Portland Oregon Photographer Bill Purcell

A Stop in Tyler Washington

Bill Purcell — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:35:16 +0000

You never know what you’ll come across out on the road. I was just reminded of this a couple of weeks ago while returning from a job in Eastern Washington. While driving back to Portland, I was passing through the almost non-existant town of Tyler and I happened to catch a glimpse of a trailer parked off the highway. What REALLY grabbed my eye were the giant words painted on the side of the trailer, “WWW.MAN-CAVE-SHOPPE.COM.” All I know is that when I see something like this, simply passing by is not an option.

I really had no idea what I might be getting myself into as I pulled up the icy road. Really, what was in here? As I walked up to take a picture, I began to wonder if this was a good idea. . .turns out it was! The owner, Dave came up to introduce himself and asked if I would like to take a look around. Of course I would (although, I still had no idea what was in the “Man Cave.” It turns out Dave is a collector and seller of antique Americana. Everything from old porcelain signs, old fans, to old oil cans. It was great! I have a fascination with the world we are leaving behind and talking with Dave about the items he has collected and hearing the stories and history behind them made for a interesting afternoon. It reminded me to always be looking for what is just off the road–you never know what you will find or who you will meet.

Vaudeville & Burlesque

Bill Purcell — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 22:43:45 +0000

I have a love/hate relationship with Last Thursday on Alberta–sometimes it is a lot of fun, others it is just crowded and annoying. However, I had a great time last month after scoring a ticket to the Swing Time Vaudeville show (thanks to Karoline Lux!!). With a mixture of vaudeville, burlesque, and music, there was something for everybody. Thanks to the Underscore Orkestra, Karolina Lux, Danielle Elizabeth, Russell Bruner, and all of the other performers for a fun evening!

Danielle Elizabeth

Karolina Lux

Russell Bruner

Rhoda

Bill Purcell — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 20:33:22 +0000

Some of my favorite images are matters of happenstance. They are not necessarily perfectly framed, not always perfectly in focus, etc., but they capture something special. While working in the yard a few months ago, one of my chickens, Rhoda, kept following me around to “supervise” my progress. I couldn’t help but snap a picture with my iPhone. Something about this image just makes me laugh every time I look at it. Chickens are funny and inquisitive little critters which I think is conveyed in this image of one of my favorite girls.

Oh, by the way, thanks for the eggs ladies!

Rhoda the chicken.

Live Music

Bill Purcell — Sat, 26 May 2012 18:16:14 +0000

I love seeing musicians play live. To me, no cd, mp3, etc. can compare to seeing a band in person. This is especially true at small venues where you can interact with the musicians. Last week I had a chance to catch up with friends Kathryn Clair and Hanz Araki when they played the Secret Society Ballroom. Not only are they wonderful musicians, they are truly great people. Here are a few images from a great evening.

Quick Walk Downtown

Bill Purcell — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:28:15 +0000

Last Friday I had to run a few errands downtown, so I took my camera along with me. With 90 minutes on the meter (the most this particular spot would allow) and two place I had to hit, I had time to snap a few photos of things that caught my eye.

Keeping his eye on the game!

Architecture

Spring is in the Air

Bill Purcell — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:17:54 +0000

I know. . .I know. . .It’s a bit early to be talking about Spring, but with the beautiful weather we’ve been having in Portland lately, I couldn’t help myself! Here are just a few of the buds and sprouts that I had the chance to photograph in my backyard yesterday.

Habitat for Humanity Photo Shoot

Bill Purcell — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:19:56 +0000

A little over a month ago I had the opportunity to assist a fellow photographer and friend, Raina Stinson, with a series of family photos for Habitat for Humanity. We volunteered our time so that Habitat could provide each family with a new family portrait to hang in their new home.

Prior, I did not know much about Habitat for Humanity, however over the weekend I was able to learn a quite a bit concerning how they work and about the families and communities that they support by providing affordable housing. These families have all worked hard towards home-ownership and were so excited to participate in the photo shoot that it was impossible to not have a great time. I felt privileged to be playing a small part in these family’s lives and I hope that they enjoy their portraits for many years to come.

I took the opportunity to take some “behind the scenes” photos of the shoot. I wanted to captured some of the fun that we all had that weekend! Special thanks to all those involved:

Raina Stinson Photography, AMT Productions, Creative Cares, Habitat for Humanity-Portland/Metro East, Newspace Center for Photography

Horsing Around

Bill Purcell — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:31:26 +0000

Sometimes you notice scenes while traveling that you can’t help BUT stop and enjoy. While traveling back to Portland from Spokane, not too far off the highway, I noticed a few horses enjoying the late afternoon sun. Even though it had already been a long day, and I was looking forward to five-or-so hours on the road, I could not resist the opportunity to grab a few photos of these beauties. So, one exit later, a bit of backtracking, and a mile or two down a dirt road, here is the scene I had the opportunity to enjoy while on my way home.

Put a Bird on It

Bill Purcell — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:53:20 +0000

Yes, Laura and I have chickens. We’ve had them for almost two years, and really enjoy the fresh eggs and their funny little personalities. We were surprised to find out just how much personality they possess and just how many laughs they provide.

Well, while working at the computer the other day, I looked over and saw Betty White (yep, she really is named Betty White) looking in through the door leading from the yard into my office. I opened the door and sure enough, she just walked on in. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to grab a few impromptu portraits.

A Morning With Kate & Lexi

Bill Purcell — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:04:32 +0000

There is nothing quite like starting off your morning chasing around two little sisters as they begin their day! I had the opportunity to photograph Kate (6) and Lexi (3) last week as they began their day at a local bakery for a special breakfast before taking Lexi to pre-school and heading off to the park with Kate.

Every morning should include a freshly baked pastry!

The patio provides a great opportunity to expend a bit of energy before walking Lexi to school. Lexi also takes this opportunity to demonstrate her newly learned ballet moves.

Time to walk little sister to school.

Now, off to the park and the SWINGS! Even momma Beth couldn’t resist the allure of the swing on this cool Fall morning.

Off to explore the rest of the park; including the wonders of tree sap and showing off your writing skills by writing your name in the gravel path. Everybody will know Kate was here!

It was a great morning and I hope that Kate, Lexi, and Beth had as much fun as I did!