As a photographer, when you travel or see a special event, it is hard not to be overwhelmed by the potential of the situation. Walking down the streets of a new city or trail through the wilderness, you can see all the different images you could create if you could wait for the right light or action. Every shot you take is documentation of what is happening and what could happen. Sometimes that potential can leave a photographer with feelings of disappointment at the end of the day. Feelings of self-doubt that they failed to capture the spirit of the experience they had. 

 

This is exactly what happened to me when I went to Chicago in September 2022. I was utterly blown away by the photo-making opportunities. I had a couple of hours to myself during my trip that I could dedicate to photography, and I walked away feeling despondent. However, meditating on my thoughts and feelings, I realize now that this feeling was not because of some failure on my part to practice my artistic eye but rather evidence of the potential that a place like Chicago has for photo opportunities. I was a kid in a candy shop, and I ate too much sugar too fast. It made me sick. I realized you could spend a lifetime documenting the images found within Chicago, but like any candy shop, I should be happy with the small part I was able to taste. 

 

Chicago is beautiful. Cities highlight the human ingenuity to create mountains of glass and steel. They are a hotspot for observing human behavior—both the good and the bad. You can find it all in Chicago. 

I had three main opportunities to take pictures.

 

CHICAGO RIVERSIDE

My first day of photography was spent walking down the riverwalk that cuts through the city’s center. I went past the breweries and boats and saw the business people taking their lunches in their buttoned shirts on the steps of the Vietnam war Memorial. The tourists crowd the metal walkway hanging over the river’s edge, and some local boys were fishing in contrast to such a modern setting.

CHICAGO LAKEFRONT

Another day I spent walking on one of the city’s many beaches, enjoying the last of the summer heat before a windy fall set in on the city shores.

 

 Finally, I observed the city’s skyline from the steps of a planetarium on the edge of a tiny peninsula. From there, I walked down to a large water fountain.

Each location was rich with opportunity, and given a chance; I would spend hundreds of days taking pictures there. 

 

I would make a small note of things I would try to photograph more if I did get a chance. First is the train. It is an essential part of the lives of the people in Chicago. It is also a significant feature as it is suspended over the streets. I think I could do a whole series on the train alone. I also would focus on capturing a night image of the city skyline to highlight the beautiful lights. There are also so many lines that would be great for a hyper-lapse project. I would also try to document some of the fantastic food that is available. Every corner seems to have a bundle of unique restaurants.  Anyways those are the few things I recommend looking for beyond what I captured. 

 

I hope that my documentation of my photography journey in Chicago helps you to get images that you are proud of.