There were some photos that just didn’t fit into my earlier posts but I couldn’t let them go. So here’s one last post about Chicago, featuring those photos.
The first three photos in this post are closeups from my all-too-brief visit to the Shedd Aquarium. The red fish (I forget the name) was just staring at the passel of kids surrounding the window, rarely even blinking, let alone moving away. Like the fish just couldn’t be bothered. It was there first, kids, it seemd to say. I was kind of fascinated by the skin color and texture, not to mention those fish lips.
I really like how the next photo turned out. My friend, Peg, noticed that the tank was mirrored so that the eel and the anemone were reflected. I took several shots as the eel moved slowly through the water, and like how this one turned out. With the slow shutter speed due to the low light, it came out more like a painting than a photo.
Keeping with the theme of paintings, this image of a dolphin also looks more like a painting. Unintentional, as I was just trying to snap a photo but those darned dolphins are *fast* and the light in the tank wasn’t all that helpful, either.
Switching over to details of buildings, this is the main entry to the Wrigley Building. Standing in front of it, could almost see a 1940s movie star making their entrance by popping out one of those revolving doors. A bygone era, this kind of architecture and I think we’re the poorer for it.
As we were wandering around the city on our first full day of exploration, I noticed we were passing a cathedral I’d spotted from on high. Our timing was perfect, the noon mass was just finishing, so we were free to wander (quietly, respectfully) through the building. I loved the stained glass windows that combined the ancient form of rose windows and tracery windows with modern abstract glass designs.
The last detail I loved in Chicago was this slice of Lake Michigan out my apartment window. Every morning, I could look out to say good morning to the lake as I started my day in the big city.
I never got a great sunrise photo but I didn’t mind. Just seeing the lake was enough.
The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.
William Morris
I do that too, sometimes, post the pictures that didn’t make the posts…because they are so good. 🙂 My favorite is actually that last one with the glimpse of Lake Michigan. I LOVE taking pictures of city windows…especially in the evening when some of the windows are lit.
I don’t know what kind of fish the red one is either, but it sure looks grumpy! Your photos are amazing, Annie! I enjoyed all of them, especially the eel.
I frequently think about “how would it look as a painting” when trying to frame photos of abstract and colorful imagery. This process also helps to give an understanding and appreciation when looking at abstract or expressionistic art. The eye teaching the brain teaching the eye.