Randy Bell
May 2025 - Yaquina Bay Bridge
About the Image(s)
I sometimes go through my archives to see what photos I've forgotten. This photo is from a number of years ago on a trip through Oregon. We were driving through the area and came to this bridge.
The structure and form of this bridge really caught my attention and I had to photograph it. Being a retired engineer, bridges have always interested me. Unfortunately, I did not have the time to fully explore other compositions of this bridge.
I converted this to black and white to bring out the details of the bridge. I have gotten good feedback on my photos from this group and would appreciate any feedback on this photo.
7 comments posted
Randy, I really like this photo. The original would be interesting to see as a comparison, but the conversion to B&W is striking. Everything is in focus and sharp with great detail. The bridge's period architecture is very interesting and composing this shot was done very well. Really like the detail in the sky as well. This is an image I can look at over and over again at all the detail. Some detail is lost in some areas of the blacks, but it is so minimal that in my opinion, takes nothing away from the overall image. Very well done. Posted: 05/05/2025 18:18:56
Thank you, Jim. I have attached the color version of this image for reference. I think part of my decision to covert to b&w was because I thought the shrubs in the foreground were too distracting (plus, I like black and white photography). Maybe I am overthinking them. Posted: 05/11/2025 21:42:04
Thanks Randy. Your original photo is very nice as well, but I agree with your rational for going B&W. Posted: 05/12/2025 00:21:24
Randy, I am also fascinated by bridges and this is a particularly magnificent building. There is a lot to discover, I agree with Jim. The conversion to black and white was a good decision. What I like best was your position on or in front of the bridge while taking the photo. The viewer now looks from left to right and sees the arch that has been created. It makes the bridge look even more imposing.
I wouldn't change anything, I like it the way it is. Very well done!
Posted: 05/07/2025 18:16:07
I wouldn't change anything, I like it the way it is. Very well done!
Posted: 05/07/2025 18:16:07
Thank you, Sabine. This image was taken from a park on the north side of the river that the bridge spans. It allowed me to get this view of it. Posted: 05/11/2025 21:57:00
Hi Randy, This is a striking black-and-white conversion of the Yaquina Bay Bridge. I love how you've positioned the bridge, taking up two-thirds of the frame, with the sky and those dramatic clouds filling the rest. The composition feels balanced and draws me in. As someone who is also drawn to bridges, I can really appreciate the thought and detail you've captured here. It reminds me of my recent trip to Paris and Amsterdam, where I took many photos of bridges as well-there's something special about the structure and design that always grabs my attention. I also really like the weeping willow in the foreground-it adds a wonderful 3D dimension to the image, giving it extra depth and texture. Posted: 05/08/2025 13:20:09
Thank you, Linda. It is interesting that you commented on what I remember as shrubs in the foreground (could have been something else, it was a number of years ago when I took this). I was concerned they may have been too distracting from the image and that is partially why I converted it to black and white. I submitted this photo to see if I would get any feedback on that. I appreciate your input. Posted: 05/11/2025 22:07:49