BrianKravets.com

Well, I joined the 21st century, and had my Web Designer friend build me a website, and teach me some design in the process. I will be updating, changing, altering, and blowing up my website a lot in the coming month. Please drop by and see what I've done.

BrianKravets.com

Like what you see? Buy yourself a "Brian Kravets" print!

Maybe you've visited this blog a few times, and have thought to yourself, "Wow, that photograph would look GREAT above the mantle." Well, I've just made it easier to browse and buy my prints! I use a professional printing company, all prints are on Fuji Crystal Archival paper, professionally inspected, and look beautiful. All photographs were taken by me, Brian Kravets, and will be signed and dated on the back of the print.

I have a limited selection photo prints available online at Discord Photography

In addition to what you see there, feel free to request a print of ANYTHING you see on my blog, flickr site, or photo.net portfolio. I'm happy to make prints according to any size requirements you have, and can assist in framing and matting as well!

Photography makes a great gift as well! Maybe you know a Chicago architecture fan, or a Europe lover....browse my portfolio and drop me a line.

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