Chicago Street Scene
Little Vietnam Neighborhood
Chicago Street Scene: Street Art – Little Vietnam
Someone recently remarked to me that I am a people photographer. Funny…I don’t think of myself that way. I DO like photographing people, but I also enjoy the act of taking and making all kinds of photos. So, I decided that I would go out and find some street art in the Little Vietnam neighborhood of Chicago while Judy was leading a book club nearby. (For those who don’t know, Little Vietnam is between Sheridan and Broadway on Argyle.) Read on to see what happened!
Irony, Searching for Street Art
The first thing I encountered was the street art in an alley (see above). The irony of the ad placement and the sadness of the tribute struck me, of course, but so did the color, the handwriting, and flourishes.
“How About Taking Our Picture?”
Then, I was focusing and framing a photo of a wall mural. Suddenly, two men approached me and said, “How about taking our picture?” How could I say no? So, I simply asked the first guy to stand in front of the panel on the wall I was planning to photograph and composed an image with him under the “Tell Your Story” text while the other guy walked away, skeptically.
“Let’s Try Here”
I cajoled him and told him it would be fun to be in a photo, too. So, he slowly walked over and I suggested he stand next to the boy who was part at the wall art.
Of course, after each frame, I walked over and showed them the black and white preview of the scene that shows up on my camera (I have the camera set up that way).
They’re Thinking I’m Nuts
They’re Thinking: “This is Fun”
Notice the two frames of the same image. You can see how less apprehensive they were as time passed and I joked around, taking pictures. In my opinion, the expressions on their faces change the whole picture! Do you agree? Which one do you prefer?
The entire exchange between us took about 3 minutes or so. They obviously were patient enough to hang out and do different poses. They didn’t ask for money or a copy of the photos. But, they were very interested in seeing the images on the back of the camera.
Anyways, I set out to take some photos of a Chicago Street Scene…and I was even thinking “black and white.” But these guys walked up to me and provided me with a fantastic photo opp. I guess I am a people photographer, after all! I can’t help it.
Thanks for stopping by!
Stephen M. Levin
www.SML-Photos.com
Facebook – @stephenmlevinphotography
Twitter – @stephen_levin
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stephen@sml-photos.com
I always smile when I see your photographs, Steve.
They are wonderful!!!
Thanks so much, Carol. SO nice to hear that my photographs bring a smile to your face! That’s why I do all of this.
Idea for a book (suggested by this post). Street art, wall art, city and alley art, graffiti, shot in thought-provoking ways by positioning people, casual passersby, or people you stage, in the scenes. They’d become part of the art. A story open to interpretations. Fun.
Some day, if you haven’t already, why not collect your wide ranging work into a book. Websites sit in the dark until clicked. Books sit on coffee tables or shelves, in the open. Just a thought.
Thanks for the idea, Mike. Hmmm…maybe.
In the meantime, I have fun with this blog. A large part of it is due to the opportunity for personal interaction.
Glad you dropped by!
Try as you may in this photo series Steve, you still can’t keep the human element out–either creatively behind, or in front of, your lens. Lucky for us viewers of your work. Thank you.
I appreciate that thought, Paul.
I do like the human element of photography. Difficult to resist.
I appreciate your viewpoint on this. I know this area fairly well and you’ve given me a new perspective. I’m trying to get a handle on the weather, time of day & sky color but it seems that the murals block out those things. Is that me?
I think everyone has a different perspective of all those ingredients. I also believe a good photograph takes the weather, time, light, etc. into account. It’s not always “the picture” or subject as much as the elements and perspective that can give it more appeal and interest.
You never can tell what opportunities arise when you are out shooting. I like your creative idea Stephen of combining street art with your desire to photograph people. The combined images are superb and very interesting.
Stan–you’ve got that absolutely right! Ya never know what to expect when you’re out with a camera. That’s part of the adventure and excitement…right?
Thank you so much for your kind words! Appreciated.
You charmer, you! So clever…and bringing us together bit by bit. I love it, Stephen. Thanks
Yes…I suppose I do try to do that! haha
Thanks much, Carol.
I like Mike’s idea of your subjects interacting in some shape or form with the murals. The photo opportunities would almost create themselves.
It does sound like an interesting project! So many possibilities.
Thx.
You are a people person – you just can’t escape it! And we appreciate it so. Thank you
Yea…I suppose I am. That’s likely why I am drawn to images of people…even those I don’t make.
Thank YOU, Steph!
Always fun to see what you capture on these outings. Glad my book clubs can occasionally provide an opportunity for creative exploration for you.
The monthly book club at Nookies, in Edgewater, provides a fun opportunity for me. So many things in the surrounding area and neighborhoods. Places I probably wouldn’t think of to go.
Besides, it’s ALWAYS fun to go with you!!
wow, great slices of life!
Yes…good description. I like that! Thanks, Ira.
Thanks for sharing this! As I read, I began smiling more, too.
And, as I read your comment, I began smiling, too. It’s nice to know that my photos can elicit that reaction.
Thanks so much, David.
Absolutely great shots! Definitely worth going back there to work more on the story – or the next one, as the case may be. You are getting the best out of a great city! R
Thanks much! Glad you like the photos.
It’s sometimes fun to go back and see how things have changed…or stayed the same. And, that becomes the story! I’ll be back there at some point.
Yes…this is a great city. Lots to do and, for sure, lots to see! Fantastic for photography.
Steve – No question the human element adds an intangible, particularly the way you’re able to capture such candidness. The basic shot of the street art is beautiful, but it becomes much more interactive and open to the viewer’s interpretation with one or both of the guys in the shot. Wonderful stuff.
Thanks much, Mark.
I remember a few years ago hearing or reading someone suggest that it’s people we look at when we travel or are out in public. I think about that uncredited thought from time to time when I’m taking photographs. That is, sometimes a photo can go from mundane to interesting by just having a person in the frame…even it they’re not the center of attention. If that’s true (and I think it is) there are probably lots of reasons to explain that phenomenon.
And, since I can’t recall where I heard that observation I mentioned above, I’ll take credit for it now! haha
Stephen, love your photography. Whether you’re in Cuba or Chicago, you seem to capture colorful moments of life, that otherwise may go unnoticed. Totally random and totally appreciated.
In answer to your question, I like the second shot, the one where he’s smiling. You got more than a photo…you got his trust!
Great job!
I appreciate your comments so much, Jackie! Glad you enjoy my photography. And thanks for stopping by to look and comment.
I do try to capture “moments of life.” I like that. In fact, maybe you’ll see that phrase appear in future blogs. Thanks for inspiring that idea!
I agree…by the time I got to that photo, I did have their trust and that makes a difference. It’s not always easy to do that in such a short time and with little interaction. But it’s rewarding when it happens.
Your pictures always make me smile! I love how your pictures always have a story to share!
And your comments always make me smile! Thanks, as usual.
Plus, I really like to share the stories that go with the photos. Fun.
Absolutely awesome pictures. You really know how to capture everything you photograph.
That’s so nice, Sherry. Glad you feel that way! Appreciated.