Tuesday, November 30

Columbus Avenue Stairs

If you ever want to walk around in downtown Chicago and have a part of the city completely to yourself I have just the place. It's the area south of the Chicago River, East of Michigan Avenue, West of Lake Michigan and North of Randolph St. There isn't anything touristy in this area which explains why so few people but it is quite an interesting place to explore. 


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Monday, November 29

The HDR Effect Revisited

File this one under: Another Attempt at Defending HDR Processing.


The above photograph was taken at the Indiana Dunes State Park on a cloudy day and under very poor lighting conditions. The composition of the wood along with the texture contrasts are what really caught my eye. Unfortunately the lighting was so bad that it didn't really allow the subject matter or the mood of the scene stand out much. Just as I was about to give up on the image I used Aperture's HDR plug-in (Photomatix)


BAM!
I got exactly what I was looking for. The lighting of the scene was improved dramatically. The shadows were deeper and the highlights were brighter. The grain in the wood became more apparent and the sand become more tactile. HDR processing is usually used to capture a full range of light in dramatic lighting conditions, i.e. sunsets, sunrises, interior spaces, etc. I also like to use it on photographs that aren't lit well at all. Sometimes it helps and sometimes it doesn't. In this case I was very pleased with the outcome. 


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Sunday, November 28

The Week's End

"Living up to ideals is like doing everyday work with your Sunday clothes on." ~Ed Howe


Happy Sunday Chicago.


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Saturday, November 27

Evanston Art Center

Now that winter is here the outdoor activities will most definitely dwindle. However, if you bundle up you can head north out of the city and find tons of great winter spots to explore. Take Sheridan Rd at Loyola and stay on it until you can no longer stay on it. You'll come across beautiful vistas along the lake, amazing homes and quaint shops. The above photograph was taken at the Evanston Art Center from Lighthouse Beach.


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Friday, November 26

Gehry and his Curves


"Why can't we have those curves and arches that express feeling in design? What is wrong with them? Why has everything got to be vertical, straight, unbending, only at right angles - and functional?"-Charles, Prince of Wales

Charles has apparently never seen the buildings of a Mister Frank Gehry. Curves, slants, and lots of motion are all abundant. This photograph is a close up of the Pritzker Pavilion at Millenium Park. As far as public spaces go, it's one of the best I've had the pleasure to experience.


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Thursday, November 25

Showing Thanks


"As we show our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John F. Kennedy


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Wednesday, November 24

Baha'i Temple

The Baha'i Temple in Wilmette will make occasional appearances on this photoblog. Why? 'Cause it's incredibly unique and very photogenic. With the water in foreground this kind of reminds me a little bit like something you'd see in Star Wars. 


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Tuesday, November 23

Looking up at Giants

"You know what they say about Chicago. If you don’t like the weather, wait fifteen minutes." Ralph Kiner

And to think that yesterday it was 65 degrees.

Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Monday, November 22

View from the South Side

Happy Monday Chicago.


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Sunday, November 21

Gettin' my Macro on





This photograph was not taken anytime in last few months. Peonies usually bloom in Spring and it's late Fall. This was a test run that I took back in April when I rented a macro lens from Calumet Photo here in Chicago. Renting lenses is a very economical way of trying out different approaches to photography. It's also a requirement for obtaining nerd status. Most lenses cost around $30/day to rent, which is not bad considering that the cost of the lens can be upward of $2,000. 


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Saturday, November 20

Argyle Street Scene

If you ride the red line on the El and get off on Arglye you're going to have a problem; where are you going to eat? There are so many places to eat within three blocks. Most of the restaurants are Vietnamese but there's Chinese, Korean, Thai and Japanese too. My personal favorite is Tank Noodle. The pho is a classic but don't hesitate to try the duck either. It's insanely good and insanely cheap and along with those attributes comes insanely busy. 


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Friday, November 19

The LPC

As the weather turns colder we are all going to seek refuge. The Lincoln Park Conservatory is one of the best options for pale and pasty people of the Midwest. It doesn't matter what the weather is like on the outside, on the inside it's warm and humid. It has to be, it's filled with tropical plants and ferns. 


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Thursday, November 18

Beacon of Light


"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all."-Oscar Wilde

The photograph and the quote don't really have any relation, sorry guys. This is the busiest time of the year for me and that means that many of the posts over the next week or so will be from the crates. The quote, however, is a philosophy I subscribe to quite often. It certainly makes for interesting stories and amazing friends. 

Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Wednesday, November 17

Back Alley


Sometimes the architectural richness of this city is found in places you might not expect. 


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Tuesday, November 16

The Color Purple


No, this is not what the Ricketts family is doing to try and obtain public money for renovations. It's not my attempt at Photoshop either. This Saturday Northwestern University will play host to Illinois at Wrigley Field in the Wrigleyville Classic. It's amazing how attached to color we are as humans. When I first stumbled upon this scene my brain couldn't process what it was seeing, "Why is the sign purple? But it's always been red." After a few moments I was approached by a Valspar Paint marketing rep and I learned that this was sponsored by Valspar and it's more of a study in color theory & psychology than anything else. Regardless, I'm eagerly awaiting the return of the original red. 


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Monday, November 15

Soldier Field

This photograph was taken with my phone while at the Bear's game yesterday. I won't be posting too many photographs from my phone in the future. I didn't take my camera to the game because the last time I did they didn't let me bring it inside. This is the colonnade on the western side of the field. Despite how hideous the stadium looks from the outside, it's actually very nice on the inside. In addition the Bears whooped the Vikings to take first place in the NFC North. Bear Down!


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Sunday, November 14

Chicago Cultural Center

Without a doubt, the Chicago Cultural Center is one of the most amazing interior spaces in the entire city. Yes, it's even more impressive than the Dunkin' Donuts on Wacker Dr. In a city known for its architecture that is really saying a lot. The lobby and reading room are perfect spots to spend some time with a book or headphones and some music. The photograph above was taken without a flash or a tripod . . . sorry for the graininess. 


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Saturday, November 13

Font Crush III

I shouldn't have to tell anyone where I found this one because it's . . . well, it's right there. It's got kind of an old western/Parisian look to it. I tried my best to find some information about the sign and when it was installed but I came up empty handed. Anyone out there have any leads? 


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Friday, November 12

the T.G.I.F. Dragon

May your weekend be a blinding whirlwind of fun and adventure.
Let the winds of chance take you to places your passport cannot.
Arm yourself with an open mind and an extra pair of socks.
Happy Friday!
-Bert, the TGIF Dragon

Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Thursday, November 11

100th Post


Today marks the 100th day of Chicageaux. I want to thank everyone for the support. The feedback has been tremendously helpful to me and I look forward to the next 100 posts. I am currently working on a new and improved blog layout. It will still have the same concept just with a better looking presence and larger photos. I will alert everyone when it is ready. The goal is by mid-late November. 


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Wednesday, November 10

Downtown Sky


"I give you Chicago. It is not London and Harvard. It is not Paris and buttermilk. It is American in every chitling and sparerib. It is alive from snout to tail."- H.L. Mencken


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Tuesday, November 9

The Square at Night


Last night may have been one of the last "warm" evenings of the year so I took advantage of it and got out with the camera. This photograph is of Lincoln Square just after dusk. I've spent the last 5 years living in this neighborhood and I've seen it go from good to great. The only minor draw back to the overhaul of the neighborhood has been an increased stroller to human ration somewhere around the rate of 5-1. 


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Monday, November 8

Commuters




Monday mornings are universally spent getting to work. Not many people can escape this fact of life. Here is a little something to make your Monday a bit brighter: The Snuggler.

Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Sunday, November 7

Hidden Gem

Once again I will try to persuade locals into becoming Art Institute members. Here is the Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room that was taken down in 1972 and then reconstructed inside the Art Institute. This space has recently been opened up for private events if you have enough cash. Keep it in mind if you're looking for a spot to hold your next fantasy football draft or book club meeting.  


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Saturday, November 6

Warmth of the Sun


Having grown up in California gave me the bad habit of taking the warmth of the sun for granted. Since moving to Chicago I've come to truly appreciate each and every moment of sun that is possible. I like this photograph because it looks like what I feel like on a really cold day that has even an ounce of sunshine. 


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Friday, November 5

Meat Packing District

I'm pretty sure the sign says it all. I love Chicago.


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Thursday, November 4

Bull in Chinatown


Chicago's Chinatown isn't quite as historical as San Francisco's and it's not quite as gritty as New York's. However, it was featured in the Ron Howard classic "Backdraft" and that pretty much trumps any other accolade one could receive. The bull above is one of the zodiac sculptures in the Chinatown Square. If you haven't been I highly recommend it . . . along with a 12 pack of pork buns (bao). Mmmmmm. 


Photograph by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Wednesday, November 3

Chicago Skyline-obstructed


Once again it's the skyline of Chicago with obstructions. Imperfect? I don't think so. Most of the views you get of the skyline are obstructed. Most of life is obstructed and imperfect if you think about it. Sometimes that's where you can find the most beauty and inspiration . . . in the imperfect.


"If you look closely at a tree you'll notice it's knots and dead branches, just like our bodies. What we learn is that beauty and imperfection go together wonderfully."-Matthew Fox (no, not the guy from "Lost")


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Tuesday, November 2

Election Day


I'm such a nerd that I actually went out looking for a photograph that would be fitting to post on election day. Just as I was about to give up I drove by an underpass near the Meatpacking District in the West Loop. BAM!! The stencil says "Veridis Quo" and it's NOT related to the Daft Punk song. After doing some research I'm fairly certain the phrase translates to "where truth is found". I'll leave the interpretation up to the viewer . . . after all, this is supposed to be an optimistic blog. Get out and vote!!


"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost"-John Quincy Adams


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Monday, November 1

Montrose Harbor at Dawn


"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."-Albert Einstein


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission