What Do You See
Looking all Around

What Do You See?

20th Floor of the London House

When you’re walking around in the city, do you have a camera and what do you see?  I usually have an idea of what to look for, but that rarely works out.  That is, unless I am on a personal or professional assignment…a theme, so to speak.  That is, I may be looking for people with green hair, or cars with their tops down.  But, it’s more common that I just look around for things, depending on where I am and how much time I have.  I’ve found that I can frequently get a nice photo if I just plant myself in one spot and wait for something to develop in front of my eyes.  That almost always works.
(NOTE:  I recommend clicking on the blue hyperlinks throughout the blog post for more complete descriptions and explanations!)
Above–Judy and I were staying downtown and had a snack on the roof of the London House in Chicago.  I got distracted and saw this scene with a storm approaching.  I stood next to our table and framed this photo, waiting for the boats to be in a nice composition.  After about 15 minutes, those clouds in the distance did yield a light rain storm.  (Read on!)

What Do You See?

Tourists on the Roof

As we stood in the cupola on the building as the rain moved out,  I couldn’t help myself from photographing these tourists (above).

What Do You See?

Walking along the Riverwalk in Chicago

The  next day, we were walking along the Chicago Riverwalk and I was attracted by the colors of this food and drink stand.  It helped that the guy who worked there was very nice and flashed a huge smile when I asked if I could take his picture.  MOST people say yes, actually!

What Do You See?

Sittin’ and Chillin’ on the Riverwalk

A few feet further along the Riverwalk, I was attracted to the solitude of this scene, the composition, and the ubiquitous cell phone.  Where would we be without our cell phones?  When I edited this image, I stripped out most of the color and left behind a tinge on his clothing which I think works with this image.

What Do You See?

Doug Wimbish of Living Colour

What Do You See?

Doug Wimbish of Living Colour

So, when I go to a concert, I only take my camera if the venue allows it.  And I only take it out if I can get a clear, unobstructed view without standing or moving in front of the other people around me.  We went to City Winery in Chicago and were right in front of Doug Wimbush, the fantastic bass player from Living Colour.  Not only is he good, he’s extremely photogenic!  Above are two views that were very popular when I posted them on Twitter and Instagram.  Doug Wimbish even acknowledged them…cool!

What Do You See?

Judy at the MCA

So, what do you see when you are walking around?  Poor Judy…I always see her and manage to get some interesting photos.  She’s the best model!  After SO MANY years of having her photo taken, she frequently doesn’t even respond…and that’s a good thing, photographically speaking.  In the late afternoon shadows in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art.

What Do You See?

In the City

What do you see when a fireman gets out of his truck on Chicago Avenue?  I see a photo…especially with the flare in the frame.

What Do You See?

At the Art EXPO at Navy Pier

Another fun thing to see and do in the City–the Art EXPO CHICAGO at Navy Pier.  Something about this gallery spot (out of the hundreds there) got my attention.  I think I just saw this scene as a photo.  And, once again, I couldn’t resist the ever present cell phone!  Maybe one day, this will be a relic and we’ll say, “Remember when everyone used to use their phones to send texts?”

Thanks for stopping by!
Stephen M. Levin

www.SML-Photos.com
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SML Photography