Photo of the Week: Misdirection

Nikon D7000 w 16-85mm lens, 1/200sec at f4, ISO200. © Andy Marfia 2013 All Rights Reserved.

On a recent walk around Wrigley Field, I noticed this collection of traffic signs just inside the main entrance.  This was the week before opening day.  If you've ever tried to drive to the park to see a game, well, let's just say that you might want to consider mass transit next time.

This photo was also featured on Gapers Block today.

Classic: Roger Ebert, 1943-2013

Nikon D7000 w/ 16-85mm lens, 1/125sec at f8, ISO200. © Andy Marfia 2013 All Rights Reserved.

Roger Ebert passed away on Thursday and the city of Chicago will never be quite the same.  He was a Chicago legend, not just a movie critic, but simply a great writer.  I’ve been reading his movie reviews, and more recently, his blog, for the better part of 20 years.  I grew up with him and Gene Siskel arguing on my parent’s 19 inch Zenith television.  Some of his reviews I remember more vividly than the movies themselves.  For example, I don't think I’ve ever seen Godzilla or Armageddon in their entirety, yet I remember Roger Ebert eviscerating them.  He often surprised me by liking a movie that I expected him to hate, and vice versa-- truly the sign of a good critic.

In the last few years, his openness and courage in the face of cancer was an inspiration.  I also appreciated his critique of 3-D, something that rang true to me as a photographer.

I’ll save the long memorials for those who knew him personally, but I just wanted to say 'thanks'.  You will be missed.

About the photo: this was taken on Friday, April 5, 2013, the day after he passed away.  The only newspaper to not feature him on the cover was the Chicago Reader (yellow box) which comes out on Thursdays. 

Photo of the Week: Purple People Eater (Wrigley Field)

The difference between the Cubs and White Sox-- Jerry Reinsdorf may be a cheapskate, and sure, our ballpark is named after a cell phone company.  But paint the sign purple?  That's where we draw the line.

For those not from Chicago, this is Wrigley Field during the Northwestern vs Illinois game on November 20th, 2010.  This was the first football game in Wrigley since the Bears played there in 1970.  It appeared to be quite a successful event, even if it made the park look a little tacky (in my humble opinion).

Photo details: Nikon D7000 with 16-85mm lens, 1/100sec at f5.6 and ISO800.

Wrigley Field in fog: Holy Cow!

The lights have been on at Wrigley Field the last couple of weeks, as preparations have been made for the Winter Classic which took place today on New Years Day.  These photos were all taken on December 26th, on an unusually warm and foggy winter night.

This is the second year the NHL has done the Winter Classic (last year it was in Buffalo), and I hope it continues.  Although the ticket prices were much too high for my tastes, I like how it gives us something different to watch on New Years Day instead of college football.

Photo details: Nikon D90 with 18-105mm lens at f3.5, ISO 800, and shutter speeds between 1/50sec and 1/100sec.  I had the vibration reduction of the 18-105mm lens turned on, which helped to ensure sharp results.  Also, I should note that I adjusted the white balance slightly in post processing-- the sky wasn't quite that blue in real life.

Photo of the Week: Welcome to Wrigley...

Would you like a McMuffin with your heartbreak?

Nikon D80 with 18-70mm lens, 1/500sec at f4.5.

Just having some fun with Cubs fans with this one.  When photographing well photographed locations, I often try to find new and interesting ways of capturing them.  In this case, I found myself walking down the alley next to the McDonalds at Clark and Addison, when I saw this shot.  It made me laugh.

wrigley

As a White Sox fan, it brings me no satisfaction to post a photo taken at Wrigley Field.  However, the White Sox are terrible this year, so what the hell.  This was taken outside the park, looking in at Sheffield Ave.

Nikon D50 with 50mm lens, f1.8 in this shot.