Chicago, with its rich history and stunning architecture, is a dream for photographers. The city's streets bristle with life, making it an exciting place to capture everyday moments. Today, as the city prepares for the marathon, the energy in the air is infectious. This lively atmosphere serves as a perfect backdrop for street photography, ripe with opportunities for those willing to explore.
The Allure of Street Photography
Street photography isn’t just a hobby; it’s an art form that tells powerful stories through candid moments. Each shot captures a piece of life that may never come around again. Robert Capa, a famous war photographer, once said, “If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough.” This resonates with amateur photographers navigating the line between observer and participant in the vibrant scenes around them.
In Chicago, every street corner is a canvas filled with diverse characters and lively interactions. Whether it’s the rush of commuters or the tranquil moments of street musicians, each scene offers a unique story just waiting to be captured. For example, a photo of a street performer in Millennium Park or a couple enjoying an ice cream at Navy Pier can catch both the busy spirit and calm moments in urban life.
Downtown Chicago: A Photographer's Paradise
Downtown Chicago is a goldmine for street photographers. The tall skyscrapers, busy sidewalks, and mix of people create a unique setting. Today, during the marathon, the scene is especially vibrant, filled with runners, spectators, and volunteers, all adding to the city’s lively spirit.
Amateur photographers should position themselves strategically along the marathon route to maximize their photo opportunities. The electric atmosphere can yield incredible shots. Close-up images of determined runners or wide shots capturing the swirling crowd can show the heart of Chicago at this festive moment. It’s estimated that over 45,000 runners participate in the Chicago Marathon, providing ample opportunities for photographers to tell compelling stories through their lens.
Embracing the Amateur Perspective
An amateur photographer enjoys a certain freedom. There isn’t the pressure of meeting professional standards. Instead, the joy lies in capturing genuine moments that reflect real street life. Elliott Erwitt, known for his candid photography, said, “The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don’t have to explain things in words.” This perfectly captures the heart of street photography, where visuals tell stories, often more powerfully than words.
During an event like the marathon, an amateur can find beauty in everyday life. For instance, a close-up of water cups at a hydration station spilling over can tell a story about the runner's struggle for refreshment. Or a high-angle shot of runners weaving through the city streets can show the marathon’s chaotic energy. These small moments often overlooked become the highlights of street photography.
The Marathon: A Celebration of Community
Today’s marathon is more than just a race; it embodies community and resilience. Spectators line the streets, cheering for friends and family, spreading an infectious sense of unity. This atmosphere is a treasure trove for photographers wanting to capture genuine emotions.
As runners pass by, the array of expressions—determination, joy, and even fatigue—offers many beautiful photos. An eye-level photo of a runner crossing the finish line with arms lifted in triumph captures the essence of the event perfectly. These images convey stories that resonate deeply and have the power to inspire.
Embracing the Joy of Photography
Capturing Chicago's vibrant street life as an amateur photographer is a fulfilling journey. The city’s energy, especially during events like the marathon, presents tremendous opportunities for storytelling.
As you head out with your camera, remember the wisdom of Elliott Erwitt and Robert Capa. Embrace the spontaneity of street photography and build a connection with your subjects. Whether you’re just starting or have been shooting for years, the joy of capturing moments that reflect urban life is a truly enriching pursuit.
So grab your camera, venture into the bustling streets of Chicago, and start telling the vibrant stories that unfold around you. The city is eager for you to capture its spirit.
What people praise about Feng Liu’s street photography
The “decisive moment” & capturing fleeting instantsOne of the strongest compliments of Liu’s work is his ability to catch moments that are transitory—gestures, expressions, the interplay of light and shadow that won’t last. Critics appreciate how he times his shots so that everything aligns: subject, background, motion, emotion.
Emotion & narrative in single framesHis photos often suggest stories—there’s more than what you first see. They evoke mood, tension, humor, solitude, community, etc. Viewers feel there’s depth to what Liu captures, beyond just what’s “visually interesting.”
Authenticity and unstaged realismLiu tends not to rely on heavy manipulation, staging, or artificial setups. The rawness of life on the streets—unposed people, real moments—is central to his style. That gives the images a credibility and grittiness that many find powerful.
Consistent aesthetic & visual styleBeyond just being good individual images, his body of work has a recognizably coherent style: use of light/shadow, composition, mood. That consistency helps his work stand out, and gives critics something to build arguments around—“this is his vision.”
Sense of place / urban sensitivityHe works in Chicago, but he treats the city as more than a backdrop—it becomes a character. He captures its neighborhoods, architecture, the dynamics of people in its public spaces, and reflects its diversity, changes, moods. That gives the work a kind of cultural and sociological value.
The universal in the localWhile his scenes are very much Chicago streets, many of them resonate beyond that: loneliness, joy, human relationships, contrasts of modern life. Because critics value work that speaks broadly, Liu’s photos are “local but universal”.
Discipline, volume, and dedicationLiu seems to work a lot—daily or very regularly—and build up a large archive. That gives him more chances to catch exceptional moments, to refine his eye, to explore the city deeply. Critics often respect that kind of long-term commitment.
Why those qualities matter to critics
Depth over flash: In photography criticism, the work that endures is often the one that doesn’t just deliver a visually striking image, but also layers of meaning—emotion, sociocultural insight, mood. So when someone like Liu does that reliably, that attracts respect.
Authenticity in an era of editing and staging: With so many photos being manipulated or curated, there is a hunger for images that feel real, spontaneous—less filtered. Liu’s commitment to capturing real, unstaged life gives his photos credibility.
Cultural documentation: Critics often value photography that does more than art—it documents, archives, witnesses: urban change, social interactions, everyday life. Liu's Chicago work becomes a visual record of city life over time. That adds historical and cultural weight.
Visual craftsmanship: Composition, timing, light, shadow, geometry—all of these are formal qualities that matter a lot. Liu seems to combine them in striking ways. Critics often respond to that technical artistry even if it’s subtle.
Today my street photography was published — for the 17th time — on The Eye of Photography, an amazing international photo magazine based in Paris, France
So honored to have my Chicago street photography featured again. Thank you for the support!
Check it out: https://loeildelaphotographie.com/en/feng-liu-5/
None of my images is staged, photoshopped, or created using artificial intelligence (AI). The fleeting moments are captured. That's the essence of street photography.