Experimental

November 17, 2014

Before I explain what you see below, take some time to look at these photos without having context or description. What do you see and what do you feel?

Now that you have reviewed the images, does it surprise you to know that they are all food and beverage? Perhaps you could easily see the chicken egg with its familiar shapes and cracking pattern. In this case it is seen from below a glass pan.

It is so easy to ignore everyday objects until we see them in new ways. Color and contrast can lend a very different perspective on simple shapes. Two images are of liquid being poured from above and of carbonation settling in a glass. The last image is of peanuts and their dust, sitting in a glass jar.

How can you make something ordinarily interesting?

Street Photography: 2014 Chicago Marathon

October 13, 2014

As a photographer, there’s an unspoken tension between waiting and reacting — especially at an event like the Chicago Marathon. In 2014, I walked the course capturing those spontaneous, unguarded moments that tell deeper stories than any finish line could. (Three years after completing it myself.)

What you’ll see below are fragments of effort, joy, persistence, and connection — the intangible rhythms that make the marathon more than a race.

A neighbor walking home through Dearborn Park

The post-run solitude

I think he’s earned some loiter time!

High Fives from strangers

Finding family and friends can be tough after the race.

Recovery is a priority for all – especially the fast runners.

Hugs of congratulations

It’s great to have support

Proud of their mom!

Chicago O’Hare Up Close

August 25, 2014

This video gives you a good idea of the vantage point for Runway 10C at Chicago O’Hare:

Summer Night

August 23, 2014

I haven’t spent much time with night photography, but I have been encouraged lately by the possibilities. It’s more of a time commitment than I’m used to when I hit the street for a photo walk.

I have spent a good amount of time talking to tourists, taking candids and working to capture very “in-the-moment” shots. This process will teach me some patience and allow me to enjoy another passion – astronomy and aviation.

I will have to get myself away from Chicago to capture some stars, but the trip should be worth it. More to come – stay tuned!

Lakefront Plane Watching

August 20, 2014

Living close to the lakefront in downtown Chicago is a big advantage when it comes to watching aircraft. The O’Hare and Midway arrival patterns take planes right over the shoreline and my favorite times to watch are golden hours. When the wind is from the west, you can bet that planes will be landing on 28C 27L and 27R at O’Hare. Same story for the new RNAV approaches at Midway.

The new RNAV approaches have general aviation aircraft and Midway arrivals a little closer than before. GA pilots on the lakefront must be careful to stay under 2500.

See more aircraft photos on my Flightaware Photographer Profile

Fashionable Chicago

August 16, 2014

Chicago is full of fashionable residents and tourists. On a beautiful Saturday, Buckingham Fountain and the Riverwalk are perfect spots to enjoy summer (in style)!

This weekend also marks the 56th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show so the beaches and lakefront are hopping with aviation enthusiasts.

See More Tourist Photos:
Touristosaurus

Beach Style

August 8, 2014

Summer Concerts : Cabernet Cabaret

August 5, 2014

Summer concerts are much more than just Lollapalooza. Smaller local events like Arranmore Arts’ Cabernet Cabaret offer a beautiful setting, a friendly audience, and a great evening of family-friendly music and dancing.

It’s a one time show with a fun theme and you can bring your own party complete with food and drinks. For this particular show titled, “Midsummer Night’s Dance Party,” former American Idol contestant, Reed Grimm, serenaded an audience member by surprise just as the night was getting started.

Be sure to check the Cabernet Cabaret schedule if you’re in the Chicago area – see you there!

Sears Tower Lightning Strike

July 1, 2014

I have been waiting patiently to capture lightning hitting the Sears Tower. Every time it storms, I head to the window and prop up my camera in position. If I didn’t like watching storms, it might not be so interesting, but I love watching the storm clouds approach.

Finally, last night I caught it.

Twice!

On The Wing

April 19, 2014

One of the advantages of using a GoPro camera is that they can be mounted almost anywhere – including on the wing of a Cessna Skyhawk.

This video shows clips from a typical downtown Chicago flight from the perspective of the wing. On high wing aircraft and a wide view, you get the prop in the frame which adds a little perspective.

Aviation Animation

March 18, 2014

Super Winter

March 4, 2014

This winter has been a cold one in Chicago – breaking records with more potentially up for grabs even in this first week of March!

The great thing about the super freeze is that it’s a new opportunity for some beautiful photos.