Lost & Found Sites for Photographic Opportunities - Chicago

[Zeno Evil]

Any hidden gems around Chicago that aren't your typical tourist shots?

 

[MattKing]

Welcome to Photrio.
I've tweaked your thread title a bit, because when I saw it I thought of something entirely different than what I believe you intended
By the way, people don't always notice the sub-forum when they read thread titles, so if your question depends on something like a location, it helps to include it in the title.
I hope you get some useful responses.

 

[chuckroast]

While somewhat touristy, the towns of Galena and Woodstock have interesting visuals.

The town of Union has a railway museum I keep meaning to go check out.

 

[jeffreyg]

Go out early in the morning. There are plenty of opportunities in the regular “tourist sites “ for non typical tourist shots. Visit the art museum there are opportunities there as well. The old post office building, the Picasso sculpture and other sculptures in public spaces and the”bean”. I found good material that does not at all look like a tourist shot including an abstract self portrait under the bean with no one else in the image. Some of the hotels have rooftop bars that can give you a bird’s eye perspective.
Through the years I’ve made many effective images at popular locations that are not “tourist shots “.
I do occasionally take a typical scenic shot most are not and cannot necessarily be identified as to the location. I frequently take a phone shot since the gps records the location so I don’t have to take notes.

 

[Pieter12]

Any hidden gems around Chicago that aren't your typical tourist shots?

It really depends on what you consider a "gem." Almost everything everywhere is photographable at some point, it is all in the eye and skill of the photographer and his or her viewer(s).

 

[Kodachromeguy]

I recommend south Chicago. But be cautious, early morning should be quiet and safe. Avoid evening.

https://worldofdecay.blogspot.com/2012/11/decay-in-south-chicago-illinois.html

The University of Chicago has gorgeous buildings.

 

[Zeno Evil]

I recommend south Chicago. But be cautious, early morning should be quiet and safe.

https://worldofdecay.blogspot.com/2012/11/decay-in-south-chicago-illinois.html

The University of Chicago has gorgeous buildings.

Agreed. Once while exiting from LSD and avoiding the packed Dan Ryan going south, I ended up lost in some sketchy neighborhoods (prior to in-car navigation systems). I was stopped by the Chicago police and advised to leave the neighborhood ASAP, that I had no business being there. Even if I wasn't concerned about my gear, my personal safety would be. Having been pistol whipped during a robbery in Harvey was enough of a lesson to not go where I don't belong.

 

[jeffreyg]

Here's the self portrait I mentioned. i'm an early riser so most spots are pretty empty.

 

[Zeno Evil]

Here's the self portrait I mentioned. i'm an eary riser so most spots are pretty empty.

View attachment 419905

Wow, great shot . I'm so confused, intrigued, amazed, curious, and jealous all at the same time. I want to both know more (to better understand) but also not (to keep the mystery).
As a side note: my first name and middle initial is Jeffery G.

 

[jeffreyg]

I went out very early in the morning when no one was under the "Bean" and liked the reflections and took the shot. All the images are me. This is the scene later in the day.

 

[Zeno Evil]

I went out very early in the morning when no one was under the "Bean" and liked the reflections and took the shot. All the images are me. This is the scene later in the day.

View attachment 419914

Were you a tourist at the time? I've lived just outside of Chicago for the last 74 yrs and never been to the "Bean". I tend to avoid crowded spaces. Downtown Chicago is about as crowded as it gets. It's pretty amazing how much the time of day was a factor in getting that shot. I especially like how you captured the sun burst in the reflection. Another image.

 

[chuckroast]

Were you a tourist at the time? I've lived just outside of Chicago for the last 74 yrs and never been to the "Bean". I tend to avoid crowded spaces. Downtown Chicago is about as crowded as it gets. It's pretty amazing how much the time of day was a factor in getting that shot. I especially like how you captured the sun burst in the reflection. Another image.

Used to live and work there and moved freely day or night. After the 2020 riots it became uninhabitable and I never went into the Loop again. It's a shame because it is a gorgeous city with a lot of visual appeal.

 

[jeffreyg]

I. was a tourist and we stayed at the Athletic Club so it was easy walking around. i got a very good picture at the Picasso and some of people in the art museum. Go downtown the crowds aren't that bad most of the people are just going about their daily routines and don't pay any attention to you just pretend to be a tourist. The second photograph was around lunch time.

 

[Kodachromeguy]

Even in the touristy areas of Chicago, there is plenty of neat stuff to photograph:

https://worldofdecay.blogspot.com/2014/08/black-and-white-in-chicago.html

Go to Greektown for a meal.