Reflecting on 2010

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man."-Benjamin Franklin

This is it, the end of the year. It's time for us to reflect upon the last year. More importantly it's time for us to look forward to the beginning of a new year. Unfortunately, most of us will probably start the new year suffering from an epic hangover as a result of that crumpled up receipt from a $200 bar tab you'll find in your pocket . . . for the 8th year in a row. Regardless of how you spend your New Year's Eve may you reflect upon your life and be thankful for what you have and not dwell on what you have not. Tomorrow is a new day and a new year. Make the best of it.


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

Zoo Day

Strolling through the Lincoln Park Zoo at 6 a.m. will get you stared at.

"Zoo: An excellent place to study the habits of human beings."-Evan Esar


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

Winter Splendor

“We want that center, we yearn for it, we need it. It shouldn't look like New York or Paris, it should look like us.”-Frank Gehry.

I'm not sure what city that quote was in reference to. It could have been any number of national or international cities.  I don't think it really matters which city he was talking about because the quote applies to every city (except New York and Paris of course). A walk through Millennium Park is a walk through Chicago. Yes it can be touristy and no it's not the Chicago of old, whatever that is, but it does capture a very special part of Chicago's character . . . civic pride. Chicagoans are an incredibly proud bunch and with very good right. Millennium Park blends the best Chicago's offerings: world class architecture, diverse outdoor space, epic performance space, public accessibility and an intimate, in your face view of the skyline among other things. Like many of my posts I encourage you to experience this place in the middle of winter. You'll get to explore the space without crowds and you'll get to experience the park in a way 90% of tourists never will . . . and there is something about that that makes it all your own.


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

Grant Statue, Lincoln Park?

Taken inside Lincoln Park just west of Lakeshore Drive, 6:41 a.m.

If you ever end up taking one of those double decker tours or any other tourist-oriented guide you will most certainly come across this statue. It is a statue of Ulysses Grant and yet you won't find it in Grant Park ironically. Instead it resides on the eastern edge of Lincoln Park just south of the zoo. Oddly enough there is a famous statue of Abraham Lincoln that can be found in the heart of Grant Park. Hmmm? There's a story that has both statues being delivered and installed in the wrong park. After they were installed and the mistake was discovered it was decided to let them remain in opposite parks. As interesting as that may sound it isn't what really happened. The city of Chicago's website explains the real story . . . "It's a Chicago curiosity, but can easily be explained by knowing the history of Chicago's prominent lakefront parks. Lincoln Park was Chicago's first park, well established at the time of Grant's death. The mud-covered remains of the Great Chicago Fire would be developed as a series of formal gardens after the turn of the century and named for Grant, another honor for this great Civil War hero."


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

Warm & Cool

Taken just before sunrise on a walk through Montrose Park.

The biggest challenge for any photographer (pro or rookie) is lighting. Not only do you have to worry about how much or how little light is available, you also have to think about what quality of light you have to work with. This means identifying the different sources of light and accounting for them: is it natural or artificial? a single source or multiple sources? Not to mention you've got to have a basic understanding of how that quality of light will affect your subject. Fortunately there are many settings that come with digital cameras that allow you to account for many different light sources. The above scene caught my eye because of the harmonious contrast provided by the mixed lighting. The cold blue sky is natural early morning sunlight while the glow of the artificial street light splashes a warm orange across the white snow. Lucky timing. 


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

Anticipation

As we get closer and closer to the Christmas holiday it seems as if time gets further and further away from us. Take a moment or two to intentionally slow things down and appreciate the now. 

"I like to go to Marshall Field's in Chicago just to see how many things there are in the world that I do not want."

Mother Mary Madeleva


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

Baha'i Temple II

As promised several months ago I will continue to post photographs of the this amazing piece of architecture. The Baha'i Temple is worth the short drive out of the city and especially attractive during the winter months. The play of light on this building is beautiful and especially when the light is reflected from the snow. This photograph was taken across the street at the harbor near the Coast Guard station. 


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

Winter?

"People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy."-Anton Chekhov

If you are ever around the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum there is a great little dock that extends out onto a pond. It's a fantastic place to take a book or just sit and relax. The photograph above was taken from that dock as winter begins to leave its mark on the pond.


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

Ice Waves

Despite the crappy composition, I think this photograph does a lot in representing the textures of winter here in Chicago.
Let's start at the top and work our way down:
cloudy, grey skies = check
bare branches = check
icy Lake Michigan = check
snow covered beach = check
ice glazed rocks = check
icicles = check
Anyone up for the Polar Plunge this year?


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

Pondering Chicago

One wouldn't imagine winter to be the mot opportune season to photograph in and around Chicago. I happen to find it ideal. Not only does it give you access to tourist attractions without hoards of people it also allows you to see things in entirely new ways. Few cities are linked so strongly to their weather. Los Angeles most certainly conjures up thoughts of sunny days and warm weather. Seattle makes us think of wet and rainy days. Chicago brings to mind blustery snow and a cold that is just brutal. What better time of the year to explore the true identity of Chicago than winter? The above photograph was taken near Diversey and Stockton, it shows Alexander Hamilton looking upon the city of Chicago.


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

Urban Abstract

Chicagoans know this scene from the color alone. The bright orange beams (technically vermillion colored) that occupy the Federal Plaza downtown are iconic for the city and have been since they were installed in 1974. Some may not know the origins of the work or the inspiration. I found a great blog to help give some background. 


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

End of the Line

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

Cab Rides

I think of cab drivers in the same way I do senior citizens: they are either rude, negative and gross or they are insightful, inspirational and humble. After four years of living in Chicago I can honestly say that my cab driver after the Bulls game on Monday was the tops. Not only did he go out of his way to pick me up in sub zero temps, he was also incredibly friendly, honest and efficient. Didn't get his name or cab number but I did walk away feeling grateful for having come into contact with this man. The odds of getting a cab driver like that are about the same as getting a cashier at Jewel who speaks to you. Good luck with your next cabbie.


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

Obligatory Shot

A photoblog inspired by Chicago wouldn't be worth it's weight in hot dogs without a shot like this one. To be honest, I'm actually surprised it hasn't popped up earlier. It's right up there with a shot of the Bean and a shot of Buckingham Fountain (which have both appeared here). Hey, I never said this blog was going to be original. 


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

Headin' South

With temperatures in the low teens it's no wonder these birds fly south for the winter. If I had that option I'd probably get out of dodge too. This scene was captured just west of the North Pond yesterday afternoon.


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

It's a Small World

After a Bears loss like yesterday there is only one thing a Chicago fan can do . . . move on (and watch the Bulls). This photograph is another ode to the tilt-shift effect in photography. You can't help but be reminded of all the catalogues and toy magazines you looked at as a kid. If I were any good at Photoshop this would look a lot better but it's the best that Aperture can do. If you're keeping score at home, this was taken in an empty lot near Wacker Dr. Happy Monday!


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

Pilsen Again

Pilsen is such a cool place that it deserves back to back posts. This photograph was taken where else but Angel's Tire Shop. It's a tire shop, grocery store and auto shop. It would be hard to find a better place that represents the neighborhood. 


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

18th St.

There aren't enough days in the weekend.  ~Rod Schmidt


18th St in Pilsen just after sunrise. Good food and great people. 


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

Tree Hunters

You can get Christmas trees nearly anywhere these days: Home Depot, Big Lots, small lots, local lots and everywhere else in between. Living in a big city has many advantages but access to the wilderness isn't really one of them. On the advice of a friend we decided to take a drive and get our tree from the real deal: Oney's  Tree Farm in Woodstock, Ill. Not only is it great to get out of the city every now and again, the farm was perfect. Horse drawn wagons that take you out into acres and acres of trees where you can roam until you find the perfect tree. If you're in the midwest and you are on any type of farm you can count on there being fresh cider and apple cider donuts too. Below was our runner up tree. 

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

Food Find

If you are ever in the West Loop and you are looking for a plethora of food options, you've got to hit up the French Market at the Metra station. It's provided me with some of my best Chicago meals to date. It's a year round, indoor food market with vendors from well known establishments from all over the city. The meal above consists of a duck confit sandwich with shallot confit from Pastoral along with some Belgian fries and specialty sauces. For all of my California folks, this is why I've packed on a few lbs . . . food that is just stupid to pass up. The French Market will be celebrating their 1 year anniversary December 17 & 18. There'll be lots of free food and drinks so check it out!


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

A Quiet Humboldt Park

Most Chicagoans will tell you that they don't mind how cold it gets so long as the sun is shining. I've mentioned that at least once before on this blog. The last couple of days have been a testament to that philosophy. Despite the hi of 20 degrees we've been blessed with abundant sunshine. Not only does it do wonders for the spirit, it's not half bad for photographers either. This photograph was taken this morning at Humboldt Park. Happy Wednesday kids. 


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

Union Stockyards

    

     HOG Butcher for the World,
     Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat,
     Player with Railroads and the Nation's Freight Handler;
     Stormy, husky, brawling,     City of the Big Shoulders:


Beginning of Carl Sandburg Poem "Chicago"


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

Beach House

Another photograph coming from the Evanston Art Center. This is a storage house on the back side of the property, facing Lake Michigan. Yet another reason to make the short trip north to Evanston.


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

Another Hidden Gem

This will be the first of several posts from this park. Where is it you ask? Milton Lee Olive Park, it's just to the north of Navy Pier by about 100 yards. It is everything that Navy Pier isn't: quiet, secluded, beautiful and meaningful. 


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

First Snow

First Snow.

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

Peeking Tower

There is little chance that meteorologists can solve the mysteries of weather until they gain an understanding of the mutual attraction of rain and weekends.  ~Arnot Sheppard


or in our case . . . snow. 


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

Northerly Island Redux

This is a proposed rendering of what Northerly Island could look like if Mayor Daley gets his farewell gift. The urban legend of how Mayor Daley ripped up the airstrip at Meigs field during a midnight raid is about as Chicago as you can get.

This is a photograph taken from Northerly Island about a year ago. If you haven't been all the way out on the island I highly recommend it. It looks like a city of rubble. There is nothing but broken concrete, bent metal beams and grass. It looks exactly like what it is, an old airstrip that has been overtaken by nature.

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

Meteorological Winter

Today is the first day of meteorological winter, so Happy Meteorological Winter!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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