Photos: Visitors of Pike Place Market in Seattle
Pike Place Market. The oldest running market in the United States, since 1907! Home of local fresh produce, fresh seafood, fresh flowers, arts and crafts, book shops, antique shops, the original Starbucks, a gum wall as well as restaurants that offer food from all over the world.
Entertaining and very talented street performers. The sounds and smells of this place are always amazing. Because the waterfront is right there too, there are plenty of things to do and see within a few blocks. That is why it gets about 10 millions visitors annually.
Victor Steinbrueck Park is part of the market and is great for people watching. There are all kinds of people. Lots of homeless, some tourists and often police officers. The park is perched right above a fast-moving highway and the railing is lined with people having their pictures taken. You get views of the sound, the ferris wheel, the tall buildings, the totem poles within the park.
I have lived in Seattle for over 10 years now. And I have been going to the Pike Place Market to make street photographs for the past 7 years. My focus is on the visitors, mostly because people fascinate me!
As an artist I draw inspiration from other people. How they interact with a stranger, or a family member. How they dress up. What they choose to eat. The decisions they make tell something about them. And I constantly find myself asking the question “Why?”. What do they believe/love that makes them choose/live differently. It is in a way a study for me. A study of life and love. Perhaps a study of self…
About the author: Oguz Uygur is a photographer and filmmaker based in Seattle, Washington. Born in Turkey, he developed a love for photography when he received his first film camera from his father at the age of 18, he is best known for his portrait and street photography. He is currently working freelance and volunteers at non-profits as much as he is able. You can find more of his work on his website.
