Five B&W Images from Chicago Union Station

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

Hey Gang,

I was in the Windy City to surprise my Mom for her 60th birthday last weekend. In my trek from Midway Airport to Aurora, I stopped at Union Station and took the time to do a little shooting around there. I came home with these five images:

Great Hall - Chicago Union Station by Christopher J. May, on Flickr

Travelers - Chicago Union Station by Christopher J. May, on Flickr

To All Trains - Chicago Union Station by Christopher J. May, on Flickr

Sleeping - Chicago Union Station by Christopher J. May, on Flickr

To Her Train - Chicago Union Station by Christopher J. May, on Flickr

I’m really happy with the first shot and the last two shots, although I may tweak the tones a little more before it’s all said and done.

As always, C&C more than welcome!

2

Great shots, Chris. They reminded me of how the station looked in the late morning as we hopped Metra to head out to Brookfield in the middle of a summer week in 1998. It was considerably different when we came back at the end of the day, though.

Your tonality on these shots are about half-way between Plus-X and Tri-X in dilute Rodinal, minus the usual grain, i.e., just about perfect. Your story-telling is right up there with your previous efforts, which is a gift I think we all appreciate.

One extra thought, which is interesting to me at least, is that in my mind I am hearing the echoes and sounds of the station as I look at the pictures.

3

First Chris: Quality B&W photos sure seem to capture the imagination…Just something about those shots, and Color shots also bring a level of enjoyment.

I really enjoy the B&W shots. Particularly after I have been to a location and seen the subject matter before. [tup] [tup]

PS. Hope your mother’s birthday was a surprise! [bday] [^]

4

Nice shots…well done

5

I’m not fond of the third shot - too flat.

On the other hand, the last shot catches one eye. The stark contrast between the passenger and her surroundings draws the eye to her.

Nice work, as always.

6

One thing that has changed at Union Station is the attire of the passengers. In the era of B+W photos nearly everone at the station was well dressed.

7

Very nice Chris, one thing I always enjoy about B&W is how it brings out the detail personality of great architecture, such as Union Station. With locomotives, steam looks intimidating in B&W, color blends too much of its individual workings and so much is missed. Keep up the nice work.

8

Coming home with five images like that sure beats only getting a lousy T-shirt!

9

Carl, I agree with you. Of course, since I wear T-shirts as undershirts, I have no need for fancy T-shirts.

I really like the pictures of the original waiting room–and I think that the benches are more comfortable than what is now provided for coach passengers. I hope that they never get thrown out.

10

Much brighter than it was when I prowled the station in the late 50’s & early 60’s.

11

Thank you all for the very kind comments! And sorry about the slow reply!

12

Great composition!

However, you need to expand the zonal range on the first four. Not enough contrast; too flat. There should be some nearly white areas with so much marble.