Union Street Ped Bridge, Salem, Oregon

Canon 30D, 17-40 f/4L, ISO: 200, aperture: f/8, shutter: 1.3 seconds, tripod: yes

The Union Street Bridge is a great old historic railroad bridge that crosses the Willamette River in Salem.  Recently the bridge was converted for pedestrian use.  The conversion was an instant hit with bike commuters, skateboarders, joggers, and families looking to escape the summer heat by spending time at the river.

Using a slow shutter speed (1.3 seconds) conveys that sense of motion that makes the photo come to life.  I took several shots before and after dusk with varying shutter speeds and apertures.  The best photos were just after the bridge lights came on, when there was still light in the sky.  Lighting is always the key factor in a successful photograph.  Timing is everything… as they say.