Planning a Trip to Chicago

[Lonnie1212]

@MSnowy, thank you for sharing your pictures. The top two are my favorite. Your pictures are an inspiration to me. I am leaving for Chicago on the 6:30 AM train Saturday morning.

 

[Designer]

But what harm can tripods or monopods do?

Potential tripping hazard.

 

[JoeW]

I was reading about the Chicago Art Institute and the Willis Tower in Chicago today. Both institutions will not allow tripods, mono-pods, or camera flashes on the tours. I can understand why they do not want camera flashes. But what harm can tripods or monopods do?

This is pretty common for most museums. The rationale usually is this: if you have a speed light or soft box or tripod then you must be professional. And if you're professional, you need a permit. For some, it's about taking up space and tripping people. But in my experience, it's been mostly about providing an easy way to determine who has to get a permit versus who doesn't.

 

[oldhippy]

Navy pier. Buckingham fountain at night. Boat ride at night for city lights from Navy pier.Evivated train ride into the city. Grant park , Museum of science and industry. Left over from century of progress early 1900s.
I lived in and around Chicago for 65 years. In Kentucky now.

 

[JoeW]

Also, since you're taking Amtrak, I think there will be some opportunities to shoot from the train.

 

[Lonnie1212]

I got back from Chicago late last night. Photographing the city was a learning experience. I learned the value of a wide angle
zoom lens. I took a 18-35 mm lens. But could have used a wider lens yet. Chicago is a beautiful city. I am scheduled to take the Amtrak for another trip on February 15, 2020.

 

[JoeW]

I hope you had fun. Report back with what you thought was especially good as a photo site, what you learned, what advice was dumb, what you'd do differently.

 

[Lonnie1212]

I hope you had fun. Report back with what you thought was especially good as a photo site, what you learned, what advice was dumb, what you'd do differently.

Hi Joe,

Were you able to view the photos I posted to this thread?

 

[Lonnie1212]

Navy pier. Buckingham fountain at night. Boat ride at night for city lights from Navy pier.Evivated train ride into the city. Grant park , Museum of science and industry. Left over from century of progress early 1900s.
I lived in and around Chicago for 65 years. In Kentucky now.

Are you living in Burkesville, Kentucky by chance?

 

[JoeW]

I hope you had fun. Report back with what you thought was especially good as a photo site, what you learned, what advice was dumb, what you'd do differently.

Hi Joe,

Were you able to view the photos I posted to this thread?

I did and they're lovely. Also a diverse selection.

 

[Lonnie1212]

I really enjoyed the trip to Chicago. It was my first photo trip to a major city. I discovered the value of a wide angle lens. The widest lens I have is an 18-35 mm Nikon. Will keep a wider lens in mind for the future. I found two places to take pictures of skyscrapers. One is Cyndi's Bar and Grill. It has an observation deck with fire pits for warmth. It is in one of the pictures I posted. The other place is the Adler Planetarium. There is a perfect view of part of the Chicago skyline near lake Michigan. I have never owned a monopod. But I think it might be a wise investment for my next trip.

 

[oldhippy]

Live in Leslie County SE tip of Kentucky