Fruity Pebble Lights

This was my last shot of the night. There were white lights, blue, red, green lights, and what we referred to as the Fruity Pebble lights. Near the entrance they were in rows and really looked amazing. They were so bright and I had to stop and get that shot to show the true color and brightness of the lights. The entire light display at the Zoo was so great and it was amazing being out there with other aspiring photographers. Makes me want this life even more.

Children Watching Christmas

These three images were really fun for me to take. I really got to see the raw emotion of the kids watching the ice sculptures being made. The man I was shooting with let me use his big lens for these shots. We were a little far away and my lens just wasn't cutting it so we put his lens on my camera and alas, pictures kids watching the ice. This lens was amazing. It was the kind you usually see when taking pictures of wildlife or at sporting events. It was pretty intense. Something to save for in the future for sure :)

Rainbow Bright

This shot was one of the more challenging ones to take. This particular walkway was a rotating light display, it just kept running back and forth, so to get it all lit was pretty hard. Not to mention there were tons of people constantly walking through it. The only way to get this was to slow down the shutter speed to 10 seconds and just sit and wait. The end result was actually better than I anticipated. When you look at it, it kind of looks like it's messing with reality... gives the illusion of the city folks rushing through the display, often like they are on the streets of Chicago!

Railing Lights

These lights were round all the way around the railing throughout the zoo. They made for a really lovely pathway through the lights.

Light Filled Lawn

This was a fun display to photograph. It was a challenge because the lights were set up to come on with the melody of the music playing, so we had to try and wait for the right moment to get that light filled lawn.

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights!

I am a part of a photography meet-up group and they often go out on excursions to take photos around the city. Sunday night (12/18) was at the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights! It was so fun being out with others who share this passion. I learned a lot and was able to share things that I have learned as well. The next few photos will be from the Zoo Lights session. Enjoy!

Drummin' on the Steets

I saw these young men playing the drums on State street in downtown Chicago. They had a huge crowd around them as they were each taking their turn doing a solo. It's very interesting seeing all of these acts on the street just trying to make a living by entertaining the strangers that walk on by. People stop and watch, some may even put a few coins or bucks in their basket, but for the most part people just walk on by glancing as they pass, not even thinking about the lives of these young men or what they are playing for. The talent these men have is amazing and it always makes me wonder what they could do if they got to get off the street and really make something great with their music.

Children looking at Christmas

Today I went downtown to walk around and get some pictures in. It was great weather, sunny, blue sky, but very cold. Along the windows of Macy's are these displays for the Make A Wish Foundation. They are very intricate and at every display people were stopping to look at the winding toys and bright lit colors. I stopped to capture these two young girls who I believe were sisters. I couldn't help but watch them standing there holding hands taking it all in. Right after I snapped this, their dad called to them to turn around for a picture, their smiling faces were so young and innocent. I love the look of children's faces when they are looking at all the decorations and lights. Their wide eyes and glowing faces are a great reminder of what this season is all about. It was a precious moment and I am glad I was there to see it. It may sound weird to be taking pictures of people I don't know and without their permission, but I really believe that the best moments captured are the candid ones. Raw emotion is so pure and wonderful.

Skating in Millennium Park

One day recently during my lunch break I went out to take a few pictures in downtown Chicago. I was walking through Millennium Park and found people ice skating. It looked like everyone was enjoying their afternoon and I couldn't resist capturing their happiness. Every winter I've been here I've wanted to go ice skating, but I haven't made it out there....maybe this will be the year! :)