Daniel Volland’s Local Guide to Seattle in Seattle, Washington
Despite popular lore, it doesn’t always rain in Seattle. However, the weather is often, shall we say … unpredictable. So I chose photos that display how varied Seattle’s beauty can be regardless of the elements, whether it be a ferry shrouded in twilight fog or historic Pioneer Square on a sunny day.
Occupation: Optometrist and photographer
Place you live: Seattle
How would you describe Seattle? With its verdant greens and shimmering blues, Seattle is a veritable Viking homeland. The “Emerald City” is surrounded by water, resting between the Puget Sound, Lake Union and Lake Washington. It is also cradled by wild mountains; the serene Olympics are visible to the west and the mighty Cascades to the east. Seattle has a wealth of local treasures to offer any visitor. The foodie, the great outdoors lover, the fashion connoisseur, the art aficionado, the sports buff, and the music enthusiast will all find delights to seek and discover.
Can you sum up the people of Seattle? We are friendly, outgoing, passionate, intelligent, creative and wonderfully weird.
Can you tell us a little about Seattle’s different neighborhoods? Capitol Hill is artsy, funky, modern, and rebellious. Queen Anne is peaceful, happy, and family-friendly. But my favorite neighborhood is Ballard. It’s a blend of everything awesome about Seattle and is also one of the largest marine shipping ports on the west coast. If you are drawn to water and boats and have a penchant for fresh seafood, you’ll love Ballard.
What was the experience like shooting for a campaign to promote Seattle to the world? Fun! I love my city and I love capturing it in photos.
Describe a perfect day in Seattle: It would probably involve me kayaking with orcas in the Puget Sound or eating with my friends at every one of local celebrity chef Matt Dillon’s restaurants – brunch at Sitka & Spruce, lunch at The London Plane, and dinner at Bar Sajor.
What do you love about Seattle? I love that it’s basically a giant garden with blooming trees and plants everywhere. I love that we’re passionate about our coffee. I love the local creatives who are killing it with their art and design. I love our independent shops like Glasswing and Elliott Bay Bookstore and The Palm Room.
What would be surprising about Seattle to an outsider? Most local folks don’t use umbrellas when it rains. We just walk faster!
If Seattle was a person or character who would it be? We would collectively be Marshawn Lynch because we’re “bout that action boss.”
Can you give a couple of tips to aspiring Instagram photographers? Tap to focus! And reach out to folks who take cool photos in your area. It’s always more fun to explore and take photos with friends.
Name:Daniel Volland
Best place to eat?
Best place to drink?
Best place to shop?
Best outdoor activity?
Kayaking
Favorite park?
Discovery Park. It has a neat little lighthouse.
Favorite neighborhood?
Ballard
Local tip?
Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island for beautiful views of the Puget Sound.
If someone was visiting what must they do?
Pike Place Market of course!