Reopening is happening! You are eager to travel again (YAY!) Does the thought of visiting a big city and the urban environment give you a bit of anxiety? Maybe before COVID, you felt a bit intimidated by the sounds and tall buildings but comfortable sticking to the tourist maps…and now? Now, the thought of crowds and touching things lots of people touch and being close to others and…well, you get the idea.
Tour Through A Lens on WGN Radio
On the first full week of 2020, I had a lot of ideas and a long to-do list to get things rolling for the year. Then, I received an email and phone call. The email was from the producer of the Nick Digilio Show who …
How Chicago Changed Me – And How What I’ve Learned Can Help You
Do you ever think how a place changes you over time? February 28th marked the 18th anniversary of my arrival in Chicago, and I find myself reflecting how this city has changed me, good or bad. Take a look at a few specific areas and …
A Temporary Change at Tour Through A Lens You Should Know
If you’ve been on a photography tour with me, there’s a 70% chance you’ve heard me talk passionately about a citywide annual event put on by the Chicago Architecture Foundation: Open House Chicago. Open House Chicago is an opportunity for curious people like you and …
Chicago’s Beloved Flag Earns Its Own Day!
Do you live somewhere that has a cool flag celebrated by all? No? Then please allow me this opportunity to do a little dance to celebrate Chicago’s awesome red, white and blue on its anniversary! Chicago is a unique city in that it has managed …
2017: Chicago’s Year of Public Art
Chicago’s Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events have designated 2017 the Year of Public Art with plans for special community projects, art festival, youth programs and more. Of course, this announcement has me a bit excited. Here is a link …
TTAL Special Edition: Happy Birthday, Chicago!
It has been 180 years since Chicago incorporated as a city, and what a city it is! Being 180 years old is considered young for those of you in other parts of the world where your buildings or monuments date back hundreds and hundreds of …
Teaching Teens Through Photography
I recently had the pleasure of teaching a group of teens in The Explorers Program, whose goal is to teach skills to live life and create impact. Right now, they are learning photography through guest photographers from various genres, and I was to focus on urban …
Chicago: The Perfect Winter Escape?
Seems odd to say this but, for the first Winter in a long time, Chicago seems to be the place to be in the U.S. if you want to escape the snowy blizzards of the East Coast or the storms and dangerous mudslides of the West Coast. What …
Love and Chicago…The Ultimate Question
Not having been born and raised a Chicagoan, I’m often asked ‘What do you love most about Chicago?’