Ken Ilio's My Chicago Photowalks

A very short visit to Montrose Harbor – April 13, 2012

A tree by the lake Last Friday, one of our drinking buddies keep on telling us that she still have not gone to Montrose Point where one of Chicago’s bird sanctuary is located. In the car going home from our usual Friday hang-out, she kept on harping that she walked over there one time, but [...]

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Windy in the Windy City – April 5, 2012

Foster Ave. Beach Yesterday and today, the wind was very gusty and incessant, forming spectacular waves particularly when the waves crash on the shore. I went out to photograph the waves from Montrose Harbor area to Foster Ave. It was brutal and cold out there, but I wasn’t the only one who came out – [...]

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St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Chicago, Part 3: The streets

Can you hear me now? After shooting at the Bean, I went to the Loop to take pot shots of people in the streets. Unlike last year, I only took a short walk in the adjacent streets. From Millennium Park, I crossed Michigan Ave., then headed west on Washington, North on State, East on Randolph, [...]

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St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Chicago, 2012, part 2: the rave at the Bean

Under the belly of The Bean From the river, we then walked toward the parade in Grant Park. We thought that we would shoot just a few frames and then go around the loop. But, even before reaching Randolph, we saw a mass of people stuck on lower Columbus Drive. We decided to just bail [...]

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St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Chicago, 2012, part 1: the greening of the Chicago River

Every year since the 1960′s, the Plumbers Union dyes the Chicago River green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. I have photographed this site since 2005 and since 2006, have organized a photo meet up for the event. This morning, the greening of the river was held again and, as usual, I organized a meet [...]

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A very short visit to Montrose Harbor – April 13, 2012

A tree by the lake

Last Friday, one of our drinking buddies keep on telling us that she still have not gone to Montrose Point where one of Chicago’s bird sanctuary is located. In the car going home from our usual Friday hang-out, she kept on harping that she walked over there one time, but didn’t find the bird sanctuary and gape up. My other friend who was driving got so exasperated with the story, that she decided, ok, before I drop you guys off, I will drive by Montrose so I could show you where the Bird Sanctuary is. So we did, and showed our friend where the bird sanctuary is. And because we were there, I asked them to park the car, while I go to the lake front and take pictures of the skyline.

I was there for about ten minutes or so. Surprisingly, even if it was cold and windy, there were many people on the breakwater that night, some photographing while some couples are having sex, I guess. Why else would they go there in the middle of the night? No wonder there is always a bunch of police cars over there.

Apr 15, 2012 | Categories: Chicago, Completed | Leave A Comment »

Easter at Lurie Garden – April 8, 2012

I spent much of the afternoon photographing the flowers at Lurie Garden in Millennium Park. It is a little known oasis in the city – whatever season, it’s a beautiful place to just sit or roam around and see what is growing.

Apr 09, 2012 | Categories: Chicago, Completed, Solo | Leave A Comment »

Windy in the Windy City – April 5, 2012

Foster Ave. Beach

Yesterday and today, the wind was very gusty and incessant, forming spectacular waves particularly when the waves crash on the shore. I went out to photograph the waves from Montrose Harbor area to Foster Ave. It was brutal and cold out there, but I wasn’t the only one who came out – photographers, fishermen and kite flyers beside the usual runners and cyclists were out there too.