Jackie Blue

Her real name is not Jackie, it's Edyta. But everytime I see this photo, I hear the song Jackie Blue by The Ozark Mountain Daredevils. I was 9 at the time this song came out. But I have always wanted to put a face to Jackie Blue. So this is my version of that fantasy. lol

Wabash

I was on that corner EL station waiting for the ORANGE line and decided to snap away. It would have been a riot if those 2 unaware pedestrians would have copped a pose just like the models behind them! lol

My observation here was not to belittle anyone. I observed a moment where we see the contrast between 2 "ordinary" people vs. extraordinary models. I am an ordinary person and proud to be one. =)

Edyta

This was shot at Graceland Cemetery located at Irving Park & N. Clark. Just past Wrigley Field going northbound. It's beautiful in there. Such tranquility, beauty and designs, right in the heart of the city. But I suggest going during the week if you can. Too many tour groups and visitors to compete with on weekends. They close the gates at 4pm on the dot. I've been locked in a few times. I used a manual 50mm f/1.4 AIs on my D80 and again, on an APS-C sensor it's roughly 1.5x longer. White Balance purposely set cooler to give it a "bluer" feel or you can just switch WB selection to INCANDESCENT, pretty much the same feel. This seems to really bring out the tones in the granite and the fact her dress is vibrant orange make this work. I also saturated the colors in editing. This is not the best pose but I wanted something where I can crop her tightly into.

Edyta Nowak - She is available for modeling work. You can reach her at edyta1580@yahoo.com

Glare

The Civic Opera House on Wacker. At certain times of the day, the glare from those tall glassy buildings will bounce spots of light all over the streets and buildings below and it makes for a wonderful scene, I think. For me... it gives me the fantasy of being underwater. lol

Bridgeport

This door is right next to Bridgeport Cafe. I grew up in the burbs but lived in Bridgeport for many years. And one day as I sat in my car waiting for the signal to change, I noticed how beautiful the overcast light was on this door. Of course, it took me another 3 years of admirations before I finally grabbed my camera and made a study of it. I love that sturdy, pressed or engraved heavy brass hardware. And the trims are much to be admired as well. Another funny thing about this photo is that the reflection from the glass of across the street scene gives this picture a greater depth of field then it actually is.

I now live in San Jose, California. =)

1 So. Wacker

That is the exact address where I took this photo. I think this was just a tad before 7AM on a bitter cold morning in January. The type of cold that turns the streets chalky white and makes you shiver to the bones just in the short time while waiting for your car to warm up and yet this beautiful hue of inviting colors started to emerge. I felt so wonderful to be alive in that moment. And for a SHORT moment, I forgot the cold.

Ride

Not the clearest pic but i like the composition.

Fall

Fall leaves almost touching the Kankakee River.

Fruity

This was part of a short film being shot by Columbia College Film Students. I was covering the set for stills.

Grill

Decaying Buick