Today’s photo comes from my recent photo walk through downtown Chicago with +ChrisSmith. We decided to throw caution to the wind and just explore the scenic areas of Chicago without an itinerary. This supports the motto that great photographs do indeed surround us everyday if you are willing to keep your eyes open. Having said that, some cities do provide more obvious opportunities for photographers than others. Shortly after shooting the skyline...
Today’s photos come from my recent travels to the picturesque University of Chicago campus, just a short throw from downtown. I have been told by numerous people to include the Rockefeller Chapel during my visit, which is simply an amazing piece of architecture. Upon entering, I took a few minutes to absorb the intricate details evident throughout the institution. I was hoping to capture some images of the front section of the church,...
I recently discovered a fantastic and informative blog, outofchicago.com, run by Chris Smith detailing the most pertinent areas to photograph when visiting Chicago, Illinois – arguably the greatest city in America. The city caters to the most discriminating travelers while offering the finest offerings with respect to dining, culture, sporting events and retail therapy. Having been to Chicago countless times, there are a handful of areas I...
I recently purchased a 10-stop ND filter with the intention of practicing some long-exposure photography thereby capturing the streaking clouds, blurry water, etc. seen in those revered landscape photos worldwide. I recently spent a weekend in Northern Michigan in the charming town of Traverse City, known for its endless shoreline, beaches, wineries and countless culinary hotspots. One morning while driving through town I came upon a secluded beachfront...
This awe-inspiring interior belongs to Holy Name Cathedral located in Downtown Chicago. This cathedral, was placed on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places on November 21,1875. The Church has shown its resilience over the years enduring multiple structural tragedies. The building was completely destroyed during the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. In February of 2008, a single piece of the Cathedral’s ceiling came crashing down onto the...
During a recent stroll on vacation, I stumbled upon St. Mary’s Basilica Church. Conveniently located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, the church was founded in 1881 and completed by 1914 and eventually added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This church serves as home to largest collection of stained glass windows in the state of Arizona. The beautiful stained glass dome seen in the center, serves as a conduit for natural light...
Today’s photo come from Nelson Park in Mount Pleasant, MI. This park is centrally located within the city featuring a fishing dock, canoe landing, grills and scenic walkways. This waterfall is conveniently located at the entrance of the...
There is nothing comparable to the feeling of having a beach practically all to yourself. This was exactly the case as I visited Otsego Lake State Park plus or minus a few brave souls. However, with temperatures approaching 40 degrees accompanied by 30 mph winds, the fantasy begins to fizzle. Nevertheless, the scenic surroundings more than made up for the blistery conditions during the month of May in Otsego,...
As I begin to delve deeper into the intricate world of macro photography, I continue to gain a deeper understanding of the patience and dedication required when photographing objects from a very close distance. Having said that, if you follow some of the simple rules such as using a tripod, wireless cable release, macro lens, etc., you will see that you can obtain some pleasing results perhaps even worthy of the wall of fame. My macro lens of choice is...
The Northern Cardinal is known to be a familiar backyard bird…Until you decide you want to photograph them. At this point, the mere sight of a camera is analogous to a missile launcher causing immediate displacement of all life within it’s reach. I managed to snap this from the railing of my deck as the evening sun began to set. The skittish nature of these birds is astounding. I had about 6 seconds to capture this moment before the...
This beautiful elliptical stainless steel structure in Chicago’s Millenium Park provides an incredible reflection of Chicago’s famous skyline and the clouds above. Walking beneath the structure allows people to view their own reflections viewed from various perspectives. This structure is known as “The Bean” by the locals.
In downtown Chicago, as you travel through the underground tunnel beneath Lakeshore drive, you are confronted by a rather eye-catching mural painted on a wall leading to North Beach. Regardless of one’s level of faith, we all understand the concept of a guardian angel watching over us with only our best interest in mind. Nevertheless, the artwork speaks to us and only our interpretation dictates what we actually hear.
I am a general dentist by day and photographer by night. It comes as no surprise to learn that many dentists share a common love for the discipline of photography. Dentistry and photography share several commonalities which allows one discipline to feed off the other. Interestingly enough, both fields are unique expressions of art, in one form or another. I deliver dental artistry through the sculpting of smiles while photographic artistry as seen through the captivation of imagery. I am passionate about all things technology and in its implementation to improve our lives on a daily basis.
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