It felt a bit like getting out of Jail.  Going to Chicago for a long weekend  to an Architectural Photo Workshop.  Staying in a hotel?  Wow.  After a year and a half of very cautious entries into the world, the weekend was wonderful. 

Sure, I wore my mask indoors and saw lots of people wearing them outdoors.  I was careful about where I went, applying disinfectant all the time, washing my hands and all that good stuff, but I thought it was glorious walking around the big city feeling free.  

I was there for a three day Architectural photo workshop with  Angie’s Mcmonigal Workshops who specializes in Architectural Abstracts although she does traditional architectural work as well.  She is incredibly knowledgable about the city and a joy  to be with.

Before the Workshop started I meandered a bit.  

Of course, North Michigan Avenue.  It has been a favorite haunt of mine for years.  Sometimes for shopping,  but over the years a lot of looking. I enjoy store front windows,  the flowers along the sidewalks, the energy and the people watching.

It really wasn’t all that different except for the many closed stores with “For lease” signs in front.  Sad.  Really Sad.  And some changes.  Macy’s moved out of Water Tower and  an Experience is moving  in there soon.  Crate and Barrell has given way to Starbucks.  I loved that Crate and Barrell so I didn’t have the heart to go in there. I will eventually, but one can only take so much change, right?  

I loved the windows at Neiman Marcus.  Entering the world with a grand entrance.  Gosh  that spoke to me. The colors, composition and message were right on target.  Good job, Niemans.  

Chicago is known for the beautiful flowers and creative sidewalk displays.  I think the best in the world or at least what I have seen of it.   Often you see a special theme along the side walk displays. One year it was hearts.  I’ve seen cows.  Repurposed Refrigerators.  A favorite for my grand daughter were the dogs.  But this year.  I was flummoxed.  What is the theme going on here?  

I did a Google search but couldn’t find it.  If anyone knows….please let me know.  

I was intrigued with  the pumpkin like structure on the top of the Intercontinental Hotel.  This is what happens when you go on a photo tour of a city. You notice stuff like the funny shaped dome perched high on what was once the Medinah Athletic Club. I learned that it was designed to be a Zeppelin airship docking station.  It was never used for that purpose but it apparently it was ready.  

On the glorious Saturday we spotted probably a half dozen brides being photographed. I love brides.    Our photo instructor, Angie, suggested  picking a theme  like triangles or reflections and focus on it  during workshop.  I wonder what she would have thought if I had chosen brides instead of something architectural. 

And as always the people watching is fabulous.  Lots of wild color hair.  I never get tired of trying to capture that.  And then what about this guy in the Contemporary Museum of Art book store?  I forgot what I was looking for when I saw him. 

But then these two books caught my eye and made me think of my six year old grand son.  He loves poop jokes.  Haha. These books look like great birthday gifts for him.  I always find something interesting at the Museum of Contemporary Art book store.

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I am home  with a boat load of images from the workshop to cull, edit and process.  Stay tuned for a Chicago Architectural Workshop blog.  While  I can’t wait to go back and to capture more I have plenty to keep me out of trouble for a while.

To Learn More about Angie’s workshops, here’s the link.