#limitlesspossibilities in Chicago, Illinois, USA
Chicago “can get difficult if you are indecisive,” said local photographer Jacob Johnson. Fortunately he’s here to help the less decisive among us. Read on for his tips on what to see, what to eat, and how to photograph the world-famous city. For more local tips, follow his Instagram feed here: @jcb_jhnsn
Place you live: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Can you sum up Chicago? Chicago has become a city of limitless possibilities and discoveries. There is so much to do with too few hours on the clock to do it all. Aside from having a beautiful skyline and lakefront, Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, each having its own bounty of wonderfulness. Let’s just say things could get sort of difficult if you are indecisive.
If someone is visiting, what must they do? Relax and enjoy free art at the Chicago Cultural Center. Even if you’re not hungry, you must go to Bang Bang Pie Shop. Indulge in a rustic, family style menu, an incredible wine list, and the beautiful interior of Avec. Revel in fresh air and free plant life inside the glass domes of the Garfield Park Conservatory. Get lost in Salvage One by exploring its endless inventory of interesting furniture, art, and artifacts. Take a dip or picnic at The Dock at Montrose Harbor, which has one of the best views of the skyline. And catch an intimate concert of any sort at Lincoln Hall.
How long have you been using Instagram? 2 1/2 years.
What phone camera do you use to shoot? iPhone 4s, standard camera.
What is your editing process? I use Snapseed, which has a really great interface. Mostly I’ll adjust brightness, contrast, and temperature, crop and rotate (if need be). I usually stay away from filters, but if I do I use Afterlight.
Do you create images outside of Instagram? I do! I mostly shoot with film. I have my father’s old Vivitar XC-3, a 35mm SLR. I’ve also commandeered my girlfriend’s Contax T2, 35mm point and shoot.
Has Instagram/phoneography affected how you shoot? More than anything phoneography has taught me to appreciate the patience in shooting with film. The gratification is not at all instant, so you have to slow down and take your time. In doing so, you may find there is a lot more to offer in a composition than what originally caught your eye.
Does your feed differ from your work outside of instagram? No, not really. Just more pictures of old cars.
Who are your three favorite instagrammers? Ike Edeani (@ikedeani). Lauren Randolph (@laurenlemon). Garrett Cornelison (@reallykindofamazing)
Name:Jacob Johnson
City:Chicago
Best meal in Chicago?
Has to be Avec. Chorizo-stuffed medjool dates with smoked bacon and piquillo pepper-tomato sauce. Wood-fired pizza with PQM pancetta, pear, blue cheese panna and arugula. Slow roasted pork shoulder with clams, braised greens, potato and linguica sausage. (You’re welcome.)