What Do You See
Looking all Around
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!)
As we stood in the cupola on the building as the rain moved out, I couldn’t help myself from photographing these tourists (above).
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!
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.
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!
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 when a fireman gets out of his truck on Chicago Avenue? I see a photo…especially with the flare in the frame.
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
Facebook – @stephenmlevinphotography
Twitter – @stephen_levin
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stephen@sml-photos.com
Thanks for sharing. Great insight into what you saw walking around Chicago. Superb images. The long shadow image of Judy is superb.
Appreciated, Stan! Thanks for your comment.
The late afternoon sun/shadows at the MCA were irresistible…and then Judy walked into the scene! Easy.
The picture from the roof of the London House is one of my absolute favorites! It so says “Chicago” to me.
I actually like that picture, too! Glad you feel the same way. But, there are so many other scenes that also scream “Chicago!” Just gotta find and capture them at the right time, in the right light. Thanks!
Love the picture from the London House. It makes me miss Chicago. I really enjoy your photos.
Thanks, Susanne!
Then, come back and visit. Chicago really has developed and grown into a fantastic city. Much to see and do…and plenty of great restaurants, too.
Wonderful series!
Glad you like ’em, Richard! Thx.
Kept coming back to the top picture. Of the river. It’s profound. After living in Chicago all my life, and having seen the river a million times, even having used its commuter boats for a time, I never realized until this moment what a “corridor” it really is at that stretch. It took the eye of a camera positioned perfectly, and the judgment of the photographer to share that insight. Thanks.
Mike– Always fun for me to hear what’s going through people’s minds when they’re looking at my photos!
I agree that it is a corridor. Probably more so since River North has become so vibrant in recent years. It’s “nicer” and cleaner now, too. Always an important part of Chicago’s history and identity.
As usual, I appreciate your comments and observations.
Love the show and tell! The descriptions increase my appreciation of the already wonderful photos.
Next to taking photos, I enjoy talking about them! I think I have a story for each one…even the ones that nobody else see! Glad to hear you like that aspect of the blog.
Thanks for your comment, David. Appreciated.
I’m the lucky one who experiences so many of these scenes with Stephen before they become photo shots. He catches a great angle and makes our little excursions into memories. I don’t even mind when he catches me in some scenic shots. He always sure to make me look good! Thank You!
Haha! I can’t take the credit for making you look good!! But you certainly have done that to many of my photos.
Thx for always being a good sport and encouraging me.
I think I’m a sky person (yes, my head is in the clouds). Did you take these over the last few days when it’s been blue sky? You still have a day or two to get some amazing & unseasonable beach. Your shot of the cafe was especially effective – I feel like having a smoothie!
The sky and temps were different. The photo of the river was right before a rain and the cafe (the next day) was very clear and sunny. Yes…the sky is different with each season, but there’s different kinds (and angles!) of good light available at all times of the year. At least, that’s what I think! NOTE: It may not be sunbathing weather much longer! haha
I am always looking for photos that include an interesting sky. Conventional wisdom suggests late afternoon and early morning as the best opportunities for finding appealing skies and good light angles for photographs.
Thanks much for your comments, Dave.
I just love your stories about your pictures. I now need to go to The Riverwalk and art gallery in Navy Pier. Your pictures are just amazing!
Yes! The Riverwalk is a worthwhile destination. Probably more appealing in the warmer months, but it’s a pleasant walk year round, in my opinion.
Glad you like the stories! Always fun for me to include them in my blog!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Debbie.
Steve, I love what you see! I so appreciate what You capture when You look around.
Our city is a treasure – love the pic from top of London House, the kids taking a selfie, and Judy at MCA. Light was so cool! Thanks!!???
Aw! So nice of you. Thx, Steph.
Yes…Chicago is a treasure. Almost every nook and cranny. So much to see and experience.
London House: 60’s, Ramsey Lewis, Oscar Peterson, Ahmad Jamal, martinis and cigarettes…….does the new measure up?
What do I see? Beloved ” Towering Twins”right out of GOT’s
Chicago water Taxi, Sightseeing cruise but the exclamation point…. yellow taxi on the bridge….. right in the middle!!!
The bridge-tender houses, architectural gems.
The River Point Building (last on left) soon to be home to another Gibsons.
VietnNam Memorial lower left ?
Thank you SML
Hi Nan! Welcome.
The London House isn’t really like the “old” version. This is a hotel with a rooftop restaurant/bar and another restaurant. Very nice…worth a visit and a stay, I’d say! But no jazz icons or cigarettes. Plenty of martinis and new inventions/recipes, though.
Hmmm…I didn’t/don’t watch GOT, so I’m not sure of the reference. The sights and views along the River are an eyeful. And to think how they are more visible and approachable now is really remarkable. Especially if one considers the history of the river and the areas around it.
With regards to the yellow taxi–sometimes ya just get lucky! ha
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
Steve,
As someone who worked downtown for 50 years (and counting), lived downtown 21 of those years, and played downtown through it all, it is way fun to see your scenes, and to read your insightful stories behind the scenes–thank you!
Great, Paul. That’s one of the things I’m hoping to accomplish.
Thank you.