North Branch on a Winter's Night by Chipka
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Description
I’ll always enjoy my fascination with rivers and with bridges. I’ll always enjoy nocturnal walks with my camera, with my thoughts, or with company given to conversational rambles on any number of topics—or company given to silence and the sheer enjoyment of shared time with no distractions.
In the depths of last winter, I enjoyed the quiet discovery of Albany Park, with my camera, with Corey, and with Corey’s camera. We were quite a quartet: often unnoticed, but on occasion, recognized as something not entirely of the familiar and prosaic world. As snow fell and melted, we wandered (over the span of various weekends) through streets and across bridges, through parks devoid of greenery, and—once—by sheer surprise, by the borders of an old, Czech cemetery. I’d recognized the place by its name, not the English name, but the bold declaration of identity in the Czech language itself.
It would be some time—in terms of this photograph—before seeing the old, Bohemian cemetery and reading names on tombstones that friends like Pavl and Štepán, Kača and Hanka would recognize as names not unlike their own. On the night of this photograph, Corey and I simply walked, hoping to see ice where a river made its way through the northwestern fringes of this city.
There was ice. There was a strange and almost pensive silence. Chicago, I think, is uncomfortable when there aren’t distractions like car alarms and blaring radios. Winter, I think, is Chicago’s least favorite season, as snow and ice often demand indoor activities and thus, an absence of outdoor noise. Ah…there were traffic sounds and the thunder of airplanes, but little else. The river—this small and narrow stretch of it—babbled quietly to itself, gurgling here and there as water found its way beneath floating sheets of ice.
I’d planned on posting this image sooner, but I’d grown tired of the snow and ice captures I’d made. I wanted something new, something colorful, and so Chicago’s night-time chill remained on file. Heat has returned, after a brief respite of more temperate weather, and now ice and icy-cold water carries a particular, refreshing appeal.
I enjoyed the weekend that gave way to this image, and as always, I hope that you enjoy this glimpse into one of my favorite photographic subjects: the night.
As always, thank you for viewing, for reading, and for commenting, and I hope you’re all having a great week.
Comments (24)
MagikUnicorn
Beautiful Night Shot
bmac62
Night photography...yes! The cold water running quietly between the ice/snow on the banks. The street lights that chase the dark so that you and Corey can safely walk through the city fringes. The entire atmosphere beneath this photo is replayed for us through your excellent narrative. When I read any one of your pieces, I always feel like I was there too. Great job Chip.
NefariousDrO
I can tell you love the night so much, your photos are always magical, with such a wonderful glow and play of shadow. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see elves (In the old European sense, NOT JRR Tolkien's elves, that is) peeking out from those shadows.
jocko500
you be lost in the woods with out sound. anyway this is a wonderful night shot
Sea_Dog
It's over 70 outside and this image and your words gave me a chill. Your descriptions of the walk and the discovery of this great scene is so engrossing. Well done.
beachzz
A summer day in Chicago is probably the best time to post this; at least you THINK it's cold outside!! I love rivers and bridges and night and lights as well; I just don't get to combine them all at once very often. Might have to join you and Corey some cold winter's night to see what it's like!!
minos_6
There's beautiful light and shadow play in this picture, and a pleasing incongruity between the obvious chill in this snow scene, and the warming tones provided by the sky and yellow light sources. You really inspire me to try out some night photography. This is something I usually avoid (or discard) because my attempts to date have lacked merit. However, seeing what you can achieve, maybe I'll have another go soon.... Great post!
helanker
OUCH and you do nights so very well. This shot is just gorgeous. Full of atmosphere, reflections, gold and light and darkness. It has it all. I love it. I loved the story too.
kgb224
Wonderful capture my friend.
durleybeachbum
A beautiful photo, which has warmth in spite of the icy water and chilly story.
lick.a.witch
This I love! It is inviting, although winter. ^=^
MrsRatbag
Oh, so beautiful! I love that golden light and the reflections!
jmb007
splendide photo!
marybelgium
wonderful night shot !
redchilicat
Love the perspective and serene mood!
sandra46
gorgeous image, i especially love the reflections and the yellowish color!
flavia49
splendid!! fantastic lights!
eekdog
really love beautiful photography, this fits the bill. amasing capture.. 5++
tamburro
Fantastic capture my friend!!! I love your pictures and your stories! Hugs:)
Alex_Antonov
Outstanding work!
lucindawind
this is so beautiful. .the gold tones go so well with the black
auntietk
I love the limited range of colors ... just black and orange/yellow/gold. You've said so much with so little! This is fabulous. The reflection on water, on ice ... yeah!!
kbrog
Beautiful night capture! Looks very peaceful. :)
praep
Beautiful - I like how the golden lights are reflecting on the ice.