PORT TOWNSEND — The 2010 Port Townsend Main Street Family Portrait rolled off the presses Monday morning, about 18 hours after community members gathered in the shadow of the newly commissioned ferry, MV Chetzemoka.
While recalling that the first portrait in 1985 was available the same day because it was in black and white, Printery owner Mike Kenna said this year’s version is the best quality of its 12 predecessors.
Sunday’s gray weather, according to Kenna, is the reason why.
“We had the best diffused light that we’ve ever had,” Kenna said.
“You would think that sunny weather would give us the best conditions, but you get a lot of shadows from sunlight.”
Approximately 700 people are in the picture — community members, guests and a few passers-by.
Kenna said one woman, whose name he did not know, was born in Port Townsend and just happened to be on the outbound ferry when the picture was taken.
The faces are clear throughout, with enough detail to recognize anyone in the shot.
A magnifying glass improves the resolution even further, and at a certain angle it creates a three-dimensional effect.
Washington State Ferries Customer Information Manager Susan Harris Huether got married around the time of the first portrait in 1985, in which she and her husband appeared.
Both are in this year’s portrait, standing on the car ramp leading to the Chetzemoka.
Kenna said a last-minute readjustment was required when the ferry parked in the opposite dock from which a test shot was created in October.
“We were composing on the spot,” he said.
There also was some doubt as to how many people would show up, especially since the area was nearly empty 20 minutes before the scheduled shoot.
But it filled up quickly — people in Port Townsend often wait until the last minute, according to Kenna.
About 400 copies of the 18-by-24-inch poster were printed Monday morning, and are available for $10 apiece at the Printery, 631 Tyler St.
The proceeds from the poster benefit the Main Street Program, which promotes and supports downtown businesses.
Kenna said that a second printing could occur if demand required, but this quantity “is usually enough to meet the demand.”
The picture was taken by photographer Michael Conklin atop a ladder truck loaned by East Jefferson Fire-Rescue.
Puget Sound Energy provided sponsorship for the event and the poster, which was produced on recycled paper using vegetable-based ink and 100 percent renewable energy.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
