If one is ever visiting Chicago pondering the best place to ‘people watch’ they need not think of anywhere other than Navy Pier on a gorgeous summer afternoon. The 1010 meter long pier was built in 1916 and is today the number one tourist attraction in all of Chicago. Situated along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier turns into a bustling hive of activity over the weekend as tourists and locals alike converge to take in the various attractions that are vying for ones attention.
Although many come for the Ferris wheel, stained glass museum and/or shopping mall I was on a mission to take some candid portraits. The opportunity to snap some discreet shots of people wandering along the Pier was literally a travel photographers gold mine of never ending opportunities. As a travel photography tip, I sat down in a central location along the Pier and snapped some covert shots shooting in live view appearing to be doing nothing more than reviewing my photos on my LCD screen to the casual eye. When shooting shots of people using this technique it is best to adopt a code of minimal interference. I honestly prefer not to disturb anyone while they’re enjoying a personal moment in a public place. Thus, if my subject is unaware I’m taking a photo of them = mission accomplished.
I was able to come back to Navy Pier several times during my six day stay in Chicago because it was located within walking distance from my hostel in the down town area of Chicago. The following photo essay captures shots of people interacting in a natural manner:
A little girl holding a Pepsi appears mesmerized by something while a bicycle zooms past her.
A cute girl is fascinated by her reflection as she stares into the mirror ball.
A man working at Billy Goat Tavern & Grill pours a tourist a pint of beer.
An elderly man wearing a trench coat yawns while another distinct face winks.
A girl looks down at her blue shaved ice with a local of disappointment. Maybe Mom got her the wrong flavour :
A man sits down to enjoy a refreshing treat while his dog looks up eagerly salivating and indicating he’d appreciate it if the man would share.
A cute girl in a red dress wanders down Navy Pier.
A group of young Navy American men confidently strut around.
A man with a very distinct face smiles upside down 
A group of friends share a laugh and some smiles.
A family decked out entirely in Chicago Professional Sports Team attire (Blackhawks and Bears) wander the Pier.
A goofy but somewhat painstakingly familiar looking tourist takes a strange portrait of himself via a distorted mirror.
A lady strolls along the Pier while nibbling bites of ice cream from her waffle cone.
Two ladies stroll down the Pier with an arm around one another.
A vendor wearing a sailing/pirate hat and uniform tries to persuade passer-bys to take a tour.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice shots!
I feel intrusive when I take shots like these. Just another excuse to grab a Canon EF 100-400mm .
Cal recently posted..How to Monetize Your YouTube Videos
Brilliant photos!
Roy Marvelous recently posted..7 Best Reasons Why People Work On Cruise Ships
Great captures!
Angela recently posted..A trip a photo – In Abu Dhabi port, bringing ancient myths back to life
The second photo looked familiar. You posted that one last year, am i right? Hehe
Oh, i love the pic with the navy guys LOL
Micamyx|Senyorita recently posted..Travel Photo of the Week: The Wrangler | Siquijor Island, Philippines
How fun! I love Chicago – these are great
Andrea recently posted..The Party Before the Exams: Norway’s Russ
Love the upside down smile! That guy is hysterical and has an insane face. Love candid photo’s and thought these were brilliant. Nice work!
Tony recently posted..What Should I Pack? – 7 Unexpected Essentials
Great photos! The girl with the ice cream doesn’t look very impressed with her ice cream; it’s obviously missing some chocolate!
Jarmo recently posted..Top 5 Things to do in Rainy London
Great photos! Love the pic of the man smiling upside down.
Navy Pier is fun though insanely crowded a lot of the time. But you’re right, it’s a great spot for photographers.
Some of my favorite attractions are the Shakespeare Theater and Bubba Gump Shrimp.
Rhonda recently posted..The world’s largest spiders
You do candid photos of people so well! It feels like I’m there.
Great photos, candid photos are the best!
Laurel recently posted..Adventures in a Zulu Village, South Africa
Navy Pier is fun though insanely crowded a lot of the time. But you’re right, it’s a great spot for photographers. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Claire recently posted..Best Time To Conceive
I already made the Navy Pier part of my bucket list on my trip to Chicago this summer. Yes, I obligated my cousin with this.
Milton recently posted..wedding guitar books
I love your photos! I love outdoor shots a lot! Did you have fun in Chicago? I’m sure you did. I love to take shots in Chicago too, soon!
Thanks for sharing!
-Pink
Pink Y. recently posted..how to seduce a woman
These are excellent photos! I especially like the ones of the little girls, the man yawning, and the dog salivating. Great captures!
The Time-Crunched Traveler (Ellen) recently posted..The Weekly Worldview: Cusco celebrates El Señor de los Milagros
I sincerely love the photos. You truly have a wonderful potential. I hope you will use it for good. Thank you very much for sharing this experience to everyone. What camera did you use in taking these pictures?
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You truly have a wonderful potential. I hope you will use it for good. Thank you very much for sharing this experience to everyone. W
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