38 Comments
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Alex Luyckx's avatar

Chicago is such an amazing city for photography! I hope you take some time to visit Central Camera and Tamarkin Camera!

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

I'll remember that for my next visit!

Shital Morjaria (she/her)'s avatar

That man and dog photograph is fantastic. Love the light!

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

Thanks! For all the shots from the boat, that was my favorite too 🙏🏻

Kevin Hansen's avatar

I love it!

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

Thank you Kevin 😀

Jerrold Johnson's avatar

Fascinating heart-of-Chicago photos. When my novel is produced as a movie, I will insist the “historic” visuals include your images of the city as it was before the ravages of climate change and dystopia, and pay you big bucks for the copywrite.

But maybe don’t spend the money in the expectation the film will be released in 2026.

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

I'll take the compliment while shaking my head at you.

Paul Votava's avatar

This brought back some wonderful memories of a trip last year. Due to time contstraints missed the Architectural tour boat, on my list for next visit! Great shots here.

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

Glad to hear it! The boat tour is a must-do, and I really did enjoy listening to our tour guide. He was hilarious!

Ralph Turner's avatar

Perfect timing in that penultimate photo😀. A lovely selection of city-scapes. My fave has to be the 6th from last, the way the light comes from two directions is wonderful.

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

Thanks Ralph! That bnw was my favorite too.

Todd Haughton's avatar

Wonderful architectural details, Rachel! Happy New Year!

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

Thank you Todd. Happy New Year to you too 🎉

Janet Brown's avatar

I love that you gave details!

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

Thank you Janet! There was so much to look at 😍

KewtieBird’s Photo Journey's avatar

Ooo, what a great way to view the city and architecture!! Nice series (well, I had to frown at one of the images, sorry) and thanks for taking us along. 😃

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

It was a fun way to experience a different part of the city. Yeah, I know on the building… oof.

søren k. harbel's avatar

Lovely set of images, Rachel! Cold, no problem, you have to suffer for your art... you know that, right!? 😀

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

Ha! I feel like I suffer for my art more than I should 😂

Mark Foard's avatar

Lovely series of photos, Rachel. The architectural boat tour is one of the best parts of a visit to Chicago, along with the Art Institute, food, music,etc., etc. 😀. Such a great city to visit.

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

I'm sad that I missed Chinatown. I want to visit that area for sure next time.

Mark Foard's avatar

Now you come to mention it, I haven’t been there either. Next time, maybe.

Neural Foundry's avatar

Amazing work capturing how the river acts as a stage for light architecture. The shadow/reflection interplay realy changes how we read building scale when the glass doubles back morning sun patterns. I shot something similiar in NYC once where light bounce between towers created this totally unexpected warmth mid-canyon that didn't exist from street level. Makes me wondder if water-level perspectives deserve way more attention in urban photography than they get.

Alicia's avatar

Chicago is such a beautiful city and you captured it so well!

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

Thank you Alicia! Chicago is a good one, and I can't wait to go back.

Sheryl White's avatar

It has been a long time since I focused on architectural photography. Your focus of shape, symmetry, reflection and light were well captured and would have been my choices as well. Loved it!

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

Thank you Sheryl! I appreciate the kind words 🤗

Paul Jenkin's avatar

Of all the cities we visited on our R66 odyssey, Chicago is the one I wish we'd had time to explore more. Hreat series, Rachel. Best wishes for 2026.

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

Thanks Paul! Even I want more time to explore Chicago 😍

Kenneth Nelson's avatar

Whatever anyone tells us, whatever powers of pre-visualization we figure to have--not much can equal the actuality of being there. Wherever there happens to be. Those little subjective speckles of light that only our eyes may see.

Cheers Rachel!

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

Love it! 🙏🏻