Belmont El Stop by Chipka
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Description
When I left Chicago for Prague, the Chicago Transit Authority decided to completely renovate elements of the Red Line track: most of the work was done above ground, though there were a few subway enhancements, too. What this meant was…well…train delays. Lots and lots of train delays. And a few surly attitudes as well.
When I returned (grudgingly) to Chicago, all of the rail-line tweaks were finished. I couldn’t tell the difference. Well…for the most part, I couldn’t tell. I did notice that the Belmont and Fullerton El stops seemed somewhat cleaner, somewhat larger, and a bit more brightly lit. Public artwork stood in the entry lobbies and the platforms themselves weren’t rat-gray and rusty. Not yet anyway…give Chicago a couple of winters and things will begin to look “normal” for the swanky new public transportation hubs. Salt and moisture tends to corrode metal rather quickly, and graffiti etched into every available surface gives corrosion just a wee bit of a boost. No one has etched any graffiti yet, at least none that I know of, but I’m sure that some intrepid street chronicler will decide that the mass-transit passengers need to know that he was at a particular platform on a particular date while being in love with…well…whatever anonymous girl he’s in love with. For a time, at least.
As Corey and I returned to his apartment from a night of photographing Boystown, we ascended to the Belmont El platform and waited for a northbound train. The Brown Line trains were no longer running and so the night’s agenda now included a journey north on the Red Line and a transfer to the Lawrence Avenue bus—westbound. Ah, but if you go too far east on Lawrence, you get extremely wet and require underwater breathing gear; it’s a good way to discover shipwrecks though, and other odd things that lay on the bottom of Lake Michigan. It’s not so good with a digital camera in your pocket and a desire for a nice cold can of Arizona brand Iced tea…the very can sitting patiently in a refrigerator over west.
I was intrigued by the light on the Belmont Street platform, and the number of people out at so late a time. Ah, but Boystown is nothing if not busy on the night before a parade, and so in true Boystown fashion, zillions of straight people were out (funny how that works!) on their way to wherever they were on their way to. As I glanced across at the southbound platform, I felt the urge to capture the moment and the numerous human-sorts of people waiting for the next southbound train. I liked the light, the colors, the absolute darkness above, and well…this is the result, tweaked a bit to enhance the contrasts.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting. I’m off to visit Corey now, so needless to say, my camera is likely to be very busy!
Comments (25)
myrrhluz
I like this a lot! I strip of humanity, in many various poses and brightly lit against the darkness. The strong contrast, limited colors and dramatic lines of the station, give a stage-like effect, that wonderfully showcases all of the people you have captured. It is a fascinating image as a whole, with a mood which brings the line of Shakespeare to mind. You know the one, about all the world being a stage and it is a stage filled with players. Some are in connection with their companions, other seem wrapped in solitude. There is something vaguely aggressive about the man close to the edge with his back to you, and something apologetic in the posture of the man facing him. There is relaxed companionship in the two sitting below the 'B', while the woman standing near them looking your way, looks lost and alone. A wonderful image as a whole and fascinating to take it into its parts, studying the individuals here. Excellent composition, lighting and postwork! Wonderful read and image!
MrsRatbag
Wonderful shot, with a Hopper-esque feel to it...as though every little clump of humanity is alone in the world in the crowd. Well done!
lucindawind
fabulous deep rich colous ...excellent composition
auntietk
I love the contrast-y postwork and the light. It gives this a slightly unreal feeling, like the people are mannequins or cardboard cutouts. Brilliant work!
jocko500
look like a poster or a ad that goes in the newspaper. very well done as the people interact with each other and the objects of the tunnel
beachzz
Everyone on their way to somewhere--and yet there is no train yet. Perhaps it won't come, then you have another story to write, about those people lost at the station, waiting......
KatesFriend
I can well imagine the feeling on that platform. The heat, humidity and the restlessness of the everyone else trying to think of something other than the interminable weather. And the idleness of the tracks, every five seconds someone glaces down the platform for some sign that they will soon be lifted from the waiting place. Maybe in an air conditioned car - one can hope can't one?
MrsLubner
Outstanding. I do love the way you can bring out the best in city life!
helanker
I agree with PJ (MrsLubner) :)
durleybeachbum
It reminds me of Hopper too, with the harsh light and the suspended motion. It is like a window display!
Meisiekind
I half agree with Lucinda's comment! It seems that some one pushed the "pause" botton on the remote and life has paused on the opposite platform! It is so vivid and life like that all those folks can just start moving an any given moment in time! I really like the effect that you have achieved here Chip! Well done! And of course - as always - I love your narrative!!!
jmb007
bonne photo!
minos_6
I wish London Underground stations looked more like this! They get hot and crowded at this time of year, and there's a suggestion of belligerence in the air as people wait for the next train whilst pressed together on the platforms. Engineering works are commonplace on the tube at weekends right now, when many of the lines are closed for maintenance. Upgrades are currently in progress in preparation for the 2012 Olympics, but it must be like trying to fix an airplane during the flight! Your picture is a very poignant slice of life. In moments platforms can change character with new arrivals and departures.... Very nicely observed, and your post work is most effective in bringing out the contrasts in light/dark and also between your subjects.
Alex_Antonov
Wonderful!
flavia49
magnificent!!
Charberry
I have only been to Chicago once. I think it is a fascinating city. This POV is dramatic, along with the richness of the colors. People everywhere are the same... impatient. I know I am when waiting for something.
SoulEatar
Your tweaking is magic :)
jac204
Great job on the contrast.
francinechristophe
This is rather outstanding but I cant tell why !!!! The railway atmospheres are always worth a "click"
kgb224
Outstanding work my friend.
sandra46
i like these colors, and especially the turquoise and yellow strips in the foreground. and the tracks and the people on the opposite side all forming parallel lines
GailB
I really like this one and it reminded me of Hopper as well.
lick.a.witch
When I was unlucky enough to find myself in London for a time, I often used the underground but no matter what time it was, it was never as empty as this. Even though full of humanity, I found tube stations lonely places and always felt isolated. Perhaps London isn't as friendly as Chicago. Excellent image and postwork. ^=^
icerian
Well done, direct from real life. Underground has its own atmosphere. I like it.
sawade
Hi Chip, to this pic of you I must write. Now. First: Chicago Transit Authority; I remembered immediatly the JazzRockGroup CTA, her song 25 or 6 to 4. Jazzy Rock, in the time of Blood, Sweat and Tears. Second: I begin to study your postwork. It is a very good pic of an underground-station. But there is more, the people are like painted and arranged. Wonderful. And you like colours, as we say here: Chiaroscuro. Bright-dark. All the best from Germany, Bernd