A Day of Chicago Street Photography
Shot on the Canon M50 ~ Sigma 30mm f/1.4
After landing in Chicago at 7:30 in the morning, I wasted no time at all in heading to my first destination. I was greeted by the beautiful snowfall and made my way to the Chicago Riverwalk to begin my street photography vlog for the channel. After a quick convenience store coffee of course.
Chicago Riverwalk
Shot on the Canon M50 ~ Sigma 30mm f/1.4
The Riverwalk was the first destination that I shot at and it was one of my favorites. It isn’t necessarily a “thing” to do, it’s more of a leisurely walk along the Chicago River. It’s calming within the hectic ness of the city. Runners politely whizz by as you saunter along and take a look at the architecture that respectfully hangs near the river. I found a place to stop that had coffee and just sat and enjoyed the view. I had a great conversation with the baristas and admired the mix of buildings which ranged from the antique brick to the modern skyscrapers. They mix well together.
Shot on the Canon M50 ~ Sigma 30mm f/1.4
Millennium Park
Shot on the Canon M50 ~ EF-S 55-250mm f/4
I met up with my good friend and fellow photographer, Bryant and we then headed to Millennium Park which has the infamous metallic “Bean”. I learned that it actually is called Cloud Gate. Interesting. Besides the giant reflective bean Millennium Park occasionally has some events going on that resemble farmers markets or other similar, small community gatherings. There was a local ice skating rink which had some relaxing music that set the mood for a winter day. I’d definitely recommend checking out Millennium Park if you’re looking for an outdoor place to hang out for a bit.
The Flamingo
Shot on the Canon M50 ~ EF-M 22mm f/2
Chicago is an incredibly artistic city, and there are a few structures that stand out in particular, especially Alexander Calder’s Flamingo. The Flamingo is the anchor of the rectangular plaza in the Loop, and this plaza of federal buildings was all designed by Mies van der Rohe. This sculpture is made of steel and glass and shares certain design principles with its surrounding architecture. The open design allows all tourists and viewers to walk under the sculpture, and like the Cloud Gate, it’s also considered a prime photo destination if you’re just in Chicago for a quick work trip.
In and Around Chicago’s Theatre District
Shot on the Canon M50 ~ Sigma 30mm f/1.4
The legendary Chicago Theatre District, whose marquee on State Street is an iconic symbol of the city, has one of the best tours in Chicago. With its bustling crowd of tourism and shopping center, this was prime real estate for portrait photography.
Chicago is somewhere that feels like you can have both a quiet and busy life. I can go to the lake in the early morning and not see/hear a soul or I can go downtown and see/hear thousands of different lives happening simultaneously.
In a lot of ways it is like the best parts of NYC for me. You can have great public transportation and a variety of global food without the insane cost of living. You have close access to a large body of water and beaches that aren't all tourist traps. Chicago also gets all seasons here and a cloudy/rainy day doesn't send people into chaos.
I like to think Chicago takes the best of all these cities and combined it with the attitudes and sensibilities of the Midwest and made something unique. It may not have Central Park or Santa Monica Beach/Pier, but it does have the expansive Lakefront park and Navy Pier.
If given the opportunity I would love to call this city my home, if and when I ever decide to leave New York City. Regardless, Chicago has and forever will be my yearly travel itinerary.
