Stairwellblog

Continuing our series of interviews with notable Chicago artists, designers and other innovators, we sat down with BC, a celebrated photographer here in Chicago who primarily shoots the city and its people.

July 20, 2009

Chicago: A Daily Photo Blog

When did you first pick up a camera and what did you want to do with it?

The first camera I ever used was a Kodak Instamatic 110. It belonged to my brother. I loved that little camera. I also took a photography class in high school using a camera I borrowed from a friend. It was a Canon SLR. It was many many years later, when I started working, that I was able to buy my own–it was a small, auto–focus camera from Hong Kong. Others would come later but those are the early ones I used.

Which photographers have influenced or inspired you as you’ve matured?

I look at a lot of other people’s work both online and in gallery exhibits. I’ll look at anyone’s work if it is interesting, they don’t have to be famous. Henri Cartier-Bresson, the great street photographer, definitely influenced my ideas about what I wanted to do. I also got to see some work by photographer Wayne Miller who did a very beautiful series on Chicago from 1946 to 1948. Whenever I need inspiration or hope, I just revisit his work. And of course, the rest of the cabal over at Magnum Photos. I know those are lofty guys to emulate but hey, you learn from the best!

When did you create the Chicago: A Daily Photo Blog?

June 2007

What did you set out to shoot about the city when you began?

I moved to Chicago from another big city so when I came here, I was struck by how orderly it seemed, despite its size. And I just found the city to be so beautiful. So I sort of wanted to break it down into bite-sized bits by capturing day to day scenes, the city, the buildings, the art that is just everywhere. It was my way of getting out of myself while getting to know Chicago. The funny thing is, the more I observed and took pictures of people, places and things, the more I learned about myself. It’s a two-way street.

What kind of camera did you use?

I started with a little Nikon Coolpix I received as a present. I used it for over a year. I had just moved to a Minolta SLR when the world went digital so I resisted buying a digital one thinking maybe it was just a trend.

How has your interest in subjects (within the stage of the city) changed over the past few years?

At first, I’d take a picture of almost anything and everything that was “Chicago” especially the famous landmarks and buildings. I also used to include wiki and other links that further explained whatever the thing was. But then as I kept at it, I really wanted to move towards specific photos that captured mood and atmosphere. I wanted to capture the secret world that objects seem to share against the backdrop that the city provides. There’s often a lot of irony to be found and irony in a photo always makes it more interesting. Of course, I don’t always get that. And a photo a day is pretty challenging, sometimes you just have to go with what you have, if you have it.

What subjects interest you most now?

It’s still anything ‘urban’ and “street”. I like pictures that tell a story. I am bolder now about putting out a more “stylized” picture where the subject might be less distinct but the picture still conveys something specific.

What kind of camera do you use now?

A Canon Rebel XTI

Do you treat your photographs before you publish them?

Yes, I often crop, sharpen, and either color balance or convert them to black and whites. Black and whites are my favorites.

What recognition have you received as a photographer of this city?

My blog was listed in 2008 as one of Chicago’s best photo blogs by the Chicago Tribune. It is also listed in the May 2009 National Geographic‘s Destination Chicago Guide. And a photography website called “I love Photoblogs” has listed my blog as one of the 20 Awesome Photography Blogs of Chicago. Some of my photos have been used with permission for other websites and journals.

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