Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market, at 85 Pike St in downtown Seattle, Washington, is one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the United States and a rich subject for street and documentary photography. Subjects include the neon Public Market Center sign and clock at the main entrance, flower vendors' stalls, fishmongers tossing salmon, produce displays, brick-paved Pike Place and the narrow arcades and stairways leading down toward the waterfront. The market is covered and partly open-air, so light varies: soft, even daylight enters through the arcades, shafts of early sun cut across the cobbles, and neon works best at dawn or dusk against a dim sky. Early morning, before about 9 am, is the best time for candid frames, because vendors are setting up, produce is fresh and the crowds are thin. By late morning and through summer weekends the main arcade is dense with visitors, and the fish-throwing stall and the gum wall in Post Alley attract queues. Tripods are impractical and often obstruct pedestrian traffic, so a handheld approach with a fast 35mm or 50mm prime works well. Photographing people is generally accepted, but asking vendors before taking close portraits or photographing their goods is courteous, and some stalls may object. Drones are not suitable over the market and are restricted in the city. There is no entry fee, though the market's public restrooms and nearby cafes are used by visitors who stay several hours. Rainy days are not a problem, since the covered arcades keep shooting comfortable and wet pavement adds reflections.