Standing Firm

By now the secret is out that night and low-light photography are two of my loves - particularly in busy cities. It could be directly related to the fact that I am not a morning person.

Something about that time of day inspires my creative juices and my adrenaline as often the peak time lasts only for 20 minutes or so after the sun has set if the sky will be included in the composition. Other opportunities, such as the man directing traffic above on Michigan Avenue in Chicago are still available when the sky has turned black.

With a sturdy Gitzo tripod and cable release, I'm armed and ready. If you spot a lady with a tripod out after dark - that could be me.

Chicago River at Night

The forty-five minutes following sunset are my favorite moments of the day for city photography. The sky turns cobalt blue, even on overcast days, the lights of buildings and signs balances nicely with the ambient light and the scenes are magical.
Fortunately I live near Chicago and have ample opportunity to photograph a wonderful city at dusk. Now that the Wacker Drive rebuilding project has been completed, the Chicago River is a wonderful subject once again. Construction of the Trump Tower currently limits shooting on the river near the Michigan Avenue bridge, but the river west to Wolf Point is magical at dusk.
Stay tuned for more photographs from the Windy City!