Chicago In Abstract
This year, I’ve laid out a challenge for myself:
Get weird.
My photography style revolves around documentary photos. I tend to capture things as they are: people, objects, scenes, abandoned buildings.
Sure, I’ll play with the light, shadows, and color grading. But the camera captures the scene, framed by me, and that’s it. I mostly pay attention to light, shadow, shapes, contrast, and color.
What I have a hard time with is experimenting. Playing. Doing anything other than capturing scenes as I see them (with a few exceptions that I think turned out well).
While we spent time in Chicago on spring break, I took the opportunity to use rainy days, windows, and reflections to play with the scenes around the city.
Even if nothing comes of it, it’s important to try something new and see where it goes.
Maybe nowhere. Maybe it’s a side quest.
“Why not?” is a great place to start.
April 16, 2026 @ 12:57 pm
These are awesome.
April 16, 2026 @ 1:01 pm
Thank you! Sometimes these experiments work out.
April 17, 2026 @ 1:06 pm
These are great, I love the mood in them.
I can empathize with the struggle between documentary and experimentation. Personally I fear that if I identify as a documentary photographer, then add an artistic touch, I’m “lying” to the viewer. On the flip side, I try and remind myself that the viewer is probably looking at my images because they are interested in the way I see the world.
My vote is to keep experimenting!
April 17, 2026 @ 1:51 pm
I like your thinking. And really, because I’m a hobbyist, I’m not too worried about what others think. Some will like them, some won’t. The important thing is: am I having fun?