Harvest Moon

A beautiful sight in the Scottsdale, AZ sky.  Best I could capture with the 70-300mm handheld.

Sony A7C @ f32 1/2000 300mm ISO 12800

Tamron E 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 A047

Photographed 921/21

Good Week

52Frames - Week 39 - My Daily Routine

Not an award-winning photo, but this is truly my daily routine this week.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2.4 1/1050 1.54mm (14mm equiv) ISO 25

Photographed 9/21/21

Ruthie Foster at the MIM

Clondon52w37: Somewhere New

From the C.London website: “So we’ve seen where your most comfortable (your home), let’s now explore a new space for you. It could be an area of your city where you’ve never ventured, or maybe you’re lucky enough to be going some place entirely new this week. As you’re seeing this place with entirely fresh eyes, think about what it is that compels you about that scene and try and create an image which highlights that.”

Admittedly, I had never heard of blues singer, Ruthie Foster.  However, her bio is impressive and we were fortunate to score some tickets to a sold out concert at the Scottsdale MIM Music Theater.  The venue is exquisite with outstanding acoustics and proof of vaccination was required for admittance.  This turned out to be one of the best musical performances I’ve ever attended.

I was surprised that non-flash photography was permitted, so was able to capture a few images during the performance.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2 1/60 6mm (83mm equiv) ISO 500

Photographed 9/18/21

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2 1/55  6mm (141mm equiv) ISO 500

Photographed 9/18/21

Streak Saver

52Frames - Week 38 - Curves

I wanted to get back downtown and reshoot an image for this week's challenge.  But alas, the week shaped up as too busy for that to happen.  I was at a loss as to what to shoot.  Then while driving, an unexpected rain-shower occurred and the drops hitting the windshield created random circular shapes.  By the time I was able to pull over and make photos, the drops were less pronounced...but still have curves, and therefore qualify for this week's challenge.

To add additional interest. I created a composite with the initial image I intended to reshoot.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f1.6 1/6900 4.2mm ISO 32

Photographed 9/14/21

Lazy Dog

Vernon Hills, IL

Dining at crowded indoor restaurants is not part of our current program.  We are trying to dine outdoors while the weather cooperates.  Had to capture this sunset before it disappeared.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2.0 1/150 6mm (73mm equiv)  ISO 25

Photographed 9/11/21

Easy Street

CLondon52w38: Your Neighborhood

From the C.London website: “Whether it be a crowded city street, or a quaint neighborhood diner’s sign, there’s something unique about where you live. Find that element of interest and highlight it with either context or isolation.”

I got the OK from Chelsea to switch timing for w37 & w38 prompts.

Not having flown my drone for quite awhile, I thought it would be a good opportunity for this prompt to photograph my neighborhood context from above. Easy access to shops, restaurants and the forest preserve makes for some pretty convenient living.

DJI Mavic Mini @ f2.8 1/500 4.49mm (24mm equiv) ISO 100

Photographed 9/12/21

Three Generations

52Frames - Week 37 - Man

Father, Son, Grandson - 3 generations of men in my family.  We did a "guys" outing to Shedd Aquarium and stopped for lunch at an old time Jewish deli that I remember eating at as a kid.  Good times!

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2.2 1/60 2.71mm ISO 160

Photographed 9/8/21

Seventy-Five Inches

CLondon52w36: At Home

From the C.London website: “Show your home - your immaculate interior decorating skills, your fat cat, a collection you’ve carefully curated, etc. We’re looking for an image here that tells us a little bit about yourself via a piece of your home. Like we did early in the year, try and show the ordinary in a new way, either with angles, lighting, or staging.”

We've not been to a movie theater in over 18 months and don't have plans to return anytime soon. So when it came time to re-do the spare bedroom, leather recliners and a 75" screen were no-brainers.

Sony A7C @ f4 1/250 16mm ISO 10000

Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS

Photographed 9/7/21

Ears Up

Chicago, IL

I spotted them walking down the street and raised my camera.  She said, "Cool, he wants to take our picture!"  He wasn't quite as excited.  She won in the end.  They must have been on their way to either a costume party or House of Blues.

Sony A7C @ f9.5 1/250 35mm ISO 1250

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

Photographed 9/4/21

Anti-Icon Mulan

52Frames - Week 36 - Woman (Alternate)

Last one in this series.  I spent some time in downtown Chicago last week on jury duty and looked for additional instances of the rolling ads that I used to satisfy this challenge.

Many of the corner bus-stops have these rolling ads that flash an image of a woman created by Martine Gutierrez under the Anti-Icon banner.  I finally researched Martine Gutierrez and you can find an artist profile on Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martine_Gutierrez.

Sony A7C @ f8 1/250 33mm ISO 3200

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

Photographed 9/1/21

Anti-Icon Godiva

52Frames - Week 36 - Woman (Alternate)

I spent some time in downtown Chicago this weekend for a wedding and looked for additional instances of the rolling ads that I used to satisfy this challenge.

Many of the corner bus-stops have these rolling ads that flash an image of a woman created by Martine Gutierrez under the Anti-Icon banner. I don't know who Martine Gutierrez is but she has a public art fund named after her.

Sony A7C @ f8 1/250 37mm ISO 2500

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

Photographed 9/4/21

Anti-Icon Helena

52Frames - Week 36 - Woman (Alternate)

I spent some time in downtown Chicago this week on jury duty and looked for opportunities to fulfill this challenge.

Many of the corner bus-stops have these rolling ads that flash an image of a woman created by Martine Gutierrez under the Anti-Icon banner. I don't know who Martine Gutierrez is but she has a public art fund named after her.

Sony A7C @ f8 1/250 41mm ISO 2000

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

Photographed 9/1/21

Anti-Icon Elizabeth

52Frames - Week 36 - Woman

I spent some time in downtown Chicago this week on jury duty and looked for opportunities to fulfill this challenge.

Many of the corner bus-stops have these rolling ads that flash an image of a woman created by Martine Gutierrez under the Anti-Icon banner.  I don't know who Martine Gutierrez is but she has a public art fund named after her.

I was hoping for a woman to move into this frame and was fortunate to capture someone wearing a like colored dress.

Sony A7C @ f6.7 1/90 41mm ISO 1600

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

Photographed 9/1/21

Articulation

CLondon52w35: Vast

From the C.London website: Open For Interpretation

An obvious subject for this challenge would be a wide open, pastoral landscape.  However, this week I spent most of my time in downtown Chicago on Federal jury duty.  Arriving early before court call, I was able to take advantage of morning light and display the vast richness of Chicago architecture.

Sony A7C @ f5.6 1/250 49mm ISO 800

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

Photographed 8/31/21

Roosting

Contemplating their next target.

Sony A7C @ f6.7 1/350 42mm ISO 100

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

Photographed 8/26/21

Old Love

52Frames - Week 35 - Nostalgia

1969 - Met Ms. Wonderful

1970 - Lavaliered

1971 - Pinned

1972 - Engaged

1973 - Married

2021 - 48 years and counting.

Sony A7C @ f6.7 1/90 50mm ISO 12800

Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro

Photographed 8/27/21

Smoke Break...

in your own driveway???

Quick shot before getting busted 😃.

Sony A7C @ f6.7 1/250 75mm ISO 320

Tamron E 28-75mm F2.8

Photographed 8/21/21

Lone Bears Fan

McHenry, IL

Watching the Bears first pre-season loss, wondering what this year will be like.

Sony A7C @ f6.7 1/250 58mm ISO 1000

Tamron E 28-75mm F2.8

Photographed 8/21/21

Gone Fishin'

CLondon52w34: Fill the Frame

From the C.London website: "If you’re unsure of how to effectively capture a scene, it may be because there are many distracting elements or unnecessary empty bits. Try filling the frame with your intended subject. This isolates the subject and makes it very obvious to the viewer. Don’t be afraid to get really close, either. Be completely unapologetic about your attempt to fill the frame. Combine this technique with patterns for a really dynamic shot."

Honing in on a small portion of some large, spherical, metal sculptures lining the riverwalk in McHenry, IL. The spider web is a bonus I was unsure about being able to capture.

Sony A7C @ f3.5 1/250 75mm ISO 100

Tamron E 28-75mm F2.8

Photographed 8/21/21

Marine Repair

McHenry, IL

McHenry Riverwalk along the Fox River.  Reflections in the window of a marine repair and storage shop.

Sony A7C @ f6.7 1/250 28mm ISO 500

Tamron E 28-75mm F2.8

Photographed 8/21/21

Seven Week Cut

52Frames - Week 34 - Texture

They used to all be dark.  Now, at 70, one has to search long and hard to find one that's not white.  At least there is still something on top to search!

Sony A7C @ f13 1/45 50mm ISO 12800

Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro

Photographed 8/19/21

Hogs

CLondon52w33: Depth

From the C.London website: "The part of view that is closest to an observer is the foreground. The background is what’s furthest away from the observer. What’s in between is the mid-ground. Okay with that vocabulary out of the way, we can talk about depth. By showcasing multiple layers in a frame, a photographer can give a sense of breath of a location. If there’s no specific foreground of a scene, you can create one. My go to is my lovely obliging husband’s profile. Be creative and try different angles to get solid differential fore, mid, and backgrounds. When doing this, you should make a choice as to where you’re placing your subject and make depth of field choices based around that."



Low point of view and wide angle lens to capture this image through the storefront of a motorcycle shop.



Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2.4 1/120 1.54mm ISO 160

Photographed 8/17/21

Hugs

"Tank ooo Mama Dada. I yuv ooo."

Sony A7C @ f8 1/250 39mm ISO 250

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

Photographed 8/8/21

Rabbit Ears

52Frames - Week 33 - Night

An iconic motel located on the edge of downtown Steamboat Springs.  I say iconic because it even has logo merchandise for sale in some of the souvenir shops!

Sony A7C @ f3.2 1/250 28mm ISO 500

Tamron E 28-75mm F2.8

Photographed 8/12/21

Big Boy - Small Mountain?

CLondon52w32: Scale

From the C.London website: "Scale is simply showing the viewer how large something is (or isn’t). By using an element which everyone knows the size of, you can show the viewer the immensity or puniness of an element. Common usages may be a person being completely dwarfed by a large building, thereby showing that building is impressively large. You can play this the other way, as well."

Turned the tables on scale by emphasizing the size of the toddler (he's 2) and de-emphasizing the size of the mountain (summit is 10,568 feet).

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f1.6 1/60 4.2mm ISO 125

Photographed 8/12/21

Practice Kindness

Steamboat Springs, CO

 

Seen on the main drag through downtown Steamboat.  Doesn't seem to be a part of our national vocabulary.

Sony A7C @ f6.7 1/250 60mm ISO 100

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

Photographed 8/9/21

Wildfire Effect

Steamboat Springs, CO

The wildfires in the west are seriously affecting the air quality in the Rockies.  This is clear compared to what it was like a day earlier.

Captured from our balcony on a hazy morning.

Sony A7C @ f5.6 1/1000 60mm ISO 100

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

Photographed 8/8/21

Do You Want To Know A Secret?

52Frames - Week 32 - Line From A Song

I love making photos inspired by lines from Beatles' songs.  This one is babysitter Natalie ("Nana") whispering in Eli's ear.

Song released: March 22, 1963

Written by: John Lennon

Sung by: George Harrison

Sony A7C @ f4 1/250 29mm ISO 2500

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

Photographed 8/6/21

Perspective

CLondon52w31: Personality

From the C.London website: Open For Interpretation

How do you view this glass?  Half empty or half full?  The answer provides some insight to your personality and perspective. For me, the glass is half full...and there's more to enjoy.

Sony A7C @ f1.8 1/250 35mm ISO 200

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 8/3/21

Geological Shifts

Evanston, IL

The peeling paint on this concrete wall reminded me of a world map with oceans and land masses shifting around.

Sony A7C @ f9.5 1/250 35mm ISO 800

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 7/7/21

Fresh Green Light

52Frames - Week 31 - Wide Aperture

Another week without much opportunity or motivation to shoot photos.  However, I did carry around the camera with my widest aperture lens and captured this storefront photo with 3 frames within the frame.

Sony A7C @ f1.8 1/250 16mm ISO 250

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 7/28/21

A 2fer

52Frames - Week 30 - Distorted

CLondon52w30: Self Portrait

From the C.London website: “Oh no. The dreaded self-portrait. Listen, I’m the first to hate having the lens turned on myself.  That said, years back I forced myself to become comfortable with it by doing a 365 day self-portrait project.  And I learnt a lot.  For this week you are the subject.  Be as literal or creative with this as you’d like.”

I've been under the weather all week and haven't had much opportunity or motivation to shoot photos.  But the stars aligned when the two weekly challenges in which I participate could be fulfilled with a single photo.

Close focus + wide angle + tripod + flash = Distorted Selfie.

Sony A7C @ f6.7 1/60 16mm ISO 6400

Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS

OCF at 1/128th power

Photographed 7/23/21

The Observer

Lake Forest, IL

Sony A7C @ f8 1/250 58mm ISO 320

Tamron E 28-75mm F2.8

Photographed 7/12/21

Irwin

CLondon52w29: Portrait of a Friend

From the C.London website: “Let’s do portraits! Find a willing model (yes, your dog will do just fine) and work to capture their personality in the image. Pay attention to lighting, posing, and environment.”

My good friend Irwin has been the subject in many of my photos over the years so it was natural that I ask him to do so once again.  I have always captured him in a recreational setting but never in the business he built over a long career.  In 2015, his daughter and partner’s son purchased the business and it continues to excel under their leadership.  Irwin still consults part-time in the business so I wanted to convey that part of his story.

So on this Sunday afternoon, Chicago Glue & Machine was the destination.  Irwin was proud of what he built and I was like a kid in a candy store.

Sony A7C @ f2.8 1/250 28mm ISO 1250

Tamron E 28-75mm F2.8

Photographed 7/18/21

One River

Evanston, IL

Great storefront for an art & design school.

Sony A7C @ f9.5 1/250 35mm ISO 320

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 7/7/21

Busted?

Evanston, IL

Even though across the street, I still think he saw me.

Sony A7C @ f9.5 1/250 35mm ISO 500

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 7/7/21

WTFU-LIG

52Frames - Week 29 - Product Photography

I've been waiting for the appropriate week to use this awesome gift from a friend for the photo challenge.

Technically, this is far from perfect.  I didn't have the patience to set up proper lighting/flash and therefore went handheld with available light.  Good enough to keep the streak alive.

And by the way, it's really good coffee!

Sony A7C @ f5.6 1/200 43mm ISO 12800

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

Photographed 7/16/21

Rainbow In Her Hair

Evanston, IL

Color coordinated.

Sony A7C @ f9.5 1/250 35mm ISO 400

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 7/7/21

Sweet Corn Alley

Clondon52w28: Candid

From the C.London website: “People (and animals!) more often than not freeze up when aware that a lens is pointed at them.  Get those natural expressions by photographing a candid moment.”

My intent for this week was to shoot a candid using or incorporating a reflection.  Not being terribly successful, I returned to my car where I discovered this cool garden shop along an alleyway.  I used my sunroof to capture the alley reflection and was lucky to have a potential customer make eye contact with the proprietor.

Sony A7C @ f8 1/250 45mm ISO 500

Tamron E 28-75mm F2.8

Photographed 7/12/21

Jay's Barber Shop

Evanston, IL

The old time barber pole caught my attention and then was photobombed when lining up the shot. "So sorry man", he said. "No worries", I replied.

I love when that happens!

Sony A7C @ f9.5 1/250 35mm ISO 1000

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 7/7/21

Andre

I met Andre on Davis Street in Evanston as he asked folks for some help with train fare. His destination was downtown Kenosha where there is a spot in a shelter lined up but he needs to get there before it is given away.  Andre was born in Zion, IL and is 47 years old.  He has family in the Chicago area and Wisconsin who are all struggling.  Before the pandemic, Andre was a laborer, unloading trucks for a liquor distributor, but there is no work for him now.  Andre was not the talkative sort so I gave him $2 and wished him well in getting to Kenosha.  He thanked me and turned his attention to others on the street.

Sony A7C @ f9.5 1/250 35mm ISO 160

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 7/7/21

Kev

I met Kev along Sherman Avenue in downtown Evanston.  He was asking for some change and I asked him if he’d heard of $2 Portraits.  He said he has but didn’t have $2 to give for a portrait.  I explained to him I’d give him $2 if he allowed me to take his picture and told me a bit of his story, to which he readily agreed.

Kev is 62 years old and was born and raised on the west side of Chicago where he still resides.  He comes into Evanston because the people are nice and he sees some of them on a regular basis.  He’s able to pick up enough money for transportation and food.  Kev has no family left other than a sister in a nursing home.  When I asked about what kind of work he did, Kev said he’s been disabled for a long time and never had any long-term jobs.

Kev was outgoing, yet soft-spoken and therefore a bit difficult to understand.  We did joke about the sign behind him that said “Warning…”.  When I pointed it out, he smiled and said “Nothin’ to worry about; I’m a friendly guy”.  I gave Kev $2 and wished him luck for which he thanked me.

Sony A7C @ f9.5 1/250 35mm ISO 640

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 7/7/21

$157,000 M8

52Frames - Week 28 - Transportation

Killing time in the showroom with the camera while my "cheap" car is being serviced.

Sony A7C @ f8 1/125 35mm ISO 1600

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 7/7/21

Tara & Tomas

Clondon52w27:  PHOTOGRAPHER HIGHLIGHT:  Diane Arbus

From the C.London website:  “Diane Arbus is known for her captivating portraits wherein she aimed to normalize marginalized groups with the end goal of highlighting the importance of representation of all people. 

For this week, choose a subject which may be ‘othered’ and showcase what makes it special, beautiful unique, interesting, or any other positive adjective that comes to mind. If you are using human subjects, be sure that you are not exploiting the subject. Diane was extremely genuine in her interactions and capturing of the subjects, and we would like to stay true to that spirit.”

I am asking for special dispensation on this week’s challenge since this photograph, made in January 2015, satisfies the prompt in visual quality, story and spirit.  I made an attempt today to shoot a new photo for the prompt and while I could use one if absolutely required, this image for me is too compelling to pass up.

This photo was originally shot for $2 Portraits, a project I began participating in over 10 years ago (https://flic.kr/s/aHsju1ayAB).  Of the 90+ images I’ve made for this project, this is one of the most memorable.  The story behind this photo follows.

San Francisco, CA

January 21, 2015

They were huddled together against the stone wall on the sidewalk along Powell Street, holding a sign but barely making eye contact with the passersby.  The first time I walked by them, I sensed their isolation.  As I circled back, they looked up and our eyes met.  I kneeled down and we began to talk.  I asked them if they’ve heard of $2 Portraits; they had not.  After explaining the project and telling them since they were two, I’d give them $4, they readily agreed to participate.  The ensuing story is one not previously encountered in almost 4 years of doing this project.

Tomas & Tara, 24 and 21 years old respectively, are originally from New York and have been in San Francisco for 6 months.  Tara then told me she just had a baby on the 17th.  I thought she had said August 17th.  She corrected me…she gave birth 4 days ago.  I was floored…but skeptical.  Pictures of them with their baby convinced me otherwise.

Tomas & Tara moved to SF with the understanding that friends of theirs were going to let them share their apartment.  Once they arrived however, their friends recanted and they were left without a place to live.  They usually found shelter but Tara said it was a tough pregnancy roughing it on the street.

Tomas & Tara’s baby is still in the hospital, perfectly healthy except for some jaundice caused by different blood types between mother and child.  The baby will be released on Saturday and fortunately they have found a shelter to live in.  They are alone in San Francisco, no friends…no family…but have an optimism about them that was surprising.  They talked about lots of resources in San Francisco to help folks in their situation get on their feet.  Tomas is looking for a job - he’s a certified auto mechanic.  Tara worked as a dental assistant and has a 2 year Associates business degree.  I asked if they considered moving back to New York to be with family.  Tomas said his mother is working and has his two teenaged siblings at home and they all live below the poverty level; no help there.  They didn’t talk about other family as being options.

Tomas & Tara were grateful for the conversation and very thankful when I gave them $20 instead of $4.  Tears welled up in Tara’s eyes when she said they had to get some clothes for the baby and this would help.  I wished them luck, told them I hoped not to encounter them again on the street and then walked away very sad.

Photographed 1/21/15

Panasonic DMC-GX7 @ f1.8 1/320 17mm (34mm equiv) ISO 3200

Olympus M 17mm F1.8

Re-Processed 7/7/21

Three Modes

Venice Beach, CA

As much as I'd like to, I cannot use this photo for 52Frames-Week 28-Transportation because it was shot 2 weeks too early.

Sony A7C @ f4 1/350 26mm ISO 100

Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS

Photographed 6/22/21

Another Preview

52Frames - Week 27 - Black And White

Van Gogh felt it important to master black and white before color.  This is one of very few b/w images that were part of the Immersive exhibition.

See HERE for the prior post describing this exhibition.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f1.6 1/25 4.2mm ISO 1000

Photographed 7/1/21

A Preview

Immersive Van Gogh

Chicago, IL

For our anniversary today, we went to the Lighthouse Artspace Chicago to experience the Immersive Van Gogh exhibition.  It was an audio-visual treat that is hard to describe.  I was shocked upon entry that cameras were allowed.  Didn't even consider that they might be, so all the photos I made were with my iPhone since the mirrorless was left at home.  I had a blast photographing both the art of Van Gogh and the people experiencing the exhibition.  It will take some time to piece a story together, so this image is just a taste.

BTW, the exhibition runs through November so check it out.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f1.6 1/7 4.2mm ISO 2000

Photographed 7/1/21

Bianchi or Schwinn?

I saw the bright colors coming down the path and moved quickly to the side to capture a photo.  The bicycle color ("Celeste") is my all time favorite and is the trademark of Bianchi.  This color must be slightly different because upon closer examination, it's a Schwinn.

Sony A7C @ f6.7 1/350 30mm ISO 100

Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS 

Photographed 6/22/21

Venice Canals

Venice, CA.


From Above

A colleague suggested that the Venice Canals would be a good place to photograph.  She was right!

Aerial screenshot from Google Earth

All Photographed 6/22/21

Estate

One of the beautiful homes along the Venice Canals.

Sony A7C @ f4 1/125  35mm ISO 100

Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS

Concentric

Pedestrian and vehicular bridges spanning the canals.

Sony A7C @ f4 1/350  32mm ISO 100

Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS