Chicago Blues & Damp Socks: A Freelance Photographer's Lament
okay, so. chicago. i’m back. and honestly? i’m mostly just cold. i just checked and it’s drizzling a persistent, grey sort of rain - the kind that soaks you to the bone without you really noticing until you’re shivering. hope you like that kind of thing. i didn’t. not really.
I was chasing light, you know? That golden hour glow everyone raves about. Turns out, golden hour in November in Chicago is more like… pewter hour. Still, gotta hustle. I’m a freelance photographer, gotta get those shots. This trip was supposed to be about capturing the grit, the soul, the feeling of the city. I wanted to show people the Chicago they don’t see in the postcards. The one with the peeling paint and the pigeons and the guys playing blues on street corners.
I spent most of my time wandering around Pilsen, which, by the way, is amazing. The murals alone are worth the trip. Seriously, check out some of the local artists - they’re incredible. I found this one alleyway, covered in these vibrant, almost psychedelic pieces… it was pure gold. Got some killer shots there. I’m hoping they’ll land me a gig with a local magazine. Fingers crossed.
Speaking of local… the food. Oh man, the food. I had this deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s - it was a religious experience. Seriously. I’m pretty sure I gained five pounds just from that one slice. And the hot dogs? Don’t even get me started. I’m pretty sure they put an entire garden in each one. I’m already dreaming of going back for more. You can find some good reviews on TripAdvisor, but honestly, just go. You won’t regret it. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g35778-Chicago_Illinois-zvonous-restaurants.html
I overheard some drunk guy at a bar telling everyone that the best blues club in the city is Kingston Mines. Apparently, it’s a Chicago institution. I checked it out, and he wasn’t wrong. The music was incredible, the atmosphere was electric. It was exactly what I was looking for. I even managed to snag a few photos of the band - hopefully, they’re usable.
Someone told me that the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see. Apparently, they have a pretty impressive collection of Impressionist paintings. I didn’t have time to go, but it’s definitely on my list for next time. I also heard that Millennium Park is beautiful, especially in the spring. https://www.yelp.com/biz/art-institute-of-chicago-chicago
My feet are killing me. I walked like, fifteen miles yesterday just trying to find the perfect shot. And my socks are damp. Seriously damp. I think the rain seeped through my boots. But hey, at least I got some good photos, right?
If you get bored, Milwaukee and Indianapolis are just a short drive away. I didn’t make it out there this time, but I’ve heard they’re worth a visit. I’m already planning my next trip. Maybe I’ll head to Detroit next. Or maybe I’ll just stay in Chicago and try to find a decent pair of waterproof boots.
I also stumbled across this really cool vintage shop in Wicker Park. It was packed with amazing finds - old cameras, vintage clothing, antique maps. I almost bought a really cool leather jacket, but I decided against it. My bank account was already crying. Check out some local vintage shops here: https://www.chicagoarchitecture.org/explore/shops-and-stores/vintage-shops/
Okay, I’m officially exhausted. Time for a hot shower and a large cup of coffee. And maybe a new pair of socks. Chicago, you were… an experience. A damp, chilly, blues-filled experience. But an experience nonetheless.
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- https://votoris.com/post/frankfurt-feels-damp-socks-and-unexpected-kindness
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