Jerusalem Artichokes nod to distant man-made skyscrapers as they reach to the sky around Lincoln Park’s North Pond. The John Hancock is the high building with the two antennas. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Obediant Plants seemed to mimic Chicago’s downtown skyscrapers in design and statue. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Foggy, drizzly, morning at Lake Michigan’s edge ….can you see downtown Chicago? Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Resilient determination to enjoy time at Lincoln Park’s Lake Michigan’s edge. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Keep on keeping on! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Here are a few different views of downtown Chicago, this time from South Pond in Lincoln Park. The naturalized prairie grasses are prominent in the scene. After a leisurely walk through the park we lunched at the delicious Café Brauer; this time dining was a bit of a challenge. This time of year, worker bees are instinctively anxious to gather as much energy (sugar/nectar) and protein (pollen) as possible to store for the coming winter months. So, as my eyes admired the sweet view from our table, they were eyeing my lunch. And typical of me, I watched with love and allowed them to feast in between my bites and sips.
Warning: If you aren’t fond of bees then don’t look at last two images!
View of downtown Chicago and South Pond in Lincoln Park. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
View of South Pond and Chicago from Cafe Brauer. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Worker bee gathering sweetness from my jam. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Wine and cocktails were not off limits for the bees, much to the dismay of the diners. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
For more on bee behavior during the autumn:
https://phys.org/news/2012-10-bees-wasps-busy-autumn.html
What do you see? What do you question? This is a straight, unaltered image. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Photographing the same scene but choosing a different composition guides one to select a different focal point; the main subject matter is changed by the composition choice. The image with the bridge centered leads the eye to the skyscrapers. The image with less skyline reveals that there is a person on the bridge. They are in the first image; but the composition didn’t “lead you” to notice them before.
View of downtown Chicago from Lincoln Park’s South Pond. Copyright 2016, Pamela Breitberg
Lincoln Park’s South Pond in Chicago with reflection of skyscrapers in water. Copyright 2016 Pamela Breitberg
Micro view of fall Aster. Copyright 2016, Pamela Breitberg
Along the lake’s edge, close to where the Frost Asters were abundant, was one cluster of Asters with pale violet hues. They appeared to be a soft purple until looked close and the striped pattern was revealed. I’m unsure of the species and wonder if it might be a hybrid Aster.
Unknown Aster along Lake Michigan’s shore. Copyright 2016, Pamela Breitberg
Side view of Jerusalem Artichoke. Copyright 2016, Pamela Breitberg
I first became aware of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) when I toured a perennial farm outside of Racine Wisconsin. They recommended it as dependable, colorful addition to any perennial Midwest garden. The native plants in this image adjoin the migratory bird preserve in Lincoln Park, along Lake Michigan. Their presence, just a few blocks from our new condo, makes me feel more at home in this bustling urban neighborhood.
These images show more context of Jerusalem Artichoke to their environment and stages of bloom than the previous single image with the spider and dangling petal. Jerusalem Artichokes are one of a multitude of late-summer, early fall, sunflowers.
For those that like to eat what they grow, check out the following site: http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/vegetables/growing-jerusalem-artichokes-zmaz10onzraw.
Close up of the back of the Jerusalem Artichoke
Lake Michigan wild blooms. Copyright 2016 Pamela Breitberg
Changing to seed head. Copyright 2016, Pamela Breitberg
Lotus portrait. Copyright 2015 Pamela Breitberg
One’s appearance changes as one’s point of view shifts. This is true for persons as well as other objects observed. Photographic portraits seem, by the nature of being a photograph, to depict the subject in an unbiased, impartial manner. Other, non-photographic portraits are mere “likenesses”, “representations”, “portrayals”, or “depictions”. The latter portraits may not be seen as exact and true. All portraits can be insightful into the essence of a being (animal or plant).
The images here show different characteristics of this Lotus. The overall image provides background information; it tells where the flower is in relation to its setting. The closer images show details of this species. Most portraits are straightforward in pose; a back view tells yet another story of this same flower. Which image is most demonstrative is always dependent on the viewer.
Rear view. Copyright 2015 Pamela Breitberg
Closeup portrait. Copyright 2015 Pamela Breitberg
Lotus in the water pond. Copyright 2015 Pamela Breitberg
Grass is greener across the waters. Linne Woods, Cook Country Forest Preserve, Chicago. copyright 2015 Pamela Breitberg
Extending the view of the previous post reveals more of the story of the Pelican’s time on the Pier. copyright 2015 Pamela Breitberg