“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place . . . I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
~ Elliott Erwitt
It’s become my favorite part of the week, this Saturday morning farmers market. The bustle of the bazaar engages all of my senses, filling me with inspiration: the sights, the smells, the sounds, and oh the PEOPLE!
My darlings, I want to share these images with you, so that they may inspire you as my market always inspires me. Let me know what you think – I’m considering a recurring series.
Do I stand out in the crowd?
These artichoke flowers look like dayglow ocean creatures.
Mmmmmm falafel.
NOM NOM
Kathryn
1 September, 2009
We go every Tuesday afternoon.
You meet the most interesting people at Farmers!
And, of course, you eat the most delicious food.
:)
Heather
2 September, 2009
Whenever I see a little kid in boots, I have to laugh and say “killer boots, man!” a la the movie Dumb and Dumber.
They never “get it”, but sometimes the parents do!
Amy Kalinchuk
2 September, 2009
I am a vendor at a farmer’s market, selling my handcrafted soaps. I LOVE the market. It is an ancient human ritual: setting up shop, talking to the people, and the people buy it or they don’t. It’s the oldest form of commerce. Your photos are lovely–all those peaches! And those artichoke flowers are divine. That one would make a beautiful print.
Julie
2 September, 2009
Pretty, pretty! I wish our farmer’s market looked anything like that. We usually have a lot of soap and flowers and some anemic looking veggies. And, yes, you stand out in a crowd. I remember in college that I could always see you from across campus. Usually because you were a head taller than everyone else and your hair was some unnatural shade of lovely.
Valerie
2 September, 2009
I miss the Portland and Vancouver Farmer’s markets so much!!! Although, I did get to Pike’s Market in Seattle about a month ago. It made me wish I wasn’t visiting but rather moving back to the northwest. My husband and I would love to live near enough to a daily Farmer’s market so that we could stop by and decide on our meals from what was fresh and local, just like they do in Europe.
Sayward
3 September, 2009
@ Kathryn – I love farmers market folks! And yes, of course the foooood. =)
@ Heather – haha, that’s awesome. I swear I’ve seen that movie a hundred times.
@ Amy Kalinchuk – Thank you! And I’m jealous! Every Saturday I tell my husband “please let’s just quit our jobs and become farmers so we can hock our wares at the market too!” Sounds like heaven to me. =)
@ Julie – Ha! I always felt like such a sore thumb on campus, too. Well sort of all over SB really.
You don’t have a good farmers market where you’re at? That surprises me, SoCal has such an incredible growing season. Bummer. =(
@ Valerie – I LOVE Pike Place Market! Except the fish, that makes me so sad. But otherwise, it’s such an exhilarating place! Like sensory overload inspiration in the best of ways. Last time I was there I got the most divine smoky almonds, mmmm. *sigh*
Amycat
3 September, 2009
Duuuude, I need a good market sesh! i get a weak heart when I see all the beautifully arranged vegetables. Rather lame, but you understand!
Also, I have your exact colour hair- what dye do you use? Is it possible to find more natural dyes for such unnatural colours? I’m using fudge paintbox at the moment but I’d love to find something nicer :)
Valerie
3 September, 2009
Yeah, I avoid the fish part of the market 1) I can’t stand the smell of seafood and 2)it’s where all the tourists gather to watch the throwing of the fish, it’s way too crowded.
Also I’ve been meaning to say this for awhile, please take it as a compliment. You remind me of the actress Jenna Elfman from the show Dharma & Greg. SO CUTE!! Your red hair and pigtails made me smile :)
Sayward
8 September, 2009
@ Amycat – I understand!!!
For my dye I use manic panic because it’s non-toxic, non-noxious, and most importantly, vegan! Finding natural dyes is pretty near impossible, aside from henna and indigo, which only come in one color each (reddish and black, respectively). I’m in the process of writing an article bout hair dye though, coming soon.
@ Valerie – I must admit it used to drive me crazy when people said I looked like her, but I think it was more because that show annoyed me so much. Now, I shall take it as a compliment. So thank you! =)
daoine o'
8 September, 2009
what a beautiful-looking market! i’m quite jealous. :(
venting moment…i agree with one of the above comments…i wish any of my farmer’s markets looked like that. around here they’re just an excuse to sell wares of every sort, albeit ‘handmade’, i still don’t think they belong. furniture/home decor/artwork, soaps, clothing, jewelry, you-name it. the last one i went to had just 3 actual *produce* vendors.
there were other food items like pasta, sauces, breads, smoked salmon, and goat cheese, but hello? *farmer’s market*…am i the only one who thinks that should be pretty much *produce only*?
i very literally told the first produce vendor i came to, ‘wow, nice to see actual ‘farm’ items at a farmer’s market!’ she sadly (but quietly) agreed. i was able to buy a few items from the few stalls, but i was woefully disappointed overall. :(
i don’t mind going to street fairs and what-not, i expect to see non-food items there, but i think farmer’s markets should be reserved for produce/food only, and perhaps (for those who aren’t veg/vegan), local cheeses, eggs, and the like, but otherwise…
‘k. done now. sorry for the electron inconvenience. ;)
love the site, sayward, do keep up the great work! :)
Sayward
10 September, 2009
@ daoine o’ – Aw, I’m sorry! That’s a bummer your market isn’t as ‘farmy’ as it should be. I understand the frustration, so feel free to rant any time, haha.
But you know, try to look on the bright side . . . at least you *have* a market! Many towns don’t have anything but a Wall*Mart to shop at! Now *that’s* frustrating!
Courtney Osborne
22 September, 2009
This is making me really want to go to one of the farmer’s markets around here. Unfortunately my fiance pays for the majority of the groceries and he does *not* get up that early on a Saturday. Hopefully next year when they start up again I’ll be able to afford to go without him. Until then I guess it’s Whole Foods!
Sayward
25 September, 2009
@ Courtney Osborne – I totally understand the tight purse strings, but plenty of times I go to the market just to gawk and gaze. I find it a calming atmosphere and it always leaves me quietly inspired. So you could always go to just drink it all in!
13 Comments to Photos From Farmers Market