night photography lakefront (Calumet Park, Oakwood: safe, beach, vacation)

[nthomas4]

Hi guys,

For the past few months I've been documenting the lakefront, mostly the northside. Anyway, I feel quite comfortable going out at night and the early mornings. I am wanting to take my project to the next level and really start photographing every aspect of the lakefront. I am highly interested in photographing the south side of the lakefront, but unfortunately I have never been down that way! I am currently looking the area up more and planning on driving down that way soon to start exploring.

Anyway, I guess my question to you is...is the lakefront on the south side easily accessible? Do any of you go there early morning or evenings? Would you consider it safe? Are there certain sections you would recommend more than others as far as safety? I am also greatly interested in the industrialized spots on the south side as well. Anyway, I am just curious to see if anyone has any input about this. Thanks!

[Irishtom29]

You'll get nice shots from the south part of the Lake path. Try around the Planetarium, 31st St. beach, Oakwood beach, the rocks in Hyde Park at 55th St, 63rd St. beach and Calumet Park on the East Side.

I use the path down to where it ends at South Shore early in the morning and all times of day and it's safe and easy to get to and there's parking by the Planetarium, 31st St, Oakwood and 63rd St, beaches and at Calumet Park.

At night I cycle around the Planetarium-Aquraium area but not farther south.


Here's a shot I took just north of Oakwood beach



Some shots from the promotory in Hyde Park

[nthomas4]

I appreciate your response! I have been around Adler and it's wonderful over there, but have not been further south yet. Seems quite promising! Well once my vacation starts in the next week I will definitely make my way down to those locations and start exploring.

[Attrill]

Tom definitely pointed you in the right direction (nice shots too!). I wouldn't worry about any areas of the lakefront at all in the morning. The same is also true when the the weather is a little cold. If it is under 40 degrees you will pretty much be the only person along the lake (other than some bike commuters and dog walkers in the morning and evening). Warm summer nights can be a different story, but I've walked most of the lakefront in those conditions over the years and never had a single problem. I've certainly spooked a few teenagers getting high every now and then tho'.

Now is a great time of year to go out and get some shots.