by Stephen | Jul 24, 2015 | Blog
Another Beach in Chicago
NOT what I had planned…
The Colorful Pier at Hollywood Beach
You may recall that I accompanied Judy when she went to Nookie’s (Edgewater) to lead a book discussion and I ended up meeting a few interesting people and seeing some colorful buildings. So, when I heard that Judy was going back this past Monday, I jumped at the chance to tag along again, thinking I’d find more visual goodies along Bryn Mawr Avenue. Well, I did find some interesting subjects, but not what I had imagined and not where I expected to go! (more…)
by Stephen | Jul 12, 2015 | Blog
Fun
A Better Selfie
Makeup Selfie
Photography can be FUN! At least for me and Mark Pierce. He and I went back to Tuscany in Wheeling to make a better selfie. (more…)
by Stephen | Jun 25, 2015 | Blog
Taking a Walk on Bryn Mawr Avenue
Wherever you are…there’s something!
Hanging out on Bryn Mawr and Winthrop
One camera, one lens (50mm) and an hour and a half. I walked back and forth along Bryn Mawr Avenue looking for people and things to photograph while Judy finished leading a book discussion group in Nookie’s Restaurant this past Monday. Amazing what one can find and who you can meet in an unexpected and unassuming location. (more…)
by Stephen | Jun 19, 2015 | Blog
Off To See The Wizard
…and more on Coronado Island
Pike…, the Wizard?
The Wizard of Oz was written by L. Frank Baum while he lived in Chicago. But, after his success with the Wizard, he moved to Coronado Island, California…not far from Hotel del Coronado. Judy and I came across the address of the house and wandered by to take a look. While we were standing in front, taking pictures (surprised??), this gentleman appeared from the back yard and came to greet us. Pike…the owner of the Baum House for the past 50 years. When he bought it, he didn’t know the history. And when he painted it yellow, that was just a matter of preference. However, at this point, he and his wife embrace the “fame” of the house and have actually embellished and adorned it with “Oz” character. I enjoy photographing people I meet, and Pike was quite agreeable…and photogenic! Seemed to be a very cool guy!! (more…)
by Stephen | Jun 3, 2015 | Blog
Eyes Open to Ideas
Going for a walk…with a camera
Sundown at the Glencoe Train Station
Judy and I have a nice arrangement for a few years on one Thursday night per month. While Judy is leading a book discussion at the Glencoe Library, I find something to keep me busy and then we go out for dinner after the book group at 9PM. Fun!
Frequently, I just walk around the Village for a while with my eyes open and find things to photograph. Rarely do I have a specific preconception of what my subject will be. But, there’s always something! I just walk around and keep my eye on the light and potential subjects. This explains why I feel I have so many photos of Glencoe including the beach, the tennis courts, the train station, the streets, etc., in my collection.
This past Thursday turned into a “people night,” including the photo above. (more…)
by Stephen | May 15, 2015 | Blog
Irish Landscapes
Part Three of Ireland Photos!
Cool House on the Ring of Kerry
In Chicago, we think a building is old if it was built before the Chicago Fire of 1871. There aren’t too many remaining from then since most burned down during the fire. However, in Ireland, history is REALLY history–hundreds and hundreds of years. It’s not unusual, while driving around the island, to see old buildings like the one above. Or abandoned churches, precarious old towers, and grand castles reminiscent of stories from Medieval times (think “Monty Python,” for example). (more…)
by Stephen | May 4, 2015 | Blog
Chicago Photo Walk
Chicago Photographic Society
Working on a Sunday
I don’t think I’ve ever gone on a group photo walk. So, this was a new experience for me. On Sunday afternoon, some members of the Chicago Photographic Society (CPS) got together in a Chicago Photo Walk to meet, socialize, and take some photos–“Street Photography.” While I can’t list the names of all the 15 or 20 attendees, the event was planned and organized by local Chicago photographer, Nima Tiradji (who is also President of the CPS.). Thanks, Nima! (more…)
by Stephen | Apr 25, 2015 | Blog
Through a Window:
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Chicago Skyline – Shakespeare Theater Mono
Look what I found! Judy and I were at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Wednesday night. I looked out the window before the outstanding play (“Sense and Sensibility”) and saw this dramatic scene right before my eyes. I try to have one of my cameras with me as much as possible and this time it paid off. The funny thing is, I didn’t even see anyone else looking out the window from the lobby! Unusual perspective of the famous Skyline. I felt it “worked” with part of the sign in the scene because the letters kind of imply the name…but the name doesn’t really matter, does it? It’s more part of the atmosphere of the scene, I felt. (more…)
by Stephen | Apr 16, 2015 | Blog
Ireland Travel, Part 2
People and Places
38 Clanbrassil Street – Dublin
I must admit, it takes some major chutzpah to photograph people sometimes, but this one (above) set a new standard for me! It was raining all day, as usual, as we pulled into Dublin at the end of our trip around Ireland. We made it a point to go visit the old family home in Dublin of our friend’s family on Clanbrassil Street…from over 90 years ago. It’s also near where James Joyce lived! I got out of the car and got soaked, as did my camera and lens, as the rain continued to fall. Tried to compose a shot of the doorway, but I felt it needed “someone” to give it some scale and interest. So, because I was wet, frustrated, and impatient, I “grabbed” the next guy who was walking by and simply motioned for him to stand against the wall where I pointed. He looked at me with a smile and a question on his face, but kept talking on the phone as I fired off a few exposures. Then I simply thanked him and he went on his way. No words…nothing! But totally agreeable. Amazing to me, sometimes, how willing people are to have their photo taken! (more…)
by Stephen | Apr 6, 2015 | Blog
Ireland Travel
People…(Part 1)
Girl in Ennis
Ever been to Ireland? Beautiful, historic, and the friendliest people! Great photo opportunities of all sorts. We drove (on the left hand side of the narrow roads!) from Dublin to Kilkenny, Kinsale, Kenmare, Ennis, and back to Dublin for a couple of nights. Of course, there were many attractions and sites along the way between stops including Rock of Cashel, Cork, Cobh, Ring of Kerry, The Burren, Cliffs of Moher. (Please click the hyperlinks for more info if you’re interested in these areas.) This post includes photos that feature people. After all, people are part of the landscape of places we visit…right? (more…)
