A Stroll or a Project

A Stroll or a Project

Beautiful Street Scene in the Gold Coast – A Stroll or a Project

Photographers are everywhere today.  And that’s good!  But, when they’re out taking photos, are they on a stroll or a project?   I find my purpose or intent changes.
The photos in this post are an example of what I get on a stroll.  I went with Judy who had a meeting in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago and figured I’d just walk around and observe.  Though I have lived in Chicagoland my entire life, I had no preconception of what I would or could photograph in this neighborhood.  That is, I wasn’t sure what scenes I’d find, how I’d be “received” by the people, where the activity was most apparent, etc.  I ended up with a bunch of eclectic photos that I really liked…this post just represents a small sample!  The image above (and below) are pretty typical of what I had in my mind.  That is, beautiful buildings and homes with residents strolling on the sidewalks.  With both photos, I picked a spot in front of what I considered to be a nice looking home and waited for someone to stroll into my composition.  No conversations, per se…I just smiled as the person passed by.

A Stroll or a Project

Street Scene in the Gold Coast

As I walked along,  I couldn’t help but notice that there are a ton of dog walkers in the neighborhood.  Not surprising, given the “sidewalk nature” of the area.  I started wondering if I was on a stroll or a project because dog walkers could be a good theme.  (See above and below, for examples.)  To some photographers and people interested in photography, themes can be more appealing.  They can provide a focus (excuse the pun) for the photographer…a justification, so to speak, for walking around with a camera.

A Stroll or a Project

A Well Trained Dog

On the other hand, concentrating on a particular subject or topic may take away or interfere with other potential scenes like the one below.  I was just standing by the intersection and I saw this group approaching.  They looked so quaint and sweet!  I took a couple of photos as they approached, but I preferred the atmosphere, so to speak, as they walked away down the tree lined sidewalk.  To me, it screamed for a black and white treatment.
I was still thinking to myself, at this point, if I was on a stroll or a project.  But, I clearly determined I didn’t want or need a narrow topic this day.  I frequently am very happy and content just walking around with my camera and letting things unfold in front of me.

A Stroll or a Project

Out with the KIds

Here (below) are a couple of photos I consider “street photography” or “street portraits.”  I really enjoy taking this kind of photo.  I like being in the moment, trying to capture a slice of life.  And I like getting people into the images…adds so much context and flavor.

A Stroll or a Project

“Street Photography” in the Gold Coast

A Stroll or a Project

Chillin’ With a Cig at the Ambassador Hotel

Finally, it’s always fun to find interesting buildings or artifacts.  This image, below, was apparent to me from quite a distance.  I kept my eye on it as I walked closer and felt that the composition had some interesting graphic elements and interest.

A Stroll or a Project

Vivid Facade in the Gold Coast

And you always have to keep your eyes open for a bit of whimsy!  (see below)

A Stroll or a Project

Street Scene in the Gold Coast

Gotta go back to this neighborhood!  And now that I’ve spent some time strolling about, it might be fun to have a theme (hmm…what should it be?  Dogs, cigarette smokers, people using cell phones, etc.???).  Though whether it’s a stroll or a project, it’s always fun for me!

Thanks for stopping by!
Stephen M. Levin

www.SML-Photos.com
Facebook – @stephenmlevinphotography

Twitter – @stephen_levin
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stephen@sml-photos.com

 

 

SML Photography