I live within the city limits of Chicago, but in the far northwest corner of the city in a quiet residential neighborhood far from the lakefront, which means that sunrise and sunset involves roof tops, utility lines, a promise of beauty but little more! This Sunday was the first time (since taking up photography) I made it to the lakefront for sunrise and i was in awe of the changing scene before me. This was taken at Montrose Beach, a beach at the northern end of the city.
My reluctant model was my daughter. I had absolutely no idea what my camera settings should be so this was trial and error. Any critique or suggestions would be welcomed this was far our of my comfort zone.
This is wonderful! Love the silhouette and sky colours. My hubby and I are coming to Chicago tomorrow for four nights. Can't wait to explore your city!
I'll have to respectfully disagree that we need to see her legs, especially since the subject is full silhouette anyway. For me the three most important factors of this image are: 1) gesture, 2) lines, and 3) layers. The gesture makes the image. The implied line of gesture running upper left to lower right contrasts against the lines of nature in the beach and clouds which slant opposite. Finally there are three layers of tones: beach, water, and sky. The only potential improvements that come to mind that might strengthen these three components of the image would be to 1) crop (at original aspect ration) from the bottom right to where that tree on the left is just cropped out and the beach line should end up almost at the bottom left corner. I think that might strengthen the lines of nature and gesture a tad. Then 2) using an adjustment brush, dodge (brighten) the top of the image (clouds) a half to maybe full stop. That may strengthen the progression of three tone layers. Just some thoughts...as always, take with a grain of salt...
@kwind How exciting that you are coming to Chicago. Apart from some rain forecast on Friday the weather looks good. I am busy getting my daughter back to Uni this weekend otherwise I would have suggested meeting to say hello. I hope you enjoy my adopted home city. I can't wait to see your shots, it is always fun to see the city through someone else's eyes.
