Finding your travel comfort zone is different for each person, as everyone navigates a new, partially vaccinated country still reeling from the pandemic. As in 2020, close-to-home staycations continue to dominate, but some people are venturing farther, even internationally, in this brave new world. If you find yourself torn between staying put and jumping on […]
People & Places
West Sound has an incredible number of talented artists, interesting people, fascinating places and popular destinations. We love to share their stories with our readers. These articles are only a sample of what we have in West Sound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version to see all of what we have to offer!
Posted inPeople & Places
5 Tips for Better iPhone Photography
1. Find the right light. Photography is all about light but not all light is created equal. Catch the magic light a couple of hours after sunrise or before sunset, or shoot when some clouds are out to filter the sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight on faces, which can cause unflattering shadows and squinting. 2. Get […]
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Historic Downtown Gig Harbor
Any discussion of downtowns on the Kitsap Peninsula has to include the Gig Harbor historic downtown waterfront district. Centered around the famous Harborside Avenue, Gig Harbor’s downtown has many shops and restaurants, along with stunning views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. On any given day, the waterfront district is full of walkers and tourists […]
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Local Donut Business Creates Devoted Fans
Located in Port Orchard, family business Dude’s Donuts has people traveling from all over the state to devour simply amazing, gluten-free and vegan donuts. The husband-and-wife team of Easton and Amanda Shepard opened Dude’s Donuts shortly after deciding they were going to start a family. “We had been playing with the idea of starting a […]
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Unsung Hero — Harriette Bryant
Harriette Bryant founded OurGEMS (Girls Empowered through Mentoring and Service) in 2008 while mentoring nine eight-grade girls at Ridgetop Junior High School. They asked her if they could continue the next year, which lead to mentoring through their senior graduation. “I feel it was a calling to give back because of those who gave to […]
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Naya Patterson — Young Designer with a Mature Attitude
Young Naya Patterson created her company, Make Believe Photography, in 2014. She got the idea for the name from her previous competition horse, “Make Believe,” as the equestrian world is full of photographers who are constantly needed for sales, competitions and barn photos. Patterson’s first two horse trainers happened to be into photography so it […]
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Sculptor Turns Stone into Art that Calls to Be Touched
When you first see Sharon Feeney’s stone sculptures, you might think she’s been making art most of her life. But, in fact, she began sculpting in stone a mere 14 years ago. How it all began “is actually sort of a woo-woo story,” Feeney said with a smile. “I was a social worker, working with […]
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The Artful Ewe
Port Gamble is a community of transformations. The two jade-green water towers, historically the source of the company town’s water supply, currently serve as its greeting sentinels. The old meat and vegetable market adjacent to those structures now houses The Artful Ewe, modern-day Port Gamble’s longest-operating business. And inside the shop, owner and artist Heidi […]
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Maui Now: What to Know Before Visiting Maui During the Pandemic
Everyone could use a little Aloha right now. Living day to day during the pandemic has created stress in people’s lives. Jobs, families, health and economic futures hang in peril, while lockdown challenges sanity. Are you dreaming of some island time to shake away the COVID-19 blues? Not everyone is comfortable traveling yet, but if […]