Millennium Bean

[Dubbs5050]

A look at the Bean in Millennium Park in Chicago....I was hoping to shoot it without so many people around, but I would probably have to go in the middle of the night....Im going to try that in the next couple of weeks....maybe I will take the time to clone some people out.

[MB1]

I think the people give the thing some perspective. Without them there would be no visual clue as to how big the thing actually is.

I'm also not sure you shot this at the right time of day as the image is very contrasty but it sure is a good subject.

[Frog]

There are probably more people than needed but I agree that they do give perspective.
Maybe you can get one with just two or three people.
BTW, I can see your reflection, kneeling on the left side there. Makes an interest point.

[WsW-WYATT-EARP]

try early morning - the sun rising gives it a nice backlit effect and lights up the buildings behind you that are in the reflection. Its a great place to go and photo.

I tried to get there early but didn't happen - this here is one of my favorites I have gotten from down there....

[xystren]

It's a fantastic subject to shoot :thumbsup: Night shots can be very interesting also.

[WsW-WYATT-EARP]

It's a fantastic subject to shoot :thumbsup: Night shots can be very interesting also.

I have a few night shots as well and just don't think it shows it off as nicely as the daytime shots... but thats just my .02 ....

[SmartWombat]

BTW, I can see your reflection, kneeling on the left side there. Makes an interest point.

I very much doubt it !
If you look at the line of pavement cracks leading straight to the bean on the right of the image, you can trace the reflection of that line up the surface of the bean to where the photographer ought to be in the reflection.
The step in the distance makes it harder and I've had to guess the offset needed.
But the photographer has to be within the yellow brackets of the curvature of the buildings.

[SmartWombat]

I was hoping to shoot it without so many people around.

I like it with the people there, it needs that to show scale.

Buy a ND filter, use the lowest ISO possible and longer exposure, just blur the people !
Except the ones standing about taking photos :\)

[Frog]

I believe you are right about the reflection, Paul.

[Dubbs5050]

yeah, there was another guy shooting while I was there...Im pretty sure that was him. Thanks for your comments everyone.

[Chunk]

One of the things I found most fascinating about the bean was other people's reaction to it and how it's a kind of interactive piece of art.

[SmartWombat]

Oh yes - I had the idea of laying some models down too
That second one shows the fantastic reflections.
It's a HUGE fairground mirror, isn't it?

[WsW-WYATT-EARP]

Oh yes - I had the idea of laying some models down too
That second one shows the fantastic reflections.
It's a HUGE fairground mirror, isn't it?

ya it is pretty much- The 2nd shot was taken from underneath looking up. You can spend hours looking at it and the different perspectives. Then you can spend hours longer watching the people interact with it. Just another amazing thing chicago has to offer.