Chicago in HDR / My Vision: Mister Joe Lekas

Golden Chicago Revisited

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:59:38 GMT

]]>The first image I shot in my Chicago series has never quite satisfied me. So I went and reshot it.
This is a revisit to my "Golden City" shot. Instead of a shoe I used my backpack for a tripod this time...

The Chicago Board of Trade at Night Revisited

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:33:31 GMT

]]>This is a revisit to one of my favorite views of Chicago: Down Lasalle Street towards the Board of Trade. I wanted to update this shot and incorporate more of Chicago's iconic bridges and vibrant surroundings. This is a combination of around a dozen exposures, but using various other ones to fit certain pieces into place that moved during long exposures.

The Cloud Gate / Bean at Last

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:43:18 GMT

]]>I vowed to never do it - but I caved and created my spin on the bean / cloud gate.

The Chicago Water Tower at Night with a Horse Carriage

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:24:26 GMT

]]>An iconic Chicago landmark, the Chicago Water Tower was built in 1869 and survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It is one of the few surviving structures still standing today. The tower was constructed to contain a large water pump to gather water from Lake Michigan. It is the second oldest water tower in America and stands at 806 North Michigan Avenue on the Magnificent Mile.

I'm usually not a fan of perspectives like this (I like non-converging lines), but in this case I believe it does the tower justice. The perspective helps show the grandness of the structure.

Vertical Blend - Wells Street Bridge with the L Train at Night

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 20:06:21 GMT

]]>This is a combination of exposures that captures Wells Street Bridge at night with the 'L' train speeding by over the Chicago River.

Blue City - Chicago Over the River Blue Hour

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:26:36 GMT

]]>This was nine exposures shot vertically during blue hour. 3 views combined for a tall panorama.

Hancock Beacon over Chicago (Aerial)

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:35:23 GMT

]]>Here we are above Chicago, viewing the city loop at night. Visible are the Hancock Building (casting the strongest light), Trump Tower, 900 North Michigan Avenue, the United Building, the Tribune Tower, Marina City, and many more.

Golden Navy Pier Monster Panorama - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:26:28 GMT

]]>I like the golden glow Chicago gives off. Full size is 10,518 by 4883 at 300dpi. I cropped off a little bit of the left and right, though. And it is 7 vertical shots across (5 exposures each) - totaling 35 exposures you're looking at.

A Twilight Slice of Chicago from the South

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:25:36 GMT

]]>This is the result of several exposures blended together in various combinations. Each combination reflects a portion of the image - when composited, shows a view of downtown Chicago from the South. The yellow building near the center and in front of Willis Tower is The Metropolitan Correctional Center.

A 30 Exposure Impossible View of Wrigley Field

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:27:14 GMT

]]>For those of you around here, you know that to get a view of Wrigley without cars, traffic lights, buildings, etc - you have to be right up at its doorstep. So that's exactly what I did.I shot six vertical shots from left to right to make this. And for each of the six, I shot 5 exposures. After blending each of the vertical shots to maximize dynamic range, I hand stitched the whole thing together.So this one was a lot of work that resulted in a 275mb tiff, that after being cropped is 32 inches by 17 inches at 300dpi. But at least I now have a shot of all of Wrigley Field without distractions!

1,353 Feet Straight Up Above Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:29:40 GMT

]]>This must be what it's like to fly.Staring down below, notice the globe.From the Sears / Willis Tower's "ledge."

** This shot is a limited edition print only

Turning Day Into Night - L Train "S" Curve - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:30:08 GMT

]]>To achieve this long exposure during broad daylight, I used a 64x 1.8 neutral density filter, iso 100, and shot it at f16. This is an hdr with the longest exposure being 20 seconds. Pretty neat in bright light.This is the "s" curve in the Chicago "L" line by the Merchandise Mart in the loop.

Aerial Lake Shore Drive During Blue Hour - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:30:38 GMT

]]>A blue hour aerial shot of Lake Shore Drive bending east. I like how the blue and gold pop out here. Made from 7 exposures.

** This shot is a limited edition print only

Chicago Board of Trade at Night Glowing

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:26:57 GMT

]]>My take on the famous view of the Chicago Board of Trade Building. This night shot is an hdr composited from 9 exposures. 3 vertical shots combined.

Buckingham Fountain Red at Night - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:31:00 GMT

]]>Buckingham Fountain (lit red) in Chicago (Grant Park). I wanted to shoot at night because I find it far more interesting lit up in darkness, as well as being in the shadow of the loop's vast array of unique skyscrapers. To avoid the crowds, I went at night in the cold and rain.Modeled after Latona Fountain at Versailles by Jacques Lambert and statues by Marcel F. Loyau.

Buckingham Fountain Yellow at Night - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:33:27 GMT

]]>Buckingham Fountain (lit yellow) in Chicago (Grant Park). I wanted to shoot at night because I find it far more interesting lit up in darkness, as well as being in the shadow of the loop's vast array of unique skyscrapers. To avoid the crowds, I went at night in the cold and rain.Modeled after Latona Fountain at Versailles by Jacques Lambert and statues by Marcel F. Loyau.

Gold City: Chicago Aerial View from the Hancock Observatory - 12 Long Exposures

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:26:10 GMT

]]>This was a pain to take...got up to the Hancock observatory and was told...no tripods. So, I had to MacGuyver it and rest the camera on a tiny little ledge around the tower, prop it up in a shoe, on my bag, whatever I could - and used my remote cord to take the 12 long exposures used to make 4 vertical shots. Those 4 sets of 3 were then each fused together to make 4 hdr photos, which I then stitched together to make a monster. Whew!

University of Chicago - Theological Seminary Staircase

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:41:07 GMT

]]>This is quite an elegant building. The U of C Theological Seminary is the oldest institute of higher education founded in Chicago, I believe (1855). From 1928 to 2011 this location served as its second home on the U of C campus in Hyde Park. The building pictured here was designed by Herbert Riddle and was completed in 1928.
Several neo-gothic art stained glass windows adorn the interior. There are also beautiful cloisters, vaulted ceilings and many intricate architectural details inside. I'm not sure of the current fate of the building, but I do hope the historic look of the space is preserved.
This is a shot of some sun rays hitting a staircase near the entrance.

Metropolitan Correctional Center Prism - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:33:55 GMT

]]>A huge prison right in downtown Chicago. That explains the tiny windows. This grand triangular structure, sometimes referred to as "the prism," is named the Metropolitan Correctional Center. It is a vertical prison, and supposedly has this shape in order to reduce the time needed to patrol its halls. This brutalist 70's design struck me as a very odd building, indeed. But who knew it was a jail? There is rumored to be an exercise area on the rooftop. Once again, to be able to get a size I want and as much in the shot as possible, this is 3 vertical images stitched together, and 3 exposures for each image.

Looking Up the Rookery Building Spiraling Staircase - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:26:48 GMT

]]>The famous spiraling staircase at the Chicago Rookery Building. It was finished in 1888 by John Wellborn Root and Daniel Burnham. It is the oldest still-standing skyscraper in Chicago. Up top, it is rumored, is a beautiful glass encased area that served as the offices for the architects.The lobby was re-done by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 1900's. The Rookery is now a national historic landmark.What you are looking at isn't down - it's looking up the staircase with my tripod angled almost flat.

Chicago Rookery Building Lobby

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:51:44 GMT

]]>The Chicago Rookery Building was finished in 1888 by John Wellborn Root and Daniel Burnham. It is the oldest still-standing skyscraper in Chicago. Up top, it is rumored, is a beautiful glass encased area that served as the offices for the architects.This lobby was re-done by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 1900's. The Rookery is now a national historic landmark.This is another stitch to expand the view upward slightly to show the ceiling as more prominent.

Chicago Rookery Staircase - Alternate View

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:47:19 GMT

]]>This is an alternate view of the famous spiraling staircase inside Chicago's Rookery Building.

The Chicago Rookery Building was finished in 1888 by John Wellborn Root and Daniel Burnham. It is the oldest still-standing skyscraper in Chicago. Up top, it is rumored, is a beautiful glass encased area that served as the offices for the architects.

This lobby was re-done by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 1900's. The Rookery is now a national historic landmark.

Rookery Hallway - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:57:02 GMT

]]>This is shot down an elevator corridor at the Rookery Building (towards the famous staircase) in Chicago. It is comprised of 8 exposures.

Soaring Over Golden Chicago (Aerial)

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:34:30 GMT

]]>A golden glow night hdr over Chicago's skyscrapers. In this photo is the the circular top of the James R. Thompson Center, Daley Center, the Chicago Temple Building, Marina City, and more.

Chicago Watertower Under the Moon in the Rain

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:39:43 GMT

]]>A night hdr of Chicago's most famous landmark, the Watertower. The lens flare you see is caused by a rain drop on my lens.

The Baha'i House of Worship (Wilmette) - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:40:15 GMT

]]>There are currently 7 Baha'i Houses of Worship in the world. The Wilmette one seen here, like all of them, has 9 sides, is circular, and surrounded by gardens and paths. It was completed in 1953.

Aqua Blue Skies

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:25:17 GMT

]]>Amazing new skyscraper in downtown Chicago, designed by architect Jeanne Gang.

Chicago Aqua Builiding to the Moon

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:40:40 GMT

]]>Amazing new skyscraper in downtown Chicago, designed by architect Jeanne Gang.

Chicago Aqua Building Detail

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:41:05 GMT

]]>Amazing new skyscraper in downtown Chicago, designed by architect Jeanne Gang - close up of a section.

Tunnel Underneath the City (Pedway) - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:42:21 GMT

]]>This is a stretch of Chicago's pedway that is underground, but still goes over (lower) East Randolph as a bridge between the Millennium Park area and underneath the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Tower. (I think there was supposed to be a tunnel connecting this to the Aon Building, but that never happened).

Over 900 North Michigan Avenue - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:42:48 GMT

]]>This is the roof of 900 North Michigan Avenue, not cropped. 5 long exposures fused.

Brown Line L Train Passing Over Wells Street - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:43:14 GMT

]]>The "L" train zooming over the Chicago River via the Wells Street bridge.

11 Exposure Aerial Sunset over Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:43:50 GMT

]]>It took 11 exposures to capture all the detail in this aerial Chicago sunset. There are a lot of familiar places here you can spot when viewed large.

Aerial View 02 - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:44:19 GMT

]]>Once again, the trek up the Hancock Building with no tripods allowed left for creative solutions....a shoe-pod, for instance. This time I used my 50mm nikkor lens and got a bit closer to Chicago.

Industrial Alley Inferno - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:45:14 GMT

]]>This is an askew alleyway leading to a bright welding / steel melting room on the North Side of Chicago.

Fermilab Farm Panorama HDR (Batavia) - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:55:16 GMT

]]>About 45 minutes from downtown Chicago on the Fermilab compound....a massive science facility with the world's second largest energy particle accelerator.....and a buffalo farm. Large Panorama.

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab - Batavia) - Near Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:55:39 GMT

]]>The main building on the Fermilab complex sits on a reflecting lake in Batavia, Illinois (about 45 minutes from downtown Chicago).They have the world's second largest particle accelerator (3.9 miles in circumference) underground, I believe.

The Moon Inside (Fermilab) Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:56:08 GMT

]]>Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) from inside the main building's atrium. Note the moon.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Complex (Bartlett) - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:56:40 GMT

]]>BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Complex - in Bartlett, Illinois (about 30 minutes from downtown Chicago). It is a Hindu temple that was pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle over 16 months with pieces shipped to and from India for hand carving.Over 1,700 volunteers helped build this from over 3 continents. It is a fusion of ancient and modern architecture, and it has been said it was designed to last over a thousand years time. Quite a beautiful place, but do be respectful if you visit.

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel and Swinging Chairs (wave swinger) Mashup

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:56:50 GMT

]]>Lucky for me, the swinging chairs were off and perfectly still, while the ferris wheel moved behind it. A security guard opened a door and smacked me with it where I was squashed to get this angle.

Giant 25 Exposure Panorama of Chicago on a Cloudy Day

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:00:19 GMT

]]>This panorama is about 40 inches by 20 inches. Made from 5 separate vertical hdrs with 5 exposures each - so you're looking at.... 25 combined exposures. Shot using a 64x ND filter to maximize exposure times in daylight.

3 Kings - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:00:38 GMT

]]>Contrasting architectural details.

Chicago Temple Building (Church on Top of a Skyscraper)

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:00:52 GMT

]]>Church on top of a skyscraper?The Chicago Temple building houses the First United Methodist Church, which is Chicago’s oldest congregation. The main church occupies the first 3 floors. This top portion has something called the "Chapel in the Sky." The senior pastor lives up there, from what I've been told, and has a private balcony. Very interesting to see this on top of a skyscraper.It was the tallest building in Chicago when it opened in 1924, but the Chicago Board of Trade Building was built a tiny bit higher in 1930.

Chapel in the Sky Inside the Tip of the Chicago Temple Building

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:01:39 GMT

]]>"Chapel in the Sky" - at the top of the Chicago Temple Building. This chapel holds seating for about 30 people. It was installed up there by Myrtle Walgreen in memory of her husband, who started the Walgreens drugstores. The wood used came from Walgreen's property.

Scrap Yard Crane With an Orange Sky - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:01:56 GMT

]]>City lights and long exposures lead to the orange glow. Multiple exposures combined.

Crane Grab

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:30:05 GMT

]]>This is a crane perched beside a massive pile of scrap metal on the North Side of Chicago.

Cloisters of the Fourth Presbyterian Church (Michigan Avenue) in the Loop - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:02:14 GMT

]]>I love how dark and gothic this is, nestled away directly across the street from the Hancock building.

Chicago City Ball

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:02:30 GMT

]]>Roll on, my friends, roll on.

Wrigley's R&D Building on Goose Island Lined Up with Sears/Willis Tower

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:02:56 GMT

]]>This is another one of my vertical stitches to increase image size. The modern lighthouse design lined up directly in front of Willis/Sears Tower is what caught my attention.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield Building - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:03:41 GMT

]]>Night hdr - city lights cause the sky to appear with a reddish glow.

Courtyard of Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue - Downtown Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:04:20 GMT

]]>I liked the way the windows glowed, and how out of place this beautiful courtyard is amidst all the skyscrapers on Michigan Avenue.

Chicago Cultural Center - World's Largest Tiffany's Domed Ceiling

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:05:43 GMT

]]>The Chicago Cultural Center - Preston Bradley Hall. This is the largest stained-glass domed ceiling in the world by Tiffany.

Metra Passing Underneath the Art Institute at Night - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:06:24 GMT

]]>I was just aiming for the tracks, but then heard a train approaching so I did my thing with the metra zooming by for some train light trails.

Geneva Windmill - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:09:14 GMT

]]>This working windmill is located in Geneva, Illinois. The Fabyan Windmill dates to the 1850's, is 68 feet, and is now considered a historic place. It is made from cypress and black walnut, and oddly has no metal nails. Sails are attached to operate the mill.

Inside Union Station - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:09:37 GMT

]]>9 combined shots (in brackets of 3) to make a vertical panorama inside Chicago's Union Station.

Weeping Willow over a Footbridge at Night (Chicago Botanic Garden)

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:05:10 GMT

]]>Chicago Botanic Gardens after nightfall - a willow tree sways over the lit bridge.

Chicago Botanic Garden's Bell Tower in Golden Night Light

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:06:15 GMT

]]>Lights from surrounding buildings and the garden's path lights combined to give the Botanic Gardens a warm golden glow.

Chicago Botanic Garden - Serpent Bridge and Bell Tower at Night

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 02:04:01 GMT

]]>Taken from the serpent bridge, looking at the bell tower right after the sun had gone down.

Inside Union Station 01

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:53:56 GMT

]]>This is underneath Chicago's Union Station by the tracks with a train waiting.

Inside Union Station 02

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:54:07 GMT

]]>This is underneath Chicago's Union Station by the tracks. The steam is coming from a grate on the ground, I believe.

Holy Name Cathedral Front View - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:09:45 GMT

]]>Holy Name Cathedral Chicago - facing the front.

Holy Name Cathedral Organ - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:10:01 GMT

]]>Shot of the famous organ inside Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral - 9 exposures of vertical images stitched for a larger size.

Harold Washington Library Owls - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:10:22 GMT

]]>The Harold Washington Library is a rather ornate Chicago building. It was designed by the architectural firm of Hammond, Beeby and Babka in 1987. Large owls of "knowledge" and seed pods of "midwest harvest" adorn the roof.

The Welder - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:10:44 GMT

]]>The workers at Finkl Steel were nice enough to let me observe them working. Giant glowing cylinders would drop from a machine, and then this guy would finish off the ends in a shower of sparks and molten metal. At one point a big burst of these sparks flew a bit close for comfort - almost burned my shoes.

Industrial Panorama / See the Heat - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:11:38 GMT

]]>Inside the Frinkl Steel plant in Chicago - heat everywhere, machines constantly moving, molten things pouring....I respect these workers. There were many, but only one remained still and didn't turn into a blur of movement.

Industrial Inferno 2 - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:29:07 GMT

]]>Inside Finkle 2.

Chicago Alley

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:12:59 GMT

]]>

Lake Shore Drive Aerial Zoom - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:13:25 GMT

]]>Here, Lake Shore Drive is seen from above as it bends east, wrapping around Michigan Avenue right around the Drake Hotel. The beach is on the right. 5 exposures.

Looking up Over Michigan Avenue - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:13:47 GMT

]]>Looking up, the sky is blurred due to multiple long exposures.

Millennium Park Amphitheater at Night (Jay Pritzker Pavilion) - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:14:32 GMT

]]>The Jay Pritzker Pavilion (in Millennium Park) was designed by Frank Gehry (winner of the National Medal of Art) and started construction in 1999. This outdoor venue holds 11,000 people or so. The brushed metal "ribbons" and blaring city lights made for some wild highlights.

Millennium Park Statues at Night - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:14:52 GMT

]]>An exhibit in Millennium Park at night - “Contemporary Sculpture from China”

Under the Tracks - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:08:26 GMT

]]>Taken below some of Chicago's train tracks.

4 Kings - Chicago(333 North Michigan - Aon Center - Two Prudential Plaza - London Guarantee Building)

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:15:57 GMT

]]>I like the contrast in architectural styles here. (333 North Michigan - Aon Center - Two Prudential Plaza - London Guarantee Building)

Over Navy Pier Square - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:16:47 GMT

]]>The top of Chicago's Navy Pier, extending out into Lake Michigan.

Golden City - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:28:45 GMT

]]>

Optima Towers at Night (Skokie) - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:17:28 GMT

]]>Colorful modern condos just north of Chicago.

Aerial North Over the River from Willis / Sears Tower - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:17:49 GMT

]]>Looking North over Chicago we can see the Chicago River with a raised bridge, as well as both the Tribune and Sun Times buildings.

Daylight Hancock Observatory Panorama

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:09:02 GMT

]]>This is a panorama shot from the Hancock Observatory using a nikor 12-24 lens, 9 exposures for each piece of the panorama.

Navy Pier Blue Hour Panorama - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:17:58 GMT

]]>Blue hour up and behind Chicago's Navy Pier. 20 exposures (5 for 4 vertical shots) to make four hdrs that would NOT merge. So I had to hand line them up and blend them for most of it. Not an easy job. Full size at 300 dpi is 7311 x 4542.

Navy Pier Reflections against Crystal Gardens

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:06:59 GMT

]]>Reflections of Navy Pier's ferris wheel against the glass of the lakefront's Crystal Gardens.

The Balloon of Navy Pier Facing West

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:59:21 GMT

]]>A shot of Chicago's skyline looking West from Navy Pier, with the balloon ride visible.

Navy Pier Wave Swinger at Night

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:27:35 GMT

]]>A night HDR of Navy Pier's "Wave Swinger" ride behind a fountain.

Water Tower in Daylight

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:06:12 GMT

]]>9 combined exposures to bring out maximum detail in this daylight scene of the Water Tower in Chicago.

Daylight Loop Alley

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:28:44 GMT

]]>A view down an alley close to sunset in Chicago's loop.

A Day in the Loop

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:23:47 GMT

]]>9 Exposures around 6pm in Chicago's Loop.

Tony Tasset's Giant "Eye" Sculpture - State and Van Buren

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:52:04 GMT

]]>Yes, this is real. Chicago based artist and professor Tony Tasset designed a three story eye based on his own that was given a home in Pritzker Park on July 7th, 2010.

Golden Night

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:22:47 GMT

]]>A golden night shot in Chicago's loop.

Purple Haze - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:07:54 GMT

]]>During a rainstorm in Chicago the city lights and clouds mixed to form this purple haze.

Looking Up at the Moon, Aqua Building, and Swissotel

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:11:32 GMT

]]>An upward glance to the moonlit sky between the Swissotel and Aqua Builiding in Chicago.

Glowing Under the Tarp Downtown - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:12:03 GMT

]]>A building being constructed in downtown Chicago (near Lasalle and Huron) under a tarp glows in the night light. 9 combined exposures.

311 South Wacker Drive and Willis / Sears Tower Details

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:20:14 GMT

]]>A night view closer in on 311 South Wacker Drive and Willis / Sears Tower. Multiple combined exposures to increase dynamic range.

Millennium Park Pritzker Pavilion Under a Dark Cloudy Sky

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:02:23 GMT

Twilight Navy Pier Monster

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:00:03 GMT

]]>I keep going back to shoot this until I get it right. I have not been 100% pleased with sharpness, depth, or realism in previous attempts. This time, I shot at twilight and fused 20 exposures.

Leaning Tower of...Niles - Just Outside Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:49:09 GMT

]]>This massive Leaning Tower of Pisa replica resides next to a YMCA in Niles, Illinois off Touhy Avenue (15 min from O'Hare Airport). Odd, but very beautiful at night. Built in 1934, I believe it is 1/2 the actual size.

Millennium Park Garden with Skyline in Daylight

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:42:21 GMT

]]>This is the result of fused exposures to display the green of the foliage in Millennium Park contrasting Chicago's skyline.

The Sun Lowering Behind Trump Tower and the Wrigley Building Over the Chicago River

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:39:17 GMT

]]>A mixture of gold and blue daylight filters through the clouds over the Chicago River, which highlights the Wrigley Building and Trump Tower quite nicely.

Lonely Town Below the Tracks

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 22:21:17 GMT

]]>Quite a rare site to see...

Industrial Strength

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:32:25 GMT

]]>A factory off of Halsted in Chicago.

Sand and Water

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:28:16 GMT

]]>View of an industrial area on Halsted.

Melting Pot

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:34:19 GMT

]]>Inside an industrial melting factory in Chicago - catching the heat.

"L" Passing Over the Chicago River on Lasalle at Night Fall

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:18:05 GMT

]]>The Chicago "L" zooming over the Chicago River on Lasalle Street just after dark. Rubble from the filming of "Transformers 3" can be seen on the left.

Sail

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 21:56:45 GMT

]]>Sailing under a cloudy sky by Montrose Harbor - October.

Aerial North Over the Merchandise Mart - Golden Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 21:37:59 GMT

]]>This is 6 fused exposures of an aerial shot looking North over Chicago. The Merchandise Mart can be seen in the foreground with its peak lit red.

Navy Pier Masts at Night

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:21:07 GMT

]]>A ground shot along Chicago's Navy Pier at night.

Art Institute Lion Looking Out

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:14:30 GMT

]]>My take on the iconic view of the Lion and skyline at the Chicago Art Institute.

Hancock Beacon Blue

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 22:55:44 GMT

]]>The last light of the day mixing with the night lights of the city - 2010

Trump and Wrigley Night

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:23:00 GMT

]]>This is a shot of the Trump and Wrigley Buildings in Chicago's loop at night.

Lake Shore Drive 2

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:54:38 GMT

]]>A revisit to Lake Shore Drive

Abandoned Chicago Loop During the Blizzard of Feb. 2011

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 22:16:34 GMT

]]>Taken the 2/2/2011 under the "L" tracks in the loop, this photo shows how desolate downtown Chicago was during the blizzard.

Thompson Center Interior 01

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:04:32 GMT

]]>This is the very modern interior of the Thompson Center in Chicago.

Thompson Center Interior 02

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:40:44 GMT

]]>This is the very modern interior of the Thompson Center in Chicago - view 02.

4 Tops - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 19:27:51 GMT

]]>This is a view of 4 different architectural building tops in Chicago's loop.

Chicago's Lake Shore Drive 3 - Panorama

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 20:28:36 GMT

]]>This is a panorama comprised of 15 shots in various blended exposure combinations.

360 E. Randolph - The Buckingham

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:39:53 GMT

]]>The Buckingham Condominiums.

Looking West on Upper Randolph - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 23:19:58 GMT

]]>This shot was taken from Upper Randolph near sunset. The iconic Chicago Smurfit Stone Building is near the center.

Cross Section of Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:40:20 GMT

]]>This is looking East as the sun sets over Chicago.

Blue Dome - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 23:20:58 GMT

]]>This is a dome that glows blue at night at the intersection of N. Field and E. Benton in Chicago.

Magdalene - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:16:12 GMT

]]>This sculpture of a woman is located in the Congress Triangle Garden near Grant Park, Chicago. Sculptor Dessa Kirk created Magdalene after the three Daphne sculptures (now installed on Northerly Island).

Aerial South Blue Hour - Chicago

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:53:44 GMT

]]>This was shot facing South right before sunset.

1,353 Feet Straight Up 2 - Blue Hour

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 23:32:26 GMT

]]>From the Sears / Willis Tower - straight down 1,353 feet.

Threesixty° Theater and Broadway in Chicago - Peter Pan Venue

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:44:41 GMT

]]>Located at the Chicago Tribune Freedom Center North (Chicago Ave.), this massive glowing tent is home to the world's first 360 degree theater with CGI.

70 Exposures - Massive Chicago Night Skyline Panorama (Near Adler Planetarium)

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:55:16 GMT

]]>This has taken me nearly a year to complete in pieces. The panorama combines around 70 exposures (11 vertial hdrs were stitched together to create the skyline in addition to varioius detail shots).
This was taken looking West along East Solidarity Drive near the Adler Planetarium and spans from The Field Museum to Navy Pier.
Image size: 19,953 by 3,990 pixels.
*Please see individual sections (next) to view larger

(01/03 - South Piece) 70 Exposures - Massive Chicago Night Skyline Panorama (Near Adler Planetarium)

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:08:44 GMT

]]>01/03

*This is the South piece of the Panorama, divided into thirds.

This has taken me nearly a year to complete in pieces. The panorama combines around 70 exposures (11 vertial hdrs were stitched together to create the skyline in addition to varioius detail shots).
This was taken looking West along East Solidarity Drive near the Adler Planetarium and spans from The Field Museum to Navy Pier.
Image size: 19,953 by 3,990 pixels.

(02/03 - Middle Piece) 70 Exposures - Massive Chicago Night Skyline Panorama (Near Adler Planetarium)

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:08:44 GMT

]]>02/03

*This is the middle piece of the Panorama, divided into thirds.

This has taken me nearly a year to complete in pieces. The panorama combines around 70 exposures (11 vertial hdrs were stitched together to create the skyline in addition to varioius detail shots).
This was taken looking West along East Solidarity Drive near the Adler Planetarium and spans from The Field Museum to Navy Pier.
Image size: 19,953 by 3,990 pixels.

(03/03 - North Piece) 70 Exposures - Massive Chicago Night Skyline Panorama (Near Adler Planetarium)

joelekas@gmail.com (Mister Joe Lekas) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:08:44 GMT

]]>03/03

*This is the North piece of the Panorama, divided into thirds.

This has taken me nearly a year to complete in pieces. The panorama combines around 70 exposures (11 vertial hdrs were stitched together to create the skyline in addition to varioius detail shots).
This was taken looking West along East Solidarity Drive near the Adler Planetarium and spans from The Field Museum to Navy Pier.
Image size: 19,953 by 3,990 pixels.