Eclipse Watchers
Bryn Mawr Beach, Chicago
Fun day observing the eclipse watchers! Such an interesting event and a wonderful atmosphere with the diverse collection of happy people! I rode with Judy to the Bryn Mawr neighborhood where she was leading a book group (at Nookie’s) so I had a short walk to the beach.
Lotsa photos in this post, so I’ll keep it shorter than usual with the text!
I walked around for about an hour and photographed and chatted with a bunch of people. Everyone seemed so cheerful and open. NO ONE refused my request to take a photo. I was actually surprised because many of them were wrapped up in their viewing experience. I simply asked, chatted a bit, took some photos, said “thank you, enjoy,” and moved along.
This was the first person I came across. Looks like he stopped by at the entrance to the park/beach while he was going to or coming from work. He seemed so happy to be there.
This guy had an entire rig set up. Complete with music, camera, chair, bike, binoculars, and various viewing support paraphernalia. To say he was friendly (and ready!!) would be an understatement!
This eclipse watcher took advantage of the cement walkway along the beach to stretch out and relax in a perfect viewing position. Hope he didn’t forget his sunglasses and change!
I had to take this photo! Look at her clothing. No doubt I was going to leave this as a color image.
They weren’t wearing their glasses! So, I asked them to put them on. I felt better…ah.
Getting dark…prime time for viewing the whole effect.
Sunglasses, chair, bike, phone, headphone. Relaxed. He had some data about the eclipse on his phone, I believe, because I asked him a question (after I already had his permission) and he checked the screen for information.
I wish both of these eclipse watchers had glasses on. Makes me nervous. (I certainly didn’t look up at the sun.)
Only one of these guys was watching the sun. The other was just enjoying the atmosphere.
By the time the entire event took place and the crowd was cleaning up and clearing out, I was several blocks south of Bryn Mawr and it was time to get back and meet Judy. Still lots of people and things to see, of course, and I continued taking photos (check my Instagram for more). This one (above) I saw shaping up. The little girl got on Mommy’s big bike and pedaled a few feet along the beach, on the sidewalk. I had to run up ahead and get in position to frame this scene and caught it before she concluded her brief ride. Second to last frame of the day! I always like these beach scenes. And it was a nice way to cap off a fun and interesting day taking photos during the solar eclipse. I gotta get some more ideas before the next one in seven years!
Hope you had a fun and memorable day, too!
Reminds me of the ” Waiting for Godot” theme. What are we all looking for?
Hmmm…interesting observation. I can “see” that! Thanks.
Great shots, Steve. I was at the Botanic Garden and, like you, found the people watching to be almost as interesting as the eclipse.
Thanks, Mark!
Actually, I frequently find that something other than the “main event” is just as interesting…and sometimes more!
I’ll bet the Garden was a good place to be.
Great shots…great experience!
Love your writing too?????
Glad you like them! And it was a fun experience.
(I actually enjoy writing on the blog in addition to the “photography part.”)
LOVE!?
That’s so sweet, Merle. Thanks so much.
(Any watercolors??)
Great pictures Steve!!!
And…I love that people were looking UP…not down at their cell phones!!!
Appreciated, Carol! And you raised a good observation. This event actually took people’s minds off of other things, at least for a while. Refreshing.
Lovely pics and commentary!
Thanks on both accounts, Susan. As you know, it’s a labor of love.
If you had to put a sound track to these, “Moon Shadow” (1971, Cat Stevens?) would do. BTW–a musical accompaniment to your photos wouldn’t be a bad idea. Now if only the photographer were also a musician….
Ooohh…good music choice, Mike! Appropriate. And, yes, I do play that song from time to time, but I don’t think anyone would want to hear me singing it! haha
Music is a good suggestion for accompaniment. I may have to explore that.
Thanks.
I was at the local beach watching (yes, I wore my glasses) and concluded that the only way to dig the eclipse properly was to be high (not that I was). At least where we were (only a few miles from where you were) there was too much cloudiness. I like your perspective on this.
Too bad it was a bit overcast..but I’m sure it was an inspiring view nonetheless. (I was afraid to look up! haha)
Yes, I think the people provided an interesting perspective. And everyone seemed so agreeable and pleasant. Glad you liked it.
You captured the celebratory feeling of the day. I found everyone to be in an uplifted mood appreciating the beauty and wonder of our natural world. Would do us all good to focus on this a bit everyday. Thanks.
You’re right, Judy! (I know you’ve heard me say that before!)
That’s why I pretty much had a smile on my face the entire time I was taking photos. Few distractions…everyone focused on a remarkable event that is larger than many of the things on our minds.
Thx!
Good stuff!
Thanks, Jordan! Glad you like them.