Street Scenes
Downtown Chicago
“Save me the Racing Form”
We went to Downtown Chicago on Sunday and stayed overnight to celebrate Judy’s birthday! Of course, that means a lot of walking around! And plenty of photo opportunities, trying to capture street scenes. This horse and rider seemed like a couple of old friends. As we walked by, I had this conversation between them in my mind: “HAY! Let me have the racing section when you’re done.”
Archibald Motley Exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center
We also stopped by the Chicago Cultural Center to see the Archibald Motley exhibit. Fascinating, colorful paintings of the Jazz era in Chicago and Paris. Also, touching and insightful images of his family and environs. But, the reason I took this photo was because of the graphic nature of this part of the display along the open windows looking out to and contrasting with the modern city. And, I couldn’t resist the colors. As a note, I was lucky to get things aligned! Just a little additional tweaking in post processing.
Textures and Shapes at the Chicago Athletic Association Lobby
I don’t normally do much with architectural subjects, but this floor and stairway in the lobby area of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel was just too irresistible. I thought the visual and textural contrasts between the tile and the marble stairs were quite dramatic. Again, pretty happy with the alignment….and this was hand held at 1/15th of a second!
For those of you who don’t know, this is a newly opened hotel on Michigan Avenue, right across from Millennium Park. There’s a bar, Cindy’s, on the 13th floor that has fantastic drinks and the best view of the city you can find. Check it out next time you’re downtown!
Cool Cocktail at Cindy’s Bar – Chicago Athletic Association
Here’s a drink being prepared by the flashy bartender/mixologist. I tried to make it a little “dramatic.” haha
Takin’ a Hit in the Alley
On the way back to our hotel (the recently refurbished Burnham Hotel), I couldn’t resist this street scene. I saw this young guy smoking near the alley. So, I stopped and shot a “decoy” shot of the alley as I walked by. He said something to me about being a photographer, so I asked him if he’d like to be in a photograph. He eagerly obliged. I framed him along the dumpsters to get the character of the location and asked him to take a puff of his cigarette. I like how you can barely see the tip of the cigarette glowing and a slight puff of smoke.
Blowin’ Smoke in the Alley
He was such a nice, friendly guy. Said he was waiting for his girlfriend to finish work at the restaurant that was right there.
I asked him to take another hit, and I took this second image as he exhaled the smoke. I hope he quits smoking!!
I can’t resist these street scenes and the chance to interact with strangers!
-Stephen M. Levin
“Life Scapes”
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
I know you’re a Vivian Maier fan — does any of her work influence yours? The shot of the horse & old man (who’s probably younger than I am) made me wonder.
Yes, I am a fan of Vivian Maier. And I’m also intrigued by her mysterious story.
I would probably say she probably inspires me more than she influences me. Perhaps our subject material is similar at times, but with different recipes, so to speak. And, she was clearly one of the most talented street photographers of the 20th Century!
I always note that part of the allure of her images is the apparent directness which may be somewhat misleading to the viewer today. Keep in mind that she was shooting quite a bit with a twin-lens reflex (Rolleiflex) so she was looking down and focusing into the camera (from the top) rather than at eye level (as with most cameras today). So, she actually ended up avoiding eye to eye contact in many of her images because while her subjects were looking at her, she was looking down. Interesting perspective!
I don’t know about the man, but let’s celebrate that you and I are older than the horse!!
So glad to have been on location with you when these were shot. I love to see the results after having been “on the scene” when they were taken. These will become part of my 2015 Birthday Weekend. Thanks!
I wonder what you’re thinking sometimes when you’re watching me shoot these crazy photos!
I’m grateful for your patience and support…THAT’s for sure!
Love the shot from Chicago Cultural Center. What a fabulous room and great display work of the paintings. My favorite place in the city
Yes…an impressive room and an exhibit that “fit” the space very well!
Thanks, Gayle.
As always, compelling shots. Each is fun to look at. And some are something more: they’re stories. Thanks for sharing.
Yes…I often think of them as stories.
Thanks so much for your comment, Mike! Glad you enjoyed the photos.
Fabulous picture…you have to be ready when that moment arrives and also able to capture it naturally…bravo…….and Happy Birthday to Judy!
Thanks so much, Ellen!
Yep….gotta be ready. And, ya gotta have a camera! haha