1975, COLUMBUS STATUE, ARRIGO PARK CATHOLIC KIDS W NUN, TAYLOR STREET STOREFRONTS, UIC NEIGHBORHOOD

When a camera is loaded with film a street photographer goes with a whim as to what to photograph on any given day. If the light is right and the subject matter reveals itself the next step is going into the darkroom to process film and print a contact sheet to select printable images. My process in 1975 was just that as a 20 year old photographer fulfilling assignments for my documentary photography classes at UIC. In 2020 we saw the removal of two Columbus statues in Grant Park and also in Arrigo Park in the Little Italy neighborhood near the UIC campus. I lined up the statue against the skyline of the Sears Tower so they are almost equal in height. The turn of the century apartment buildings are a pleasure to look at especially with the cool cars of the mid-seventies parked in front. The children playing in the park fell over themselves to pose for the camera while the nun looked on with a happy smile. The dog in the storefront window was cooperative in giving me his best face and eye contact for a few good frames. Shooting with a Kodak Retina Reflex lllc has given me my best photos and was the least intimidating camera to carry around while shooting street work. My happy take away is that I am able to share these photos with you the viewer. Enjoy!