Some night’s, Portland is so dead and quiet that you can pedal your bike down the center line as you navigate the city streets. I’ve found that Portland, and the surrounding areas, are the perfect playground for a lover of the night. sit back and let me explain to you the thrill of nocturnal exploration.
As a photographer, I became drawn to the night back in my freshman year. I learned quickly that with a few tricks up my sleeve, creating photos at night could produce some interesting and unique imagery. I could capture beams of light from the lights of passing vehicles. Or the trails of stars as they swept across the dark sky. And I even found out that long exposures, we’re talking more than a couple minutes, would produce some very funky colors. My night images come out looking like I paid a visit to some distant planet where everything is like it is here on Earth, but turned upside down.
And it was with this initial exploration that I discovered just how much fun it was to go out past my bed time. There was a sense of liberation I felt as I set out to the streets after midnight to see what I could find. At first it was by vehicle. It was my easiest mode of transportation and it kept me safe and warm. Soon though, I began to feel the constraints of the car, and I took to the streets by bicycle. This is by far the best way to explore Portland at night, or ‘the quiet city’ as I like to refer to it. After midnight, Portland is uncharacteristically desolate for the largest city in a state. The streets are emptied and they become your playground. You’re no longer confined to the hustle and bustle of everyday, and you’re free to explore at your own will.
As you make your way down to Baxter Boulevard, you find a bay that is veiled in darkness and silence. It’s here that I tend to enjoy the most. Make your way around the bay, and feel free to pedal down the center of the road when traffic permits. The view from the Payson Park at Portland’s tiny skyline is stunning, and the silence adds to the depth.
There are many other favorite spots of mine, including the Eastern Promenade, the waterfront streets off Commercial, and the Casco Bay Bridge. A short pedal around the Old Port while the bars are emptying can also lead to some exciting sights. I’ve also made a couple trips by bike into Westbrook, and discovered the Sappi paper mill running at what seemed to be full bore. Who knew they made paper 24/7? It’s quite a sight as you pass by and peer into the windows to see workers drudging away. By car I’ve also taken a strong liking to the marshes in Scarborough, as well as surrounding fields in Buxton and Gorham.
The possibilities are endless, and the sights are too. Exploring the area by night, you get an entirely different sense of your home than you’ve ever had before. Take your camera with you too and with a slow shutter and a little luck, you might just create your own funky planets.
Brandon enjoys fresh air, short walks on long beaches, and everything else that happens outdoors. Stay tuned for more exciting ideas to get outside as we head into the winter months!