Hand-selected for their unique eye and artistry, Spire invited Seattle’s best photographers to highlight their favorite scenes from above during a visit to Levels 40 and 41 in a series we’re calling Seattle Frame of Mind. Join us @spireseattle on Instagram to scroll through this stunning collaboration.
Meet Alex Hoffman and Phoenix as we continue our series of Spire’s guest photographer features aiming to spotlight their work, artistry, and position on why Seattle is such a special place.
The Space Needle from Spire’s Level 40 Terrace taken by @alexhoffman
Alex landed in Seattle after an unplanned migration west. Born in Washington D.C, Alex made his way from Maryland to Ohio to New York City to St. Louis and finally Seattle. In awe of its vibrant, lush vegetation, Alex has made this city his home and finds joy in capturing the same beauty that instantly captivated him.
There’s something powerful about being able to freeze time with just the press of a button. I’m moved by photography’s innate ability to connect our stories, inspire conversations, and jog memories.
Having fostered a love for photography since single-use disposable cameras were a thing, Alex began exploring with a camera in hand and wonder and curiosity in the other, allowing himself to become immersed in beautiful moments.
I love to play with contrasting familiarity with the unexpected – ultimately bringing new perspectives to recognizable locations or scenes and turning them into clean, calm, and vivid images. My tool of choice is Adobe Lightroom Classic. I like to maintain the true essence of what I photograph without introducing too much post process editing.
The Space Needle from Spire’s Level 40 Terrace taken by @alexhoffman
Widely coveted for his stunning use of light in landscapes and the perfect timing of a sunset or sunrise, you can explore Alex Hoffman’s prints here, and be sure to follow the beauty of Seattle revealed at @alexhoffman on Instagram.
The Space Needle is iconic and truly helps showcase scale and the environment. Like Mt. Rainier, it never gets old. Lately, I’ve been pursuing more wildlife, astrophotography, and landscapes. There’s something special about being able to capture scenes during sunrise, golden hour, sunset, and blue hour. Light is such an important aspect of photography and can make or break an image.
Alex’s Seattle Frame of Mind is inspired by a city with everything in easy reach.
Having the water, mountains, and city all within arm’s reach and at our fingertips is all kinds of wonderful. Seattle is the heart of the Pacific Northwest and is undoubtedly the most beautiful place I’ve lived yet. There’s an abundance of things to do and discover, I feel like I’m just getting started!
The Space Needle from Spire’s Level 40 taken by @seattle_royalphoenix
Phoenix is a Ukrainian-born, full-time artist living in Seattle for 17 years now. Engaging in photography as a child when digital cameras did not yet exist, Phoenix spent years studying and experimenting and was able to successfully turn a passion into a full-time occupation. Be sure to follow @seattle_royalphoenix on Instagram for the latest work unveiled.
My photographic style is creative photography. Most of the images I create are planned out ahead of time and executed with special equipment and timed weather conditions, and seasons. I love capturing Seattle specifically because it has a great mix of contemporary architecture as well as old historic buildings in Pioneer square. The Space Needle is such an iconic structure, I love including it in my photos as it makes it immediately apparent that the city in the photo is Seattle.
The Space Needle from Spire’s Level 40 taken by @seattle_royalphoenix
Phoenix’s Seattle Frame of Mind is inspired by a creative city that is as diverse in people as its landscapes.
This city is truly an emerald gem of the Pacific Northwest. It is filled with fantastic artists and intelligent professionals which makes it easy to make friends with amazing people. I also love how easy it is to get into nature, go on epic hikes and see the ocean only a short drive from Seattle. This area offers an ample number of beautiful locations that inspire creativity. I feel truly lucky to call this place home.
Known for brilliantly bold photography of familiar scenes that almost have a mystical quality, drawing you inside their story, Phoenix is a solid figure in Seattle’s art scene. You can purchase Phoenix’s work at Pike Place Market on the craft line and at Equinox Studios in Georgetown during second Saturday art walks. You can also explore artwork and book a private appointment by visiting royalphoenixart.com.
One of my top favorite places to photograph is Pike Place Market late at night after it rains to create beautiful reflections from the neon signs on the cobblestones. Also, I really enjoy walking around Seattle center and the Queen Anne area looking for compelling angles of the skyline.
Offering one of the best perspectives of Seattle and iconic Pacific Northwest Scenery, Spire frames views that sweep from the Space Needle, Lake Union, Mount Baker, and the Cascades. Now over 80% sold, we invite you to book your private tour appointment with our sales team and experience your very own Seattle Frame of Mind. Please call 206.479.9263 or email sales@spireseattle.com.