Cloud Gate or "The Bean" in Chicago

<p>Here's the skyline looking N from the Shedd & Adler areas that I wanted to post earlier.</p>

<p>The top one is 1963 on my first visit to Chicago and the bottom one is from 1977.</p>

<p>Although my wife was from Chicago, I've never actually lived there, so I've always been a sort of tourist with a native guide.</p><div></div>

<p>JDM.....thanks for the additional info. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. :-) It helps to see your images. I was thinking Navy Pier would be a good option, so thanks for confirming that. We've never walked all the way out the Pier, and there is supposed to be a stained glass museum in there somewhere. That may be worth a look-see. It's great that your wife is a 'native'. I know how nice it was when our daughter was in college up there. She got to know the city, and we visited frequently, taking public transit, going to Cubs game, etc......living like the locals. It was great. As a tourist it's an expensive city, but SO worth it! </p>

<p>While in Millenium Park, make sure you photograph the Jay Pritzer Pavillion. Also walk the pedestrian bridge from Mellinium Park to the Chicago Art Institute, From this bridge, you can get some fantastic shots of parts of downtown Chicago. You leave the bridge on the top floor of the art museum at an open area courtyard with wonderful painted walls. Take pictures of them. You can also photograph Chicago from openings in the courtyard walls. <br>

Back in the park, go to the water towers and watch the kids playing in the pool in about 1/2 inch of water. Great location for people shots.<br>

Make sure you leave time for the boat tour on the river run by the Chicago Architectural Society. Get a seat on top (open) deck at the rail for best photo taking. First come first served so get their early for best seats for your assigned time. Buy online in advance as it is very popular. Have a wide angle zoom lens and be prepared for creative shots too like the undersides of steel bridges. <br>

If the Marilyn Monroe statue is still there, see it next. It is only a block or two away.<br>

Joe Smith</p>

<p>I found that the evening was especially nice - if you can get set up on a tripod and use long exposures, you can make the crowds "disappear" easily!</p>

<p>See attached photo for an example:</p>

<p>Thanks,<br>

Brad</p><div></div>

<p>Here's a second one, with skyline in reflection and the moon as a backdrop:</p><div></div>

<p>Joseph.....I'm just now getting your response. We've already been to Chicago.....just got back last night. But we did walk the bridge (both bridges), and the Pavilion designed by Frank Gehry is quite something! It was too cool for kids to be playing in the fountains, but the adults were standing out in the middle taking pictures. We stayed there for quite awhile just taking it all in. What a place! I appreciate your suggestions though! Oh....and we've done the architectural tours before, so we opted not to do it this time. There are so many choices in Chicago! </p>

<p>Brad.....very impressive photography! Thanks! The golden tones are wonderful! We actually wanted to go back at night, but honestly we were just too pooped! We left our car at the hotel the entire time. But we didn't take public transit....we like to walk. We walked continuously for 3 days! Next time for sure! Thanks for showing us the possibilities! </p>