.

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All of these images and more can be seen on my website - www.photowhidbey.com.   Better yet, stop in to the Garry Oak Gallery on Pioneer Street in Oak Harbor and see the prints themselves on display.  While you’re there, check out the work of all of the other artist members of the Gallery.  We are proud to be a part of the community and the only art gallery in Oak Harbor.  All members are local residents and represent some of the finest artists in the area.