Chicago Streets

[fate_faith_change_chains]

<p>Will be in Chicago for a blitz-visit of four days in July, already heard it's probably gonna be hot and humid, but was wondering...is it a "photographical" city ? ( all city's are ). But for those who are from there or have been there, what things to look for / not look for. Might as well post some pics here from Chicago streets for those who have them, just to give a sense of the vibe there...</p>

[JDMvW]

<p>Well, if you have the slightest interest in architecture, Chicago is one of the main places in the world for late 19th and 20th c. architecture (see for a start the Wikipedia article at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Chicago">link</a>).</p>

<p>Oak Park is a suburb filled with Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, and there are other communities besides Chicago proper for the same subject. Most decent guide books will highlight many of these.</p>

<p>For other attractions, many of them photogenic, see the DK guide to Chicago (<a href="http://traveldk.com/chicago">link</a>). The book from the same publisher is excellent, as so many of theirs are.</p>

[JDMvW]

<p>The El and the loop have many interesting street scenes (since you asked for some pictures, but this was winter).</p><div></div>

[leslie_cheung]

<p>Back in the mid 90's, I was backpacking across the eastern half of the US. I took the wrong city bus to University of Chicago and ended up in Englewood (of course, I didn't know where I was at the time). I was only there for a short time but it was/is the most scary looking neighbor I ever been in my life 'til this day. And I've been to 47 states and near 20 countries since.</p>

<p>Hmmm...maybe it got better but, my advice, don't go near Englewood especially at night.</p>

[SCL]

<p>Almost anywhere you go in the city there are photographic attractions. One of my favorites is riding the "L" or the subway from downtown (Lake street, Washington, or Randolph Street) up to Evanston on the North Line...you see a lot of buildings in the early 20th century styles which will be coming down in ensuing years. It's a safe ride during the day. A similar ride out to Oak Park (where the Frank lloyd Wright homes and his studio are) is a little trickier, but during the day should be fine. In the central city there's loads of scenic views from and around Millineum Park and Lincoln Park and the Conservatory. Or take a river tour thru the locks. Or go out to the Shedd Aquarium & the Field Museum and shoot the city skyline. Take a guided bus tour and you'll not only learn some of the history, but may get additional ideas for coming back to do some shooting. I would generally say avoid the south and west sides unless you have somebody who knows the area well...there are some great neighborhoods, such as Greektown (for food at least), Little Italy & Chinatown, etc. but a wrong turn can quickly land you in a place you probably don't want to be caught alone in. All in all, I'm sure you'll have a great time! BTW there are some fantastic photographic opportunities areound the Univ. of Chicago Campus and the Museum of Science & Industry, but like another person suggested stay away from thos neighborhoods at night.</p>

[luis_g]

<p><strong>Stephen "</strong>A similar ride out to Oak Park (where the Frank lloyd Wright homes and his studio are) is a little trickier, but during the day should be fine."</p>

<p> I lived in Oak Park and have taken the green line many, many times. Try to stay within the workday and rush hrs, and you'll be fine.</p>

<p> </p>

[mark f]

<p>I agree with all that was said thus far, but definitely get out into the northside neighborhoods a bit. Some of the ethnic areas can be pretty cool....the Indian area of Devon street or the Vietnamese area of Argyle street (Red Line, Argyle stop). As far as architecture, the buildings are great, but don't forget about the bridges on the Chicago River. Lastly, Millennium Park is nice for people shots</p><div></div>

[steve_walker6]

<p>Wonderful city for photography, but keep your gear light and hold on to it. The three shots below were taken on a trip to the City.<br>

<br /> Millennium is a fun spot to visit. This was taken looking West at sunset from the park - I think it was Washington Street.<br /> <img src="http://stover98074.smugmug.com/Other/Sharing/IMG6243/876061498_v5Yfr-S.jpg" alt="" /><br /> This was taken of the El from our hotel on Wabash. The widows open and since it was an old building there was a very large window sill to sit on for the photo.<br /> <img src="http://stover98074.smugmug.com/Other/Sharing/IMG2691/876061346_uZEjJ-S.jpg" alt="" /><br /> You can not go wrong with a visit to the beach. This was taken at Olive Park.<br /> <img src="http://stover98074.smugmug.com/Other/Sharing/IMG2728/876061385_fgjqB-S.jpg" alt="" /></p>

[luis_g]

<p>It's a huge city, with an enormous variety of things to choose from. If Phylo can give us some indication of what he likes, it'd be easier to steer him. The classic equivalent of Fifth Ave in NYC is State Street between the river and Printer's Row. Tons of cheap, decent food dives and cafes all over the city, too. Lots of events on the weekends to choose from. Many great galeries. Go to Steven Daiter -- and tell him Luis from Florida says hello.</p>

[fate_faith_change_chains]

<p>Thanks for the answers so far. Yes, the architecture is a distinctive element of Chicago and which I will definitely try to incorporate into the pics I will be taking there, JDM.</p>

<p>I know Chicago's image ( visually ) mostly through Al Capone'isch gangster and crime films I guess. Won't tolerate myself being there with the mental image of it being "a city of crime". But I will not be so naive either to go roam the streets or subway there at night all on my own, even though some photographic grittiness won't do no harm.</p>

<p>What I like is, well, the entire scope of it. I'm just gonna take it all in, probably gonna catch the Art museum and whatever else comes around. I think going to the lake will be nice, as a quick getaway from the rush of the city, is it ?. Can't go into "full obsessive photographers mode" either since I will be meeting there with someone and still want to be good talking/listening company besides taking some pics here and there. I won't be there on the weekend, so event wise won't be seeing / experiencing any of that.</p>

<p>Maybe we will visit a few galleries. Any cafes to go for a drink or places to eat ( with vegetarian menu's if you happen to know some ) in particular that are worth checking out Luis ? The hotel I'm staying at will be in the area not too far away from the Navy Pier.</p>

[khi]

<p>Phylo, there are good photographics opportunities all over the city. Downtown in the loop is great for "street" shooting. You can ride the EL anytime, even at night without any problem. You can check out Pilsen (Hispanic neighborhood) for good sights and food or Chinatown. The skyline and Chicago River afford good photo opportunities. Millenium Park is home of the Bean. Stay away from the West Side. One thing I highly recommend is going to either a CVS store or a currency exchange and get a CTA day pass. $5.85 lets you ride the EL and bus all day (24 hrs.) without transfer fees or anything. Insert card in slot-ride all day and night. Have fun.</p>

<div></div>

[khi]

<p>Corner of Wells and Adams Streets in the Loop...</p>

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

[khi]

<p>The Bean. Tourist trap. If you don't get there real early, you will find crowds of touristas having their picture taken "in" the Bean.</p>

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

[khi]

<p>One more. The EL. Red Line. Lake Street station.</p>

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

[steve_walker6]

<p>Keith,</p>

<p>Your Chicago photographs are outstanding. Thanks for sharing. Can not beat early or late light.<br /> This was taken at North Ave. Beach at sunrise about 20 years ago when I lived in the city.<br /> <img src="http://stover98074.smugmug.com/Other/Sharing/00496s9aej5mqzm0489/876674279_J3tnp-S.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>This is late afternoon sun in Pilsen - at my buddies courtyard. If you like ribs and are in Pilsen then make sure to visit Honky Tonk BBQ for award winning ribs. The bike photo was in the owners yard. <a href="http://www.honkytonkbbqchicago.com/">http://www.honkytonkbbqchicago.com/</a></p>

<p><img src="http://stover98074.smugmug.com/photos/813377003_aJUVw-S.jpg" alt="" /></p>

[luis_g]

<p>"You can ride the EL anytime, even at night without any problem."</p>

<p> I do not want to make this about crime about a city I positively love, have lived in, and visited many times before & since, but the above is not a true statement. I took the trains for many years in the City, and can assure you from first-hand experience that crime does happen on the trains, and even more so approaching or departing from the stations. Get out in some neighborhoods and your risks <em>statistically</em> skyrocket. It's like any other big city.</p>

<p> Phylo, architecturally, perhaps the easiest thing to do, specially if one doesn't have a lot of time to plan and plot, is to take one of the tours. These are the best ones, IMO:</p>

<p>http://caf.architecture.org/Page.aspx?pid=183</p>

<p>http://www.walkchicagotours.com/tours/loop.html</p>

<p>One little gem I love about the city is the Artist's Building.</p>

<p>http://www.fineartsbuilding.tv/</p>

<p>Ask the elevator operator (that alone is worth the trek there) to take you to the right floor to see the hidden courtyard. Drift towards the center of the floor. You'll have to ask the gallery owner to see it. It's worth it. The restaurant on the ground floor is a classic Chicago spot, though I dunno about vegetarian fare, they probably have salads.</p>

<p>If you want to see a large amount of early houses by Frank Lloyd Wright (and others, like Louis Sullivan) take the Green line to Oak Park, get off at the next to tha last exit, (the one before Harlem), walk north to Lake Street, make a right, and go to:</p>

<p>http://www.visitoakpark.com/memberdetails.cfm?ML=427&category=Attractions&flasher=l_attract</p>

<p> Their audio tour is good, and they probably still have a hand-out do it yourself tour. But there's a little-known, one of a kind Wright masterpiece there. After your walking tour, you'll end up back at the Visitor's Center. Continue walking East on Lake, and right there is a FLW building that's a Unitarian church. Keep going east, and you'll see the copper-clad library, and right next to it, Scoville Park.</p>

<p>http://www.oakparkparks.com/parks/pf_24.htm</p>

<p>on the SE corner is a fountain referred to as Horse Fountain. It was designed by Wright, and is quite a little monument in its own right. Scoville Park was designed by famous landscape designer Jens Jensen (who did several other parks around the city).</p>

<p>http://www.oakparkparks.com/parks/pf_24.htm</p>

<p>Now cross the street, and walk south on Oak Park Avenue, to 129. There's a Middle Eastern restaurant there that's first-rate (and has vegetarian dishes). Try the falafels, and of course, the grape leaves.</p>

<p>http://www.grapeleaves.us/</p>

<p>If you like Indian food, try Khyber Pass (the neon on the old Lake St theater across Lake is great at dusk).</p>

<p>1031 Lake Street, Oak Park<br /> Phone:<strong> (708) 445-9032</strong></p>

<p>There's a little Helix camera store (last time I visited, should still be open) nearby at<em> </em> 1053 Lake St <em>Oak Park. It often has lots of used gear. Ernest Hemingway was born there, and there's a museum and restaurant dedicated to him in Oak Park.<br /></em><br>

<em><br /></em></p>

<p> There's an El station further S. on Oak Park Ave where you can board the Green Line to go back. </p>

<p>[bTW, if you are pressed for time, I do not consider the trip to Wright's Robie House worth the trip.]</p>

<p> For photo galleries, go to River North and take in Catherine Edelman's gallery. Superb, first-rate work, show after show.</p>

<p>http://www.edelmangallery.com/</p>

<p>Just up the block, Stephen Daiter's gallery. He only shows dead guys, but like Edelman, it's a superb gallery, expertly curated. Do tell him I said hello.</p>

<p>[There's several other galleries at that River North location, btw]</p>

<p>You must make the pilgrimage to Pilsen. Take the Pink Line to 18th. There's two delightful cafes there. At the corner of 18th and Pilsen, the Jumping Bean Cafe...</p>

<p>http://cafejumpingbean.org/</p>

<p>Great place, and a view to match. Efebos cafe is also a classic...</p>

<p>http://chicago.metromix.com/restaurants/restaurant/efebos-internet-cafe-pilsen-heart-of-chicago/146788/content</p>

<p>Down Halsted, the Artist's Cafe (Google)</p>

<p>I'm not exactly the guy to go to for Vegetarian Restaurants, but...Taqueria Cardona, at 1451 18th st. has grand Vegetarian Burritos and Tacos.</p>

<p>While in Pilsen, be sure to take this in:</p>

<p>http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/</p>

<p> When you go to Millenium Park, go back across Michigan at the NW corner of the park to the Chicago Cultural Center, an architectural gem (used to be the library!) that often has great art exhibits. As with the Fine Arts Building, take the elevator to the top and walk down. The cafe at the bottom is OK.</p>

<p>I can go on and on, Phylo, but for a short trip this (plus the usual attractions) should be enough. Oh, one cafe that is kinda boring, but has a first-rate view if you can get a window table, of a busy intersection in Chicago, is the BORDERS (yeah, I know) cafe on Michigan at Water Tower (which btw, has become a micro-gallery, and often has great photo shows there).</p>

<p> Meander around Lincoln Park (the park itself). A young Edward Weston cut his teeth photographing it as a teenager. The Conservatory there is a jewel of a place to talk with a friend.</p>

<p>http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/parks.detail/object_id/45aa3ed2-7c6f-4461-83b2-29cb991637e6.cfm</p>

<p>And there's Central Camera...worth at least 10 minutes...oldest camera store in continuous operation...</p>

<p>http://www.centralcamera.com/home.php?xid=8784bebbf7a0eaa29510033db2f73d43</p>

<p> The Exchequer restaurant next door is a great place to knock back a few beers.</p>

<p>I'll stop for now....Hope this helps.</p>

<p> </p>

[tonmestrom]

<p>thanks all as this is also very helpfull to me. I have to attend a conference at McCormick Place next year so be in Chicago as well for a week (but will most likely extend my stay there).</p>

<p>Someone told me there is a club of unofficial tour guides in Chicago who call themselves Friends of Chicago or something like that. Consisting of mostly pensioners they are supposed to know the city inside out and take people around mostly just for the fun of it. Anyone ever heard of this?</p>

[fate_faith_change_chains]

<p>Thanks Keith for the info, great pics you've got there ( also in your gallery ).<br>

Luis, <em>very </em>helpful tips, thanks, exactly what I was looking for, such firsthand "intel". It feels like I'm already there and doing the things and going to the places on your list will provide a good framework for experiencing the city, and from which I can squeeze in a few solid picture's, no doubt. Is going to be my first visit to the U.S. by the way, wish I could jump on a train there in Chicago and travel and photograph all of the country. Next time.<br>

Probably gonna go with the D700 and a 50mm on it, "light and basic" but flexible enough I think for just those four days...</p>

[john_wolf2]

<p>The Art Institute itself is a nice place to shoot. The HCB show starts July 25. Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and all along the lake are full of people all summer. Nights at Millennium Park are wonderful.</p>

<p>I've never done it, but folks say the architecture boat tour is pretty good. I have taken the architecture kayak tour on the Chicago River, and it was great.</p><div></div>

[LMar]

<p ><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=3937630">Ton Mestrom</a> , May 24, 2010; 04:32 a.m.<br>

thanks all as this is also very helpfull to me. I have to attend a conference at McCormick Place next year so be in Chicago as well for a week (but will most likely extend my stay there).<br>

I definitely recommend Chinatown, which is a short cab ride from McCormick Place.</p><div></div>

[LMar]

<p>. . . and on streets of Chinatown. . .</p><div></div>

[gnphotography]

<p>Wrigley bldg.</p><div></div>

[tholte]

<p>Chicago has to be one of the best cities in the world to take photos. Don't mess around with a car; walk, take the el, jump in some cabs and just go. The cops downtown don't seem to have a problem with photographers and you shouldn't get hassled by them. Take the water taxi from the Michigan St. bridge to Chinatown and back. Check out Union Station and see if the Art Institute has any photo exhibits going on. Before you hit the Windy City, study up on Harry Callahan. </p>

[ofey_kalakar]

<p>Chicago, the "Second City" is a photographer's paradise. It is eminently photogenic.</p>

[ofey_kalakar]

<p>Here are some scenes</p><div></div>