Olympic Dreams

There are times when I'm out shooting that I'm so focused on the elements within the frame I don't even realize where I'm at.  This photo was taken from the one of the south end parking lots at McCormick Place as I was leaving the Auto Show.  In my attempt to create some original Chicago photos I was completely unaware of the significance of this section of town until a few days later.  This is the same area where the 2016 Olympic Village would have been built.  Check out this image from the Sun-Times to see what the area could have turned into.

B.Y.O.B, Old Town

Transparent City 6 of 6: Glitzy

My final take on Michael Wolf's Transparent City Exhibit.

Trees, West Loop

I recently entered the Amateur Photographer of the Year (APOY) competition.   Monthly submissions are based on various themes and judged on creativity, techinical excellence, and how well the image supports the theme.  If I make the top 30 each month your photo is published in the UK's Amateur Photographer Magazine.  February's theme was 'Shooting Trees.'  These trees are located along the riverwalk in the West Loop between Monroe and Adams Street.  Kinda makes you wish spring was here already.

Transparent City 5 of 5: Skyline

My take on Michael Wolf's Transparent City Exhibit

Transparent City 4 of 5: Streeterville

345 E. Ohio St, Streeterville

 My take on Michael Wolf's Transparent City Exhibit

Happy Birthday Chicago!

Chicago turns 174 years old today.

Transparent City 3 of 5: Living High

My take on Michael Wolf's Transparent City Exhibt

Transparent City 2 of 5: Patterned Windows

Hotel 71

Fisher Building

My take on Michael Wolf's Transparent City Exhibit

Transparent City 1 of 5: Urban Landscape

In 2007 photographer Michael Wolf came to Chicago and created an exhibit showcasing the life and urban landscape of the city through photography.  Many of his images were taken at dusk or at night as he perched on rooftops photographing those living and working in high-rises.  Some of his work touched on voyeurism which may had been considered a little controversial.  As I've been going through my archive from the past year I've come across many images that are similar (but nowhere near perfection) as the work of Michael Wolf.  Over the next few days I'll post my take on the Transparent City.  To view the exhibit online, check out Michael Wolf's website.

View from North Avenue



My personal favorite Chicago hood, Old Town



Bus Stop, Michigan Avenue

Reflections of the New Eastside

Destination Home, Wicker Park

Aon with Prudential Two

Quite possibly the best shot I've taken from inside a car.

Outtakes from the Auto Show

Election Night, Wells Street

Turning Point

It's time to vote in Chicago.  'Your Daily Dose' proudly endorses Rahm Emanuel for mayor.  The saying goes, "vote and vote often."  If I could I would vote for Rahm twice!

Update: Chico concedes, Rahm Emanuel is Chicago's next mayor!

Blue Line, Wicker Park

Liquidation at the Pump Room

The Pump Room was once the famous celebrity stomping ground at the Ambassador East Hotel in the Gold Coast.  Everything from the kitchen silverware to Frank Sinatra's booth 1 will be sold throughout the week.  In fact for a little over $4,000 you could own the entire booth including the table, drapes and window.  While I wasn't fortunate enough to stop by here for a drink before the closing and remodel phase, I was able to pickup a large mirror from the one of hotel rooms.  The list of stars the Pump Room has hosted include Bette Davis, Clark Gable, Robert Redford, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Sammy Davis, Jr., Eddie Murphy, Michael J. Fox, and Mick Jagger among dozens of others.  Phil Collins released his 1985 album, "No Jacket Required," a title that was inspired by an incident at the Pump Room where he was denied admittance based on what he was wearing.

No News

Bus Hut, State Street, Blizzard In Progress

Evening Rush, Red Line



During the first day of the blizzard I was heading home and decided to take some pictures on the platform at the State and Lake subway.  As I started shooting, a CTA employee standing to my right immediately demanded I put my camera away.  The man approaching in the blue scarf came to my defense and questioned the logic of her request.  Since I have been aware that the CTA frowns upon the use of cameras, I didn't argue with her, but instead kindly put my camera away.  I need to look into the transit authority's policies on photography in more detail.  This is a good example of making sure you are constantly aware of your surroundings.  I was able to get a few shots in before I was reprimanded, but next time I'll try shooting from the hip.



Blizzard, Wacker Drive

Blizzard, Gold Coast

Shadows, LaSalle Street Bridge

Blizzard, Esquire Theater

The Esquire Theater on Oak St in the Gold Coast has been closed and vacant since 2006 but during the blizzard it had an even stranger sense of emptiness as I walked by.  There have been plans to tear down the theater to build a high-end shopping center and hotel, but the project was haulted in 2009.  As far as I'm concerned they can hold off on that project forever. 

Chicago's Minaret

Yesterday as I was reading about the coverage on the revolution in Egypt I noticed that Cairo is referred to as the "City of 1,000 minarets."  After I figured out what a minaret was, I remembered taking this image last week during the blizzard.  The former Medinah Temple is now the Bloomingdale's store in River North with Chicago's own onion-like architectural minaret.  Congratulations to the courageous people of Egypt!

Loop Fire Escape

From Above