Vance Creek Bridge
If you are on Instagram at all, especially living in the Pacific Northwest, chances are you have seen this more than a few times. Vance Creek Bridge has been increasing in popularity as it makes the rounds on Instagram and blogs, and you may wonder, "Where on Earth is this breathtaking structure?!" every time you see it. Well, I wondered this too, and I finally was fortunate enough to discover this with some fellow Instagram shooters this past weekend!
Vance Creek Bridge is located past Shelton, Washington, on the peninsula. It was built in 1929 by Simpson Railroad, a logging company, and stands 347 feet above the ground! It is the second tallest railway arch bridge in the United States. It has not been in use since the 1950s, and is now a hidden treasure, of sorts, for hikers/adventurers.
To reach it is fairly easy, as long as you do not mind a few hills and crossing tiny creeks. Read: Wear decent shoes and you will be fine! The trail is mostly flat, aside from these features, and runs for about a quarter of a mile. There is no view at all until you reach the crest of the final hill. This is when your breath is knocked out of you as you are now staring at the Bridge, and you realize this is it. The stories that stem from this place, both historical and present. The masterful engineering and construction that went into building one of the tallest bridges in the world so many decades ago. And, did I mention there are no rails to keep you from falling and you can see straight down, to the ground 347 feet below you, between each step?!
The Crew! Photo Credit: Tracy "Hypestar")
I do not think I had any second thoughts about jumping onto the bridge initially. I really just went for it. I would not say I was not nervous and terrified! But, I could not allow myself to dwell on those facts. If I did, I would have locked up, and that would have been the end of that! I would probably still be up there, too scared to move! Speaking of which, I have to apologize to Scott for uploading the following photo. He is one of the coolest dudes ever and I am so thankful to have met him through Instagram and UW football! But, this is what happens if you think too much about it...
As he just froze in fear: "Just take the picture..."
Hahaha. Again, my apologies, Scott! =) He did get back up though, and shortly thereafter got a great snapshot of him and Irene!
Here is one they took of me:
Last, but not least, our group became scattered about, as some of us went much farther than I dared, while others said, "NOPE!" when they saw the bridge and stayed off completely! I ended up being somewhere in the middle, away from the group most of the time, and found myself alongside an adventurous couple. They were both very chill and we chatted every so often as we inched farther out on the bridge. I got the sense they knew a bit about photography by the way they chatted about the scene, with great style to boot. Eventually, they asked if I could take their photo, and it is then that they learned I was a photographer myself. At this point, I decided there was no way I could let the opportunity go, so I asked the girl, Vina, if I could use her for a few shots. She was very gracious and willing to give them a try. Fantastic to work with! I made sure I was very clear in regards to what pose I was wanting from her and exactly what I was doing as I worked the scene. Of course, this is always important, but when you are 347 feet in the air with no room for error, it is vital there is no confusion by either party! Here is what we came away with. Another is posted on my Instagram, FYI!
Ironically, nothing about this photo is what I had envisioned when I originally asked her, but it just might be better! I was stoked when I saw this and began editing. Often times, a writer will let their characters write themselves and see where the story goes. This is what I tend to do as a photographer. I begin with an idea, and if I see the "character" express certain qualities, moving a bit off the intended path, I will go with them and see what happens. I am ecstatic that I did, because this is definitely one of my favorite shots I have taken so far! I love the tones and the confident vibe Vina expresses as she stands where most sane people would never dare to go. Her style fits into the scene perfectly too, and the imperfections in her hair by the wind allows room for both humanity's beauty and vulnerabilities to creep in still. Everything about the shot came together, unexpectedly, and I could not be happier with a shot that came out of conversation and spontaneity!
I like to think of my experience as this - Some people skydive for the thrill. Some people bungie jump. Some people will base jump off the tallest building in the world. This is what I do for the thrill. Walk on a deteriorating wooden structure, 347 feet above the ground, with no safety net. A camera in my hands and good people around me. It was something I just had to do.