Through a Window:
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Look what I found! Judy and I were at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Wednesday night. I looked out the window before the outstanding play (“Sense and Sensibility”) and saw this dramatic scene right before my eyes. I try to have one of my cameras with me as much as possible and this time it paid off. The funny thing is, I didn’t even see anyone else looking out the window from the lobby! Unusual perspective of the famous Skyline. I felt it “worked” with part of the sign in the scene because the letters kind of imply the name…but the name doesn’t really matter, does it? It’s more part of the atmosphere of the scene, I felt.
So, you may be wondering how I got that little starburst in the right hand side. Easy tip! If you want to try to make one of these, find a source of specular light in your scene (in this case, it was the sun peaking between two buildings) and then set your camera to use a small aperture…between f16 and f22. Voilà! That’s all there is to it. I added a green/yellow tint to the monochromatic image….more on that later.
If you’re interested in finding and shooting scenes of architecture, etc. in Chicago, I highly recommend contacting Chris Smith at “Out of Chicago” (and sign up for the”Out of Chicago” upcoming photo conference from June 26-28) and also follow Angie McMonigal, an architectural photographer in Chicago. They’re both worth checking out if you’re interested in that type of photography.
Here’s the color version of that same scene. It’s actually the same frame. That’s what I saw. But, I have my camera setup (sometimes) in a mode that creates a B&W jpeg image of the scene along with the color file. That can create a dilemma…which one do I like? I must admit that my first inclination is usually black and white (or monochrome), but I couldn’t decide with this one. I posted them both on various social media sites and they both seemed to get a nice response (including from Chicago Shakespeare Theater who saw them on Twitter).
So, you decide which one you like. And let me know in the comments below.
I’m just taking a short break from posting Ireland photos…more of those to come soon!
-Stephen M. Levin
“Life Scapes”
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
Thanks for the plug, Stephen! Great shot. I’ve never shot from up there. I hear the view of the skyline is best from the women’s restroom. Have yet to try to find out. 🙂
Thanks, Chris.
Can’t speak to that vantage point…! But I think it’s on the other side of the building.
I love how you chose this shot. I like Chicago best when it doesn’t seem like Chicago – when it seems like not the place where I’ve lived forever. And there is something about going to the theater that takes us out of our everyday whatever. I appreciate that you’ve taken the time to get technical – I just figured out that aperture means opening. Or does it?
Yes…aperture is the opening of the lens.
The thing about this scene is that I had no expectations. We “stumbled upon” it while we were waiting for the play to start. If you think of it, there are probably a million opportunities like that in Chicago. Just have to be ready.
Thanks, Dave!
What a spectacular photo!
Thanks so much, Jeannine! I appreciate your comment.
Which version do you prefer?
Steve, the B&W versions are usually standouts because of the mood they suggest, but in this case the red word ‘theater’ steals the show and works well with the starburst of sun sneaking through like a theatrical light, very fitting. Nice shot; it holds the eye and doesn’t easily let go.
Thanks! It’s always interesting and helpful for me to hear people’s views and perspectives of an image…
I appreciate your comments, as you know!
Love the retro quality of this urban scape. The partial sign is perfect since it frames the skyline . The filtered image and the darkened sky serve to create mystery.
Yes. At first the sign kinda scared me off…then I “embraced it” in the image.
Thanks, Marlan.
Barbara Gaines and Chicago Shakespeare have been lauded for choosing this spot on Navy Pier for the new theater space. This is what they envisioned people enjoying from the large windows!
Works for me! And you.
Your photos are always amazing! Love the picture.
Always appreciate your comments, Debbie! Glad you like the photo.