Photography is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to capture moments that define our lives. As Henri Cartier-Bresson said, it’s a form of intelligence. In the lively streets of Chicago, this art form shines, particularly during festive cultural events like the Italian Columbus Day Parade. On a cloudy day, the city becomes a canvas filled with stories waiting to be captured.
In this exploration of street photography in Chicago, we'll focus on the dynamic street life and the rich cultural experiences that make this city extraordinary.
The Allure of Street Photography
Street photography thrives on spontaneity and celebration of the ordinary. It captures unfiltered moments of daily life, showcasing beauty in the everyday. Chicago’s streets buzz with energy, providing countless opportunities for photographers to document urban experiences.
Take, for example, the scene in Millennium Park where local artists showcase their talents while tourists marvel at the Cloud Gate sculpture. Each photograph acts as a glimpse into the lives of city dwellers and visitors alike. The laughter of children playing nearby dances through the air, while street vendors offer Chicago-style hot dogs, creating a rich tapestry of urban life.
The Italian Columbus Day Parade: A Cultural Extravaganza
One of Chicago's most vibrant events is the Italian Columbus Day Parade, celebrated annually. This event honors the Italian heritage and showcases the rich culture of the Italian-American community. With over 100,000 participants and spectators, the parade is a feast for the senses, filled with vibrant floats, spirited music, and individuals clad in traditional attire.
Photographers gather to capture this celebration. The clash of colors from the floats and costumes pops against the often gray skies of Chicago, making for stunning photographs. The energy is palpable, as you hear the sounds of the crowd cheering and music blaring, giving life to the scenes being immortalized on camera.
This parade not only represents the rich traditions of the Italian community but also highlights Chicago's diverse spirit. Each participant contributes a personal story, and through photography, we can preserve these narratives for others to experience.
The Beauty of a Cloudy Day
While sunny days are popular for photography, cloudy weather can provide a unique advantage. The diffused light lowers harsh shadows and enhances details, resulting in evenly lit images. On a cloudy day in downtown Chicago, the atmosphere invites introspection.
Imagine walking alongside the Chicago River, where the muted colors of the buildings and accompanying sky create a moody elegance. This setting allows photographers to experiment with various angles—perhaps capturing a lone figure against the backdrop of the historic architecture. The soft light can add depth, making street scenes more compelling and inviting.
The nuance of light on a cloudy day can also evoke emotions, allowing the viewers to feel connected to the scenes portrayed. This element enriches urban storytelling and taps into the essence of city life.
The Intersection of Culture and Everyday Life
Chicago's streets represent a colorful mix of cultures, and street photography provides an excellent way to explore this diversity. From lively markets to quiet neighborhood parks, each photo tells a story unique to its subject.
During the Italian Columbus Day Parade, the mix of everyday life and cultural celebration shines through. Photographers can capture not just the vibrant festivities but also candid moments—like a grandmother sharing a laugh with her grandchildren as they watch a float pass by. These images reveal the deep connections within the community, celebrating the warmth that characterizes Chicago’s spirit.
As photographers navigate the city, they become part of the stories unfolding around them. Each click of the shutter captures the heart of Chicago, highlighting the beautiful connections that form in the urban landscape.
The Journey of Storytelling
Capturing the spirit of Chicago through street photography is a deeply fulfilling endeavor. Events like the Italian Columbus Day Parade demonstrate how photography can encapsulate community spirit and celebrate diversity.
As we move through Chicago’s streets, it’s essential to remember the underlying message of photography. It is about documenting life, telling stories, and forming connections. So, grab your camera, explore the city, and let the essence of Chicago inspire your creative journey.
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.