Monday, August 5, 2013

Black and Whites Chicago May 2013

Being a ridiculously huge pro wrestling fan, I try to get as much of the behind the scenes psychology I can. Much of this psychology can actually be translated into the real world and what you do in your life to screw yourself or, in better cases, move ahead. The man that I get the best behind the scenes info is from former VP of talent relations and the former announcer and voice of the WWE, Jim Ross (aka Good Ol JR). His biggest piece of advice to all of the young talent on the WWE roster is to maximize your minutes. Well, when I went to Chicago back at the end of May, I made sure to do the same.

I know I've mentioned it several times by now, but I only had six hours to spend in a town I'd never wanted to visit before. My biggest draws were train stations and giant metallic beans. With that in mind, I searched the internet and found out two locations that directly matched my criteria, Millenium Park and Dearborn Station. I hope you all get to enjoy at least Millenium park someday, and Buckingham fountain just a few blocks south. Two places that have invaded my thoughts and dreams since I visited them.

Front Door of Dearborn Station. Now a retail shop. Bummer.

Huge amphitheater adjacent to the big bean, the Jay Pritzker Pavillion. They yelled at me for walking on the grass. I made sure to take a few extra steps before getting back on the sidewalk.

The Giant Bean, AKA Clouds Gate. Looks much cooler in black and white then in color.

The tower of Dearborn Station. There used to be a roof cap on the tower until it burned down in a fire. It was more dull to look at now that the building was turned into a retail strip mall. Very depressing.

A stellar view of the Downtown sky from the Jay Pritzker Pavillion. I took this while standing on the grass while the gardners were working as mentioned in the above image. It couldn't have been a better looking day. Now if only I had brought my filter for a more dramatic shot.

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Comments (6)

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Look up some old photos of Chicago during the prohibition era; quite attractive. The main train station is beautiful inside as well.
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1 reply · active 607 weeks ago
One of my local Breweries has the image below hanging up in their tasting room. I can only imagine what Chicago was like in those days.

Wow! That bean is nuts! (lol, no pun intended)
I agree with you on the bean looking cooler in b/w. Speaking of, I just got handed an art project from '97 from an old high school teacher on Friday. Kind of touching that he kept it for so long, I should have let him keep it but I kinda wanted it back too.

What was up with the grass? I always find grassy areas that are off limits such a waste. Waste of space and water, it's a shame really.
2 replies · active 607 weeks ago
What kind of art project did your old teacher give you? My first photo teacher kept several of my photos to share with future classes. I think it was the first time I've ever had something worth sharing for years to come. Also, I've been looking at old art projects as I've been scouring through my storage unit. It's kinda funny to see them because now I have to figure out what the heck I was thinking when I made them.

I think that whole grass area is used for seating for summer theater or concerts held at that amphitheater right there. I also think it's a waste if people or kids can't run or walk over grass. And why they were watering the grass during the day was another mystery. It was one of the most interesting city parks I've ever been to. I would like to go back before the year is out, but that might be a stretch.
It was a negative black and white print of a water meter. :p Kinda boring but still cool that he kept it so long. From the looks of what I have on hand, it appears that I enjoyed photographing junk/trash.

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