Chicagoan Questions,
by Susan Siu Grobler | 13 February 2012 | North America
Chicago, United States
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Our dear friends Justin & Shawnna picked us up from O'Hare International Airport and despite their optimism, our snowboard bag was not a willing participant in terms of fitting into their sedan with four passengers, plus luggage in the boot... or in American that would be "trunk".
Picture our snowboard bag with two boards, boots, and all clothing outerwear. Between the driver and passenger seat, beside Brett & I in the back poking out the back window while we drove on the highway into the heart of Chicago. It was a freezing cold car trip on our way to visit the infamous superstore Ikea! For our journey into downtown Chicago, we did manage to squish it between passengers in the very middle of the car among our camera bags and other luggage, rather cosy!
Famous for it's shopping street, Michigan Avenue (also called the Magnificent Mile) in downtown Chicago, the whole city was lit up for the Christmas/New Year season. The vibe in the atmosphere was festive, and the wintry sharp cold air encouraged everyone to bundle up in big coats and fedora hats.
I loved the Chicagoan style of the older men... big long dark coats, fedora hat, warm gloves, and a paper tucked under their underarm while briskly walking the streets of downtown Chicago. Of course there were Chicago style amateurs like us who wore puffer jackets and windbreakers. Even the homeless man on the train removing cardboard advertisements from the subway had class... ragged long dark coat, shoes that were too small for him so he stood on the heel of the back (leather shoes may I add), and worn old fedora hat. All class.
Although it is Oprah's hometown, Chicago felt like Batman's city. The old historical buildings looked like a scene in Gotham City, apart from the shiny Trump tower we viewed when we initially arrived in downtown State Street. We went for a team run after breakfast one of the days we were there down to Navy Pier, a place so picturesque that you just want to bask in the ambiance. How can it be such serene surroundings in such an urban setting?
Journeying to visit the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Photography, I had a beautiful encounter with one one of the sweetest sounds in Chicago. On the corner of Michigan & Grand, Mr Michael Upton was jamming away on his saxophone serenading unaware passers by. His sweet sounds made me (plus Brett, Justin & Shawnna) turn around to stop, take time and get lost in his beautiful music.
Placing a few coins into his saxophone case, I stood like a five year old in admiration of this mysterious street performer in dark sunglasses. His denim fedora hat fascinated me and the need to know his story intrigued me. I plucked up the courage to offer my handshake and introduce myself, "Hi I'm Susan and I'm from NZ. You sound amazing and I had to just let you know that". He stopped politely and smiled saying, "Well hi I'm Michael, what's a pretty girlie like you doing walking around by yourself?". I informed him that Brett and our friends were warming up inside the building behind him when he quickly answered with his hands up in the air, "I didn't do nothing". I laughed, and when he asked if New Zealand was near Switzerland, I couldn't help but be even more intrigued with this character. He did finally came to the realisation that we were the "Lord of the Rings" country, and he went on to tell me about how he was a Vietnam War Veteran and had been playing the saxophone for 37 years.
Brett, Justin & Shawnna came out to join us, and while they were busy exchanging stories, I turned around to meet another character who captured my attention instantly. Richard liked the look of my camera and started questioning me about whether it was like his Canon camera :) I think he mentioned his may be a bit older because it was film... I mentioned to him that I love using my Canon 5D and asked if I could photograph him in his cubs jacket, with his cigarette.
He absolutely loved the instant spotlight and I was able to get in close with my Canon Macro 50mm while chatting to him at the same time to make him feel comfortable. He even kissed my hand... not long after that, Brett was holding me close as we continued walking down the street towards our destination. Understandably he may not be keen on strangers in Chicago kissing me, even if just on the hand.
My absolute highlight in Chicago would be finding a Jazz gem in Norwood, The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge. It was a dream come true from when I was young; to be in a dark moody Jazz bar, black men smoking big cigars (although now it is illegal to smoke inside), getting lost in the sounds of sultry jazz, serenaded by the monotone of the double bass, admiring the craftsmanship of the musicians. I love good, and I mean good, soulful Jazz that moves your heart and transports you into another era.
From the subway we walked the quiet desolated streets to The Green Mill where it was dark, mysterious, and almost felt like you had gone into an underground gangster bar. We had entered into Al Capone and Charlie Chaplin's old hangout, the initial wooden bar still in place. Ladies & Gentlemen sipping on their cocktails, clapping every so often after another sweet guitar or keys riff, closing their eyes in enjoyment and drifting off into another world. It was bliss. A memory I will forever treasure.
Highlights to note exploring Chicago ~
• Chicago Deep Dish Pizza - only available in Chicago. After one bite, you're sold. After two slices, you can't move off your seat.
• Intelligentsia - multiple awards for best coffee, they also have the best Chai in Chicago.
• Museum of Contemporary Photography - Brett was so inspired by their "Crime Scene" exhibition there, he asked me to model as a body against a wall at the end of the corridor... you will need him to explain his artist impression.
• Taking the train to Chicago Museum of Science and Industry - they had a real, dressed up conductor! There were yellow school buses everywhere, I especially love the expression of the kids faces on the bus.
Photo geek talk ~
• In Chicago I mostly photographed using our Canon 24-105mm and 50mm lens on our Canon 5D Body to capture context and closeups of people and expression.
• We would use our Canon G12 to snap quick photos or when we needed something more pocket sized - like running to Navy Pier!
• Tip: When photographing strangers, make the time to listen and effort to place value upon them before asking if you can photograph them. Never "take" a picture, "make" a genuine photograph.
• Photographs: I focused on my love of old school photography, I grew up with looking through old photography books and late photographers who never would have dreamed of a digital age. They photographed what they saw, life in it's rawness, as it was without thinking they would be able to rely on photo editing software. The old school black and white, photo-journalistic style is how I often shoot, sometimes it can seem unrefined, but I feel it gives the viewer the ability to see the scene in all it's realness and imagine as if they were there. Sometimes wide, sometimes close... the moment will tell you what needs to be captured.