I am not sure if I was cashing in some extra karma points or the photo gods were simply smiling down on me but something went right for me in Logan Square on February 23, 2010. About 5o meters in front of me were two guys juggling out their front door and into the yard. I know my steps quickened as I approached and I am pretty sure I yelled out ‘dibs’ before my friend and fellow photographer even knew what I was talking about. I mean come on – Jugglers! And he is smoking a cigarette! It’s just not fair this shit’s just too easy.

jugglers. 2010 eight one seven photography

I feel my street photography has been improving dramatically these days. I’ve been figuring out ways of taking pictures while making it look like I am not. My ‘from the hip’ shots have actually been working quite well. But even beyond that I am getting over the apprehension of taking a strangers photo. I feel like I have a better sense of when it’s ok and like most things confidence goes far. However, I still end up taking lots of pictures of people working outside like these two pictures.

delivery. 2010 eight one seven photography

corner. 2010 eight one seven photography

I take so many pictures when I am exploring Chicago that it takes me a while to get them all posted.  I sometimes wonder that when I am gone someone will go through all my digital negatives. I wonder what they will think. If I could script it – I would make it happen about 50 years after I am gone. Anywho, My most recent trip through Logan Square was no different. Here was another of my point and hope shots as I walked. I must say I have gotten a lot better at these than when I first started. Perhaps I will never use the viewfinder again.

23 February 2010 eight one seven photography

After the recent eruption of concerts and concert photography for me (3 in 5 days) I was really happy to get out and take pictures of something off the stage. I hadn’t hit the streets in more than a week and the itch was definitely there. Tuesday, I had a good excuse and some motivation to get out and spend much of the day making images and exploring in the Chicago neighborhoods of Bucktown, Logan Square and Humboldt Park. It was nice getting out with another photographer for a change. We discussed styles and technique and it gave me an opportunity to think a little more about mine. Sometimes I will be asked to describe my work and I always have a hard time putting it in to words. Perhaps its because I don’t really think it matters how I describe it because I feel photography is like any other art and the style is decided by the viewer. I can only choose the subject. However, I did enjoy exploring the subject and thinking about it a little more consciously. I definitely made fewer images than a normal outing and I am happier with fewer of them but, the ones I like I am really happy with. So perhaps it did me and my ’style’ some good. Yes I am pleased but there is no way I am as pumped as this guy……..

happy. eight one seven photography 2010

23 February 2010