Let's Go to the Beach in Chicago, in Winter

It's January, in Chicago, during the most precipitous winter in a long time. On a Sunday, the clouds parted for a brief respite from the Months of Gloom. There is nothing like Montrose Harbor and Beach in Chicago, on a sunny 25 degree afternoon. We explored the sculpted icy coast, and crunched the wet snowy sand. A stroll through the bird sanctuary, where the snow is pristine but for animal footprints. In the harbor, possibly brave men ice-fish. The outline of downtown Chicago looks like a sharp peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan.

Quiet Chicago

A Sunday afternoon in January can be quiet even in downtown Chicago. I explore the Chicago River and the buildings that overlook.

Chicago Fog

I have always loved how fog affects the world we see. It is kind of like putting a filter on the whole world, instead of just the lens of your camera. Only no actual filter can create the layering of shades that fog adds to a scene. Any time a decent fog rolls through Chicagoland, I head for the lake. A little haze or fog transforms the Chicago skyline into a palate of grays and blacks.









Fog is also a challenge to photograph, especially at night. Here are some experiments I did in one of the thickest fogs I've seen.

Pictures of People

Photographing people is one of the most challenging aspects of photography. First, you often have to deal with a moving subject. Shutter speed is critical when shooting a person that is moving. Then, you have to deal with the unique way that light hits the human face. Our face has lots of dips and curves and indentations. It is very easy to forget to check lighting, and end up with a racoon eyed subject. Finally, and most importantly, you have to deal with a personality. Maybe the person you are trying to photograph doesn't know they are being recorded. Maybe they know, but are uncomfortable in front of a lens. It is important to make the subject at ease, and to get them to do what you want. Sometimes, however, you just have to be in the right place at the right time.











If you want to add another level of challenge to the photo, try shooting a dog!

Summer Events in Chicago

Toumani Diabate at the Pritzker Pavillion, Millennium Park. The energy in the crowd was great. The concourse area behind the seating pavillion was teeming with dancing people.





Wicker Park Fest, Along Damon Avenue next to the park. Don Caballero performing.











Carnival in Niles





Lowen and Navarro at Randolph Street Festival

Chicago Fireworks

I had the privilage of watching the city of Chicago fireworks from the roof of a three flat on the west side. Having grown up in the suburbs, I'm more accustomed to sitting in a field and watching ONE fireworks show. However from this rooftop, I was able to survey miles in every direction, and see literally hundreds of fireworks going off at once. It lasted from about 9pm until 10:30pm. Some were amateur fireworks shows, others were professional shows. I even caught a few glimpses of the Navy Pier fireworks, peeking out from behind the sparkling Chicago skyline.