Heading to Chicago in August... RF in Hand.

[HMojo]

Hi All,

I'm heading to Chicago for vacation in mid-August with my Leica (and possibly a Rollei TLR) in tow, and was wondering about what sites I should take in... particularly hidden, not-widely-known "gems" in the Windy City.

Has anyone out there been to Chicago or lived/lives there? Are there any uniquely-Chicago scenic recommendations out there in RFF Land?

Thanks in advance... I love RFF.

 

[boarini2003]

Chicago is my favorite city. I really am not an insider, so I cannot recommend hidden spots, but I do know that you will find thousands of picture opportunites just walking around on the street. It really is an incredible city.

 

[ywenz]

Hit up wicker park, more specifically walk down Milwaukee ave. It has a great summer atmosphere.

Photography museums: The art institute of chicago on michigan ave, and then right down the street - the museum of contemporary photography www.mocp.org

 

[f/stopblues]

Whatever you do, DON'T take pictures of the giant silver jelly bean in Millenium Park (Cloudgate) 😀 Well, you can, but don't come off as professional or you may be asked to show your permit. Its an interesting case of copyright in public space.

I've visited a number of times, but also am not an insider. It's a city bursting with photographic opportunity. I don't think you'll have to look far for some great shots.

 

[Dale Cook]

Chicago

Chicago

It's a very photo rich town. It's hard not to get "interesting" shots even a the common tourists places. I was just in Chicago a few months back and brought along my RF. I had only a couple of hours one morning to get out and take some shots. The results are posted in my gallery on this site.

I hit just three places: Millenium Park, Michigan Avenue, and Navy Pier.

 

[ywenz]

I've been there countless number of times when people are taking pictures of the bean with their pro-SLR gear. I have never seen an instance where the park security are giving these people grieve...

 

[anselwannab]

As you can see, I like to take pictures of the river and the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave north of the river) at night. More a function of I work during the day.

Check to see if anything is going on down town that weekend (I'm something is, but how big it is.)

Don't forget the blues bars, not sure on their photo policy.

 

[ywenz]

Kingston Mines in Lincoln Park allows you to take photographs. It's located on Halsted, just south of Diversey

Use www.metromix.com to find various establishments in the city.

 

[f/stopblues]

I've been there countless number of times when people are taking pictures of the bean with their pro-SLR gear. I have never seen an instance where the park security are giving these people grieve...

I was mostly being sarcastic and poking some fun. There was a stink raised in '04 I believe (maybe early '05) about the public copyright issue. The artist, Anish Kapoor, was vocal about images of Cloud Gate being reproduced without formal permission. I think it was more of a controversy for the media to talk about than an actual issue for the photographic public. The artist is just kind of fun to pick on, seeing that he seems a little sensitive in general, especially after being so miffed about the public nicknaming it "The Bean".

 

[dmr]

I've been there countless number of times when people are taking pictures of the bean with their pro-SLR gear. I have never seen an instance where the park security are giving these people grieve...

I don't know why I am fascinated by that thing, but I am. 🙂

Last fall I was there on a Friday afternoon and they were working on it, polishing out the seams that were once very evident.

After several minutes of walking around it and taking various shots, I appeared to attract the attention of a security guard. I watched him watch me, while pretending to mind my own business and shoot. He never approached me.

One thing about The Bean is that whenever you take a shot of The Bean, you almost always take a self-portrait in the process and you also get anything that happens to be around you. Therefore I got some reasonably clear images of the guard watching what I was doing.

The thread I started here and a few of the photos, including one which is blown up as much as possible showing me and the guard, appears here:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12729

I was scheduled to go to Chigago on business in a few weeks, but this morning I found out that it's been pushed back into August. 🙁 Oh well ...

 

[Ronald M]

It is georgous sculpture and he should be honored people want to take home a memory. I read small format cameras are ok. Large are not.

I would walk around with the RF hidden in the bag, line up where I want, and take the pic as fast as possible. Cops can`t be everywhere.

pics are everwhere, but I`m a bit blind to them as I have lived here 64 years.

My favorite place is around the Art Institute on Michigan Ave.

Travel light and wear walking shoes.

 

[ywenz]

I'd like to reiterate my believe that you will not be harrased by park security if you take pictures of the bean. One time I was there, I had a lowe pro backpack with my DSLR + Leica + lenses and had my gear spread out on the ground whilst changing lenses. I looked anything but amateur that day and no security approached me or even watched me.

 

[f/stopblues]

I didn't mean to lead a hijack here, sorry! I completely agree with you ywenz. I wouldn't have any qualm about shooting at or around the sculpture. Maybe just leave the trusses full of lights and 20 assistants at home.

How about other Chicagoland places to shoot? I haven't visited the burbs much. I'm sure there's a gold mine there as well.

 

[JoeFriday]

don't forget that Chicago has the "L" (elevated subway).. a good opportunity for gritty street shooting.. and there's Wrigley Field and the Chicago Theater (as seen in the movie/musical 'Chicago')

 

[BillBingham2]

I live in the area (northern suburb) and it is a great place. I have not had the chance as much as I did when I lived in NYC.

In the loop (downtown Chicago) you will find a great mix of old and new architecture. In Grant Park there is always some type of festival. The Taste of Chicago is about to end today or tomorrow, but something is almost always happening. Check out the City’s web site for festival dates. Lunch downtown is always a great time to catch workers talking and eating.

Navy Pier, Millenium Park and Michigan Ave are great. So is the area around Grant Park, the museums and Solders Field south of it.

The top of Sears Tower is great on a sunny day. Skip the movie got to the top faster. You can catch a train at one of the two stations down town (Union Station is another great place for pictures) to Arlington Park for horse racing. Subways will take you through lots of interesting neighborhoods.

Lincoln Park is a great place for people too. Never been to Kingston Mines but I hear it is great.

Hope this helps.

B2 (;->

 

[Charlie]

Of course, the architecture is outstanding. I was there three years ago and took the river cruise. It rained, then the sky turned cloudy bright. Got some very nice shots with my T3 using Velvia. If you have any interest in the architecture, then I'd recommend the cruise.

Regards,

Charlie

 

[anselwannab]

If you want people shots, don't forget the lake shore and its paths. Lots of people running, biking, picnicing.

I've always wanted to do one of those boat tours.

 

[BudGreen]

I live in Evanston, which is the first suburb north on the lake. I recommend the CAF (Chicago Architecture Foundation) tours if you're interested in local architecture. They have a great boat tour on the Chicago River as well as a number of walking tours in the loop and elsewhere. Here's the link: http://www.architecture.org/. Also pick up a Chicago Reader (available for free everywhere) for info on anything that's happening around town.

 

[TEZillman]

Since you're going to be here in mid August, check out the exhibition at the Art Institute of Harry Callahan's work. A great place to be on a hot Chjicago afternoon. http://www.artic.edu/aic/exhibitions/callahan.html

 

[ywenz]

I saw Callahan's exhibit last week and I must say that it was underwhelming at best. There were just a handful of pictures that I liked. None of which I "really" liked.

What do you guys think of Callahan's work?