After exhausting efforts to finally solve the mystery as to why Chicago is nicknamed ‘The Windy City’, I now bring you absolutely no conclusion…as of yet.
Why you ask? Does anyone besides me really care? Why did I waste so much of my time searching for the answer?
Well, my fellow photographers the reason is because Chicago is the site of my next workshop beginning with the “meet and greet” on September 4th, 2024, ending on September 11th.
Since most of my recent workshops have been in Europe, I have been asked by several of my past workshop attendees to do one in the good old U.S. of A.
The main reason is the outrageous cost of airfare. I have looked at several fares from several departure and return dates for cities throughout the states, and there are several that have doubled since last year.
Having said that, I have also heard from a lot of you out there that they have never been to Chicago. It seems hard to believe, but it’s a fact. Also, so many have wanted to come to one of my workshops but couldn’t afford the entire cost.
So, as is usually the case, I started to look up potential photo ops there and found enough amazing locations to fill at least two workshops.
Below are the ones I have narrowed it down to, and after I have scouted all of them before the start of the workshop, I will make my final selections.
It will be based on the days together, the logistics involved in getting us from one location to the other, and most important, places where all of us can shoot without tripods tripping over one another. If possible, I will try to fit in all of them!!!
But first of all, to get you in the mode, I give you this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vE2FmiBHCg
The Magnificent Mile: Given its nickname in the 1940’s, is an upscale section of Chicago’s Michigan Avenue. It serves as the main thoroughfare between Chicago’s business district and the Gold Coast. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g35805-d109779-Reviews-The_Magnificent_Mile-Chicago_Illinois.html
Chicago Union Station: “An iconic building and a marvel of modern transportation for nearly a century, Chicago’s Union Station was originally designed by Daniel Burnham and completed by Graham, Anderson, Probst and White. A grand building worthy of the city’s status as a national railroad hub, it is a treasured part of Chicago history and a valued asset for Chicago’s future.”
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=chicago+union+station&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images
Chicago Navy Pier: A 3300-foot-long pier running along the North side of Chicago. Opened in 1916, it was originally used as a dock to serve freighters, passenger ships and indoor and outdoor recreational events. Now, it’s one of the most visited attractions in the entire Midwest. That said, September will be considerably quieter…no families and kids!!!
https://duckduckgo.com/?hps=1&q=navy+pier+chicago&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images
Gold Coast: A wonderful ‘historic district’ that grew in the aftermath of the famous Chicago Fire in 1871. The district was added to the Historic Register of Historic Places.
Nestled close to the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Gold Coast is luxury and romance personified (as the name implies, this is one of the country’s most affluent neighborhoods).
Streets are lined with historic mansions, designer boutiques, celebrated restaurants, and historic hotels.
Gold Coast is also known as an architectural jewel box. It features rows of 19th-century homes designed in various historical revival styles. Th most famous is the Former Playboy Mansion, legendary for Hugh Hefner’s star-studded parties.
For those looking for photo ops a little out of the ordinary, I give you:
Wells Kinzie Garage Metro Station: Although the entire location offers great photo possibilities, the elevated level of a parking garage, will give you a fabulous vantage point offering a unique S-shaped view of a glass-paneled bar and the “L” as it passes through the city. At night, the light illuminates and reflects a captivating blue glow that’s complemented by the light trails of the traveling train.
Sounds like a sunset/blue hour location to me!!
Millennium Park: Millennium Park is a can’t-miss attraction for any Chicago visit. The lakefront campus, located in the heart of downtown, is home to the iconic statue (aka “The Bean”), interactive fountains, tranquil gardens, free events, public art, skating rinks, rock climbing, and plenty of green space.
https://duckduckgo.com/?hps=1&q=millennium+park+chicago&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images
Chicago Water Tower: The ornate Gothic Revival structure was only built to hide a simple standpipe. Even so, its intricate design serves as a perfect illustration of the value and importance the city put on infrastructure and water supply during the late 19th century. Today it’s seen as an investment made to solve crucial water supply issues brought about by the city’s rapid growth.
Chicago Riverwalk: The Chicago Riverwalk is a multi-use public space located on the south bank of the main branch of the Chicago River in Chicago, extending from Lake Michigan and DuSable Lake Shore Drive westward to Lake Street. The Chicago Riverwalk contains restaurants, bars, cafes, small parks, boat and kayak rentals, a Vietnam War memorial, and other amenities.
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=chicago+riverwalk&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images
Milton Lee Olive Park: Simply a public park in the middle of Chicago: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=milton+lee+olice+park&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images
Buckingham Fountain: One of the largest fountains in the world, Buckingham Fountain is a major landmark in Chicago.
While in operation, the Fountain produces a major water display for 20 minutes every hour. During the major display, a center jet shoots water to a height of 150 feet into the air.
Major displays begin daily at 9:00 a.m. and continue thereafter, every hour on the hour. Beginning at dusk, a spectacular light and music display accompanies the major display, beginning every hour on the hour for 20 minutes.
Looks like another sunset/Blue Hour location to me.
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Buckimngham+fountain&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images
North Avenue Beach at sunset/blue hour: After checking it out, during the scout, it might be a good location for a sunset shoot.
Rookery Building: As far as photo ops go, the Rookery Building is a gem.
As one of the most historically significant buildings in Chicago, The Rookery is a unique enclave for businesses that value a prestigious presence. An icon in the center of Chicago’s downtown Financial District,
The Rookery seamlessly combines the flair of an era gone by with state-of-the-art building systems and technology. Designated a Chicago Landmark in 1972 after being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, The Rookery is universally considered an architectural wonder.
A great place to shoot during the middle of the day, or if it’s cloudy while we wait for the sun!!!!
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=rookery+building&atb=v336-1&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images
Well, my fellow photographers there you have it. This trip promises to be one of the best visually stimulating experiences you’ll have in one of my workshops. Great memories that will be remembered by you as a photographer or as a tourist while visiting the great sights of Chicago. An extraordinary set of locations, and something for everyone!
The cost is $1900.00 for the photographers and $900.00 for your spouse, cousin, mother-in-law, partner, friend, and significant other. Sorry, no service animals.
The workshop will be limited to ten shooters so if you’re at all interested, I strongly suggest you reserve a spot as soon as you can.
The critiques in the mornings are for just the shooters. They have become more of an interaction review where I’m not the only person doing the talking. Everyone becomes involved which makes it a more productive morning.
For those that would rather not submit, that’s fine. They can just sit in on the discussions. Or if you would rather not attend, that’s also fine. I want these workshops to be enjoyable and filled with the least amount of stress. We’re there to have fun and take some great photos. As usual, I will always make myself available for any private one-to-one discussions.
My workshop fills very fast, and to have one in the States will make it that much quicker.
It’s entirely possible these days that we can be there for the turning of the leaves. Wouldn’t that be spectacular?
As far as Chicago being called the “Wndy City”, we’ll talk about it over wine during the meet and greet at the famous Gino’s East:
https://duckduckgo.com/?hps=1&q=gino%27s+east&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images
This is a destination that’s not only for photographers, but anyone that loves to just walk around and see wonderful sights in Autumn.
Last, but not least, there’s also my final dinner!!!
For more information or to reserve a space, email me at: joe@joebaraban.com
For those of you that have never attended one of my workshops, here are remarks by some people who have:
Ed
Joe, I just attended my first workshop. It was amazing on every level. I can’t say enough about all the amazing historical locations we visited. I absolutely loved the workshop.
We visited villages that were founded by Romans in the 4th century. Can it get any better??? I appreciate the quality of the critique interactive reviews and look forward to bringing my photography to the next level. I absolutely loved the chemistry with all the participants. It was a spectacular week.
Alain
I recently completed my third workshop with Joe Baraban, and all I can say is that I will be coming back for more. All aspects of the workshop were fantastic. Joe’s approach to teaching, the shooting locations, the daily reviews, the accommodations, the planning and organization, and the communications were all at the highest level.
From the “meet and greet” reception the first night, to the final dinner, Joe paid strict attention to every detail to make sure we were well taken care of…all the time. Joe’s selection of locations is always diverse and challenging and present many, many opportunities for great shots and learning.
The daily reviews are a wonderful educational experience as you discuss your own work as well as the work of the other photographers. Joe teaches how to “make pictures”, not just take them. The quality and creativity in my images continue to ratchet up a notch with every workshop as I continue to learn from Joe.
I highly recommend Joe’s workshops and online classes.
Nick
I recently completed my 12th workshop with Joe and his team, and I find myself returning for more, drawn by numerous reasons. Firstly, the photography lessons and critiques are exceptional, significantly contributing to my growth as both a photographer and an artist. Joe’s approach to photography, viewing it through an artist’s lens, has profoundly altered my perspective on the world, enabling me to convey stories through my images. Joe serves as an outstanding and supportive teacher and mentor, and the workshop’s structure perfectly facilitates these objectives.
Secondly, the workshop destinations and locations have consistently been spectacular, meticulously planned and well executed. Every detail is thoughtfully taken care of, and the communication is exceptional. Joe and his producers conduct thorough research, scouting, and organization for each location, ensuring a seamless experience for participants to not only immerse themselves in local sights and cultures but also to return with a stunning collection of photographs to share and display.
Furthermore, the line from a Joseph Parry poem “make new friends but keep the old” rings true in each of Joe’s workshops. I eagerly anticipate reuniting with friends from previous trips and forming new connections with like-minded individuals from across the globe. We collaborate in shooting and exchange creative thoughts and ideas.
Lastly, each workshop has been an absolute blast. It’s fun capturing images, exploring, learning, and simply enjoying the company of friends. It’s been an all-around great time. The lingering question remains: where to next?
John B
I wanted to learn more about Joe’s approach to visual design and making great photos after taking one of his online courses. As a former painter, I really relate to his focus on visual design elements as his artist’s palate and it all came to life in this workshop.
He is an excellent teacher, and it was wonderful to experience this with a group of very talented photographers who supported each other and did some great work. The format of learning the design principles and discussing them in relation to Joe’s images and the work from the class was a great way to learn – I look forward to future workshops.
Murray
I attended Joe’s Paris workshop and received a lot of valuable information in less than a week.
Joe’s workshops begin with an informal meet and greet where all the participants and spouses can meet each other with food and wine.
Usually, each day start before dawn with an air-conditioned private bus trip to a pre-scouted shooting location. Joe gives suggestions for shooting before and during each shoot. He moves around to each photographer during the shoots and gives “hands-on tips” and suggestions that are wonderful and instructive.
Each day there is a very constructive review of the work that was shot the day before. Joe has everyone involved and he asks people their opinions.
I have not attended many formal workshops and I was happy that the comments of the other shooters and those from Joe were very helpful and allowed everyone to get real feedback so soon after shooting.
I can truly say that the workshop immediately helped me, and I believe that my photos have much improved. It was a wonderful experience and made me a better photographer. It also gave me a chance to make friends with the other photographers.
I would recommend it to everyone that has a camera.
