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Chicago photography suggestions

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foofiebeast

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Joined: Feb '10
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Hey all,

I'm taking a short weeklong trip to Chicago tomorrow. I've only been once before, probably 5 years ago, before I started shooting again. Anyway I was wondering if anyone has any photo related advice for the city. Any must see's, any nice spots, any must go to photo stores, etc.

I believe I'll be in a hotel in downtown chicago for probably about 3 days, then back to relatives house in the subburbs for 1-2 days then to a cottage on lake michigan for the remaining 2 or 3 days, which I'm very excited about for trying out some new things.

anyone else got any trips lined up?

Posted 2 years ago #
studio460

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I'm not aware of any photo-specific, Chicago sites, but as I'm sure you know, there's a wealth of architectural and skyline opportunites there to photograph. I would love to get a nice time-exposure, HDR shot from Lakeshore Drive of the Chicago skyline someday myself. And, one of the Hancock building. Both. the L-train platforms, and in-city L-train commutes should offer lots of interesting vantage points as well. The cool thing about Chicago is that the sky is often filled with gorgeous, fluffy-white, cumulus clouds, making for very postcard-looking, sky-filled backgrounds.

Also, if you're a single guy, I find that women there are like ten-trillion times easier to pick up in that city than in Los Angeles. Plus, their bars are way cooler. Visit virtually any bar on the Northside or in downtown, and you'll have a very different experience than you would in L.A.

Posted 2 years ago #
adamz

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Joined: Mar '09
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memorial park - the bean is a must, also a nice view from the lake side towards the city center

Posted 2 years ago #
foofiebeast

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that's what I was kind of thinking studio, good advice. I'm pretty excited to see what I can find.

I am (fortunately) not single, but thanks for the advice, haha (as well I am only 20, so bars are also a no-go unfortunately.)

I remember the bean from last time I went, pretty fun stuff. I immagine since I'll be with family we'll end up there again at some point.

unfortunately my macbook's logic board died, but they finally agreed to fix it. unfortunately it's still not back yet, so I won't have it for this trip, which means i'll have to be somewhat conservative with memory card space. I'll have my FTN and Rolleicord though too, so I think I'll be fine. I'm excited to see the city again. I remember it having a really great feel (despite it being like 3 degrees when I was there).

Posted 2 years ago #
foofiebeast

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Joined: Feb '10
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ahh, rolleikin is removed, now onto lens selection.

I'll be back in a week, hopefully with lots to share.
everyone please pray to the nikon gods (that's nikkorgüden in german) that by the time I get back the d90 replacement will have been announced :)

extra:
book selection for the flight and down time:
Lolita
Zorba the Greek
Wait Until Spring, Bandini

Posted 2 years ago #
studio460

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foofiebeast said:
ahh, rolleikin is removed, now onto lens selection.

Just curious, foof--what lenses do you own, or have decided to take?

Posted 2 years ago #
Krevlin

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Joined: Jun '10
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Being from Chicago I figure I should chime in.

Friday the 25th, the Taste of Chicago starts in Grant Park, however we've been having some really crazy storms lately so I am unsure if you'll be able to get anything.

I also suggest walking down the "Magnificent Mile" which is Michigan Ave. You should also find Wacker Dr. (NOT LOWER WACKER) and take pictures of the Trump Tower and Hotel, the Marina Towers, the IBM building etc.

Basically Michigan Ave, State St, and Wacker Dr are some good spots to take pictures of buildings. Also maybe if the weather is nice, go on a Lake and River tour. They cost about 25$ per person.

Also if you're into Fireworks, weather permitting, Saturdays and Wednesday at Navy Pier (A place you should also visit) has 15 minute Firework shows at 10:15PM (Sat) and 9:15PM (Wed).

You should also visit the Sears tower (It was renamed Willis but it will always be Sears to me) and go to the Skydeck and try out "THE LEDGE" it's basically a glass box that extends out the window and allows you to look straight down.

Also if you arrive on Thursday in Millennium Park, right now is Party in the Park which means a couple of bands play for FREE every Thursday.

Also don't forget the other park, Grant Park. Near the back end there is Buckingham Fountain.

Sadly you are not coming the month of July. Transformers 3 is filming here and that would definitely be something to peep.

Hope that helps.

Posted 2 years ago #
noxin

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Joined: Nov '09
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I recommend the Navy pier and the Hancock building too. The Sears tower is taller but I like the shape of the Hancock building more.

Posted 2 years ago #
Bob Pan

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Joined: Apr '10
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A little late to the thread, but near the bean is a pair of fountains in the form of tall cubes, with water coming off of them. At night they are lit up really nice and if the weather is warm there are a bunch of people around them. Good for some nice shots. I'd recommend a medium telephoto, ideally a fast lens so you can stay back a bit and not change the behavoir of the kids, big and small playing.

Posted 2 years ago #
foofiebeast

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studio460 said:
Just curious, foof--what lenses do you own, or have decided to take?

Actually this time around I mainly (as possibly stupid as this will sound) just brought a lot of different cameras. Because of my financial situation I still shoot with my canon xti (shhhh) when I shoot digital, but most of this year I've just been shooting with my nikormatt which I use the standard 50 1.4, and this really fantastically sharp 70-200w/macro Kiron lens I've had for a long time. I have a few other lenses, that I don't use much though, mainly because I need the coupling prongs, so I'm waiting for the d90 replacement.

Then I also brought along my rolleicord which I had yet to shoot with 120 (I put in a rolleikin right after I got it), so I am excited to see how those turn out. And then for quick things I also brought along a small smena 8m with some faster film in it in case I wanted to grab something really quick, or was in a part of town I didn't feel comfortable having something out with me all the time that looked nice.

as to everyone else, thanks for the advice. Downtown itself ended up providing plenty of beautiful areas (especially down on wabash under and around the "L") that I took a lot of pictures at. After that we went to michigan for a few days and that was just of course gorgeous, so hopefully I got some nice shots there too.

Posted 2 years ago #

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Chicago photography suggestions

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