Taken on Navy Pier during Mara's and my photowalk last night -- a full moon over the tall ship docked there. Near the spot where I shot last night's nightscape of the skyline.
I let my city down last night by not describing a little more about Navy Pier! It's one of Daniel Burnham's legacies to Chicago, designed to be one of two piers (the other wasn't built) that would be a part of the 18 miles park system along the lake. It's because of that vision that the lakefront is public land, not privately owned by condos and hotels. It's one of the gems of the city. Navy Pier used to be where our university's campus was -- back in the 1940s we were called "Circle Campus." It's had a long history from use to total derelict status to it's home now to the Shakespeare Theater (indoor replica of the Globe), the Children's Museum, a world class stained glass permanent museum, a replica of the original Ferris wheel from the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, and then mostly tourist shops and restaurants. All along the pier, various ships dock. These are used for tours of the harbor and range from the four mast sailboat to moderately large cruise type tour ships. Unfortunately, as we learned last night, the ice cream shop closes by 9:00!
It's hauntingly beautiful, and impossible to tell that's docked at such a busy city pier! Your composition is very interesting, so opposite intuition. And a full moon, or at least, nearly! But couldn't you get the moon to cooperate a bit more by moving a bit to the side?
@pennyp Thanks for mentioning that Penny. I had a hard time figuring out an angle to leave out all the people and neon-signed restaurants on the pier, so in the end, had to have it to the far left with only the lake to the right. I liked how it came out, but wasn't sure if it would look to unbalanced to others. So I appreciate your comment especially.
Very very cool shot! I keep trying to decide whether I would like it better vertical or if the moon were over in all the empty space, but I really can't decide.
Beautifully composed -- love the use of negative space. And thanks for the wonderful background on Navy Pier. That reminds me that I must re-read "The Devil in the White City" before I visit Chicago next month! Fav.
@jesperani Thanks so much Jennifer! I appreciate not just the kind comment but suggestion for the theme. I didn't even think about the four masts til you pointed them out. Very glad you did!
@wendyhgill I loved that book and it's such a great sense of the history of the city. If you have time and want to do a photo walk while here let me know.
What an amazing capture!The composition is stunning.Love the dark negative space.The moon behind the boats is magical.I have added Chicago to my bucket list,This is a fav and perfect for theme-4
@cathrinemitch Sorry to do a separate thank you but I had to for this -- it really is one of my favorites, so I just wanted to say thanks! And your comment about 'wonderful as always' -- wow -- that is such a fantastic compliment!
@mzzhope I hope you can make it here sometime! It's a GREAT photo city and a great city to visit. Friendly, fun, with lots to do. Hoping it works out someday!
@taffy Love the idea of a photo walk, but unfortunately, it's going to be a short visit and I'll be spending every waking moment with my son -- haven't seen him in over 7 months! Can I get a rain check? :)
Nice! I loved Navy Pier when my husband and kids (then quite young) went there on a huge car trip we took from ATL to Chicago to NYC to DC and home. LOVE Chicago.
