Taking a Walk on Bryn Mawr Avenue
Wherever you are…there’s something!
Hanging out on Bryn Mawr and Winthrop
One camera, one lens (50mm) and an hour and a half. I walked back and forth along Bryn Mawr Avenue looking for people and things to photograph while Judy finished leading a book discussion group in Nookie’s Restaurant this past Monday. Amazing what one can find and who you can meet in an unexpected and unassuming location. This (above) is Mitchell. I was walking past the intersection of Bryn Mawr and Winthrop after a huge rainstorm and this guy says to me, “Nice camera! Is that an old or a new camera? It looks “vintage.” That, to me, is a sure fire opening for me to engage the person and take their photo. Turns out that we chatted for 10 minutes or so about photography, cameras, and other small talk. He was very agreeable to the idea of having his picture taken and one of them from this first encounter appears below. This color photo, however, was taken when Judy and I were walking back to our car to head home and I saw him returning to the same spot as before with his bike. I called out and said it was nice to see him and cross paths again. I then asked him to make a proper pose in front of a nice background (which I knew was right there!!) and I would try to do a good job with it. He gave me his e-mail address and I’ve written to him to confirm the address…still haven’t heard back.
Smokin’ on the Corner of Bryn Mawr and Winthrop
Here he is (above), smokin’ a self rolled cigarette during our first encounter. Cool Dude! (That’s Nookie’s in the background.)
Look Mean!
This “scary face guy” was actually kind of funny. I was walking past the bus stop and a guy yells out to me, “Hey! Are you gonna take our picture?” I said, “Sure!” So, I took a few frames of one of the guys and then I asked this guy if I could take his photo. He said, “Nah!” But I insisted at which point he or his friend said that he could make a scary face…he had been a boxer. So, he raised up his cane in fake menacing way and made a scowl. I asked him to make that expression with his face again and that’s the photo I captured! He was actually quite jovial and smiley other than the 1/1000th of a second it took to take this image.
Still Life inside Zanzibar Coffee Shop
At the end of the next block over is a neat coffee shop, Zanzibar. I went inside to get a cup of coffee and a pastry, but I changed my mind and just walked around inside, looking. I “found” this still life, as is, and couldn’t resist.
Gorgeous Arch over a doorway on Bryn Mawr
Wow! Check out this arch over a doorway at 1062 Bryn Mawr Avenue! This was actually a grand neighborhood in its day. You can still see vestiges of art deco, colored tile, etc. mixed in among the buildings. Lots of character and contrast on the street.
The Old Edgewater Beach Hotel
At the end of Bryn Mawr Avenue, near Lake Michigan is the former Edgewater Beach Hotel. Not a hotel any longer, but it still looks grand and stately. I walked in and the doorman told me that they put a lot of money into the building and it is now private residences. I remember when this was one of the landmarks in the ride along Lake Shore Drive.
Where’s the next adventure???
-Stephen M. Levin
“Life Scapes”
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
He looks like a very interesting guy. I bet he has a great back story!
Yes…for sure!
You sure have a knack of finding interesting people. Your pictures are amazing!
Thanks, Debbie!
Actually, I think they find me! haha
I love what you captured. The hands especially were so good.
Glad you noticed and liked that, Eileen! And, thanks so much…!
It IS an interesting neighborhood. When I drive to these book club meetings on my own I always think how wonderful to get out of the suburbs occasionally and see the variety of people and places on the streets of Chicago. Thanks Stephen for capturing this sentiment.
Yes, Judy…I agree. It’s interesting for me, too! And I get energized by the photo opportunities whenever I “join” you, from Glencoe to Chicago…and anywhere else!?
Steve, This area has special significant to me for so many reasons: I was born a mile south at Weiss. My grandparents Frieda and Alvin lived a mile north at Rosemont and the lake. I took acting classes at Chase Park on Ashland and did theater tech work at Truman College. My brother Mark and your nephew lived a little over a mile south on Hazel. Our family went to Argyle St. many times to its Asian stores and restaurants. And if I recall correctly, Mark and I saw ‘About Last Night’ with Demi Moore at the Bryn Mawr Theatre–I’d be likely to remember that. Dave
Glad this struck a chord with you, David. I was not aware of all of your history that you have associated with that area. Fun!
I enjoyed your photos, the details of the building on Bryn Mawr and the Edgewater. I loved passing it on the way downtown, so regal and “pink”.
Same memory for me, Ronna…a definite landmark on the drive downtown. Much older now and not quite as “noticeable” as I recall.
Changing neighborhood with a colorful (literally) grandeur still peaking through.
I’m enjoying all your different color choices. Were these color choices intentional?
Thanks, Dave!
Not exactly sure what you’re referencing.
But, in general, I always look for color combinations that I think will work, or just look good in my opinion. For example, I specifically “chose” the green background and asked him to stand in front of it. I felt as though it worked well with his shirt.
Great work on the black and white portraits, Stephen. I really enjoyed your blog. Can’t wait to read more!
Thanks so much, Staci.
More is comin’…definitely. I like black and white portraits!
Great photos, specially “look mean!” That’s amazing!
Thanks!
He only had that mean face for a short time. Other than that, he had a huge grin.