Local Exploring
Fun With a Camera
Nice Day–time for a little local exploring. All photos taken with one camera and one fixed 35mm lens.
There’s always something fun to do or explore with photography. I can spend hours walking around anywhere with a camera, taking photos. And most of those photos won’t even be seen by anyone except me! It’s the act of taking pictures that is a major part of the process. It’s also fun to sort and edit the images. I like to look around and notice things and try to imagine what kind of photo I can make.
Yesterday (Sunday), I went to the Bahá’í House of Worship to take some photos, but then I drifted across the street to the Wilmette Harbor, Gillson Park (along Lake Michigan), and a short drive to Rogers Beach Park. I actually finished my day with a drive along Devon, but didn’t take any photos there–that’s for another day.
Saw the above boat shimmering in the water. In fact, it’s full of water which added to the shiny appearance. I processed it as black and white and then added a star burst along the side of the boat for dramatic effect. Shhhh…don’t tell anyone!
I absolutely enjoy getting people into my photos. So, while I was walking along the beach on the hot, sunny day, I came across this woman in a funky hat which caught my attention. Then I noticed the ubiquitous cell phone (they’re everywhere, they’re everywhere!) and the less common cigarette. The Lake Michigan background was automatically gorgeous, so I just included the bush on the side of the frame to give perspective.
Also at Gillson Park and the Wilmette Beach, I came across this little dog playing with its family in the water. They were actually “walking the dog” on a flotation device in the lake, leash and all. Kinda far away from me, so those photos didn’t come out. But, as they got closer, the dog jumped off and into the water and their daughter jumped behind the dog. Normally, parents are kinda cautious about “strange” photographers taking pictures of their children. But, I heard the Mom and Dad laughing and encouraging me to take the photos. DARN…I should’ve given them a card with my address so they could get the photo.
The next two images (above) were taken at what I call the Vivian Maier Park as I continued my local exploring. But, it’s actually called Rogers Beach Park (smallest park in Chicago!) and it’s located along the border of Evanston and Chicago, just off of Sheridan Road. It’s the area where famous photographer, Vivian Maier, lived just prior to her death and she supposedly used to sit along the benches there. Anyways, I had an image in my mind with people, a tree, and the lake in the background. The images are similar and reflect my attempt to create what I felt. I did add a little texture atmosphere to the top one, and a little softening to the bottom one. Hey–it’s a fun part of the process and it’s allowed as long as you’re not making a documentary or news image.
The beach at Rogers Beach Park is tiny. That doesn’t mean there’s not a lifeguard on duty! I liked the varying textures of the scene and then decided to add a little sauce to the image to make the lifeguard stand out in contrast to the textures…literally, to add some life to the scene. haha
Devon Avenue will have to wait. I’ve never seen it so crowded! It’s populated with diverse and eclectic people and cultures. Vibrant and full of activity. Truly a unique neighborhood. I think it could be another fun place for local exploring! Wanna join me?
Thanks Stephen and glad that these are not from your backyard:-( I wish I was at the lake, lazying around:-) Thinking of you and thanks for these, Karen
Yes….the water levels in our yard are down. Almost gone. But the colors never looked like stunning Lake Michigan!
Thanks much for your comment…and, you’re welcome!
I always love the blues in your beach pictures. Now I know that summer is here!
So do I, Dave! Gorgeous lake. Add in the right light and it’s a good recipe for photos.
Thanks much, Dave.
Thoughtful and artistic shots as always. Also, some words from your text stand out. You say you take a lot of photos and most won’t even be seen by anyone but (you). This reminded me of a Springsteen quote: “You write the song just for yourself but it’s no good unless you play it for somebody else.” That’s why your blog posts are important, and always welcome. Thanks.
Interesting, Mike. I’ll keep that quote in mind though sometimes it is very relaxing to just go out and take photos as an inward expression, so to speak.
Always like your comments! Thx.
I just love looking at your pictures. You bring the pictures to life with your stories behind each one.
I am so glad you feel that way, Debbie. Keeps me goin’!
Love these, especially the rowboat! Also enjoy your commentary…adds so much.
Glad you like the commentary, too! Part of my fun doing this.
And I also like that photo!
Thx, Steph.
Exploring and observing and then capturing an image – that’s your specialty. Never know where you will find that next great image. Near or far from home you seem to find a shot. Love You.
You know I’m always looking! So many ideas.
And I count on you as part of the process. You encourage my interest…er, interests, that is. Thanks for that!
Your work is so lush and full of light. But I especially enjoy your anecdotal comments which humanize the images even more.
I appreciate the feedback, Jonathan. And I enjoy writing the “anecdotal comment” part of the blog. Glad you like it!
Steve – Beautiful shots. The sun, cell phone and cigarette picture is wonderful, with so many nice details to pick up on each time I look. I might take you up on that offer to join you on Devon.
It seems everywhere we look, there’s someone holding a cell phone! ha (I’ve got mine with me usually, too.) Not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s always there. Not so much with a cigarette any more.
I’m thinking about a “project” of capturing people with their cell phones. Maybe downtown or some other active location. And maybe at a particular time of the day. Hmmm…I’m thinkin’.
GLAD to have you join me on Devon. Have you been there recently! Seems a bit more crowded and there’s lots of construction on the streets and sidewalks (which certainly makes it appear even more crowded). For a long time, most of the places from our childhood in that neighborhood are long gone and/or different. (Same with MOST of the neighborhoods from our childhood!!) Shoulda taken more photos back then!
Happy that you like the photos! thx
Liked the randomness of your pictures. I was at Gilson Park shooting a couple weeks ago. Had never been there before and didn’t realize all the opportunities. But your pictures make it sound like a day’s adventure with not a care in the world.
Gillson Park, Wilmette Harbor, Bahai Temple…and nearby parts of Wilmette are all worthy and provide a ton of photo opps. And it is always an adventure and a challenge to find and create images! But, I don’t think anyone doesn’t have a care in the world! haha But, walking and looking around certainly can relax me and help to take my mind off of things. And the time flies by quickly.
Perhaps I’ll see you around there, taking photos, one of these days! Plans?
Thanks for your comment, Mike.
“Lazin’ On a Sunny Afternoon with a Dog” really intrigues me. The foreground, tree, dog, and people–all black, but the view beyond all brightly colored. One kind of universe looking into another.
Oooh…interesting observation! A silhouette against a colored background, indeed.
Thanks, Paul.