EXPLORING FORT STEVENS
Just outside of Warrenton, OR, is a place called Fort Stevens. To say that Fort Stevens is an interesting place would be an understatement. We spent the day exploring two main areas, one being the shipwreck on the beach, and the other, the historic site of the old battery at Fort Stevens. As I approached the shipwreck to take this first photo I was amazed by how cool it looked, the details, the age, and the size were impressive. Outside of the shipwreck itself, I was also quite pleased with the lighting, sun position and the look of the clouds resulting in a great photo.
As the sun was beginning to set on the beach I was able to capture the sunset and the colors it was casting on both the horizon and the shipwreck itself. I really love the contrast between the matching orange of the rust of the shipwreck and the sunset to that of the flat and dark grays and blacks of the sand and the clouds. Once again the partnership of the A7RIV and a G Master lens produces beautiful results as shown by the details in the rust and growth on the metal of the shipwreck and the overall colors rendered in this photo.
I decided to get up close and capture some of the detail in these super old hinges that were completely rusted over and dripping with water. The entire battery was filled with small details like this one. This is one of those situations that I wish I had a macro lens in my kit (I am waiting to buy one until Sony decides to release a G Master Macro lens, I know, it’s crazy to think that they currently don’t offer one in their lineup).
The ship and now shipwreck have been here since 1906, or, over 100 years, the age is made very clear when looking at the metal close up as it is all corroded and covered in a combination of rust and sea growth.
Once again I decided to play with leading lines and I found a viewpoint that showed how dramatic and moody the sky was. I debated making this picture completely black and white but ultimately decided that leaving in some of the color from the rust of the metal was a better look.
Once we wrapped up with the shipwreck we went over to the old battery to check out some what I would call kind of creepy architecture. The battery has one main building that used to house giant, beach defending canons, a ton of ammunition and solders to operate it all. This spiral staircase that leads to the lower level perfectly showcases my earlier comment about the battery being creepy.
This is my favorite photo of the day as it features my favorite, leading lines, and because it showcases some great colors in an overall dark and gloomy photo. This is the long outside hallway that gives access to all of the different rooms on the first floor that housed the solders and ammunition. Overall between the shipwreck and the battery we had a great day at Fort Stevens and I was able to get some good photos as well. Till next time…
