Spertus Institute, inside & out

Chicago has so many great locations to photograph. One of our favorites for abstracts, in particular, is the Spertus Institute. It’s also a location we’ll be checking out during the Friday add-on session during the October workshop. Let’s start with a wide view of this Krueck + Sexton designed building along South Michigan Avenue.

spertus institute, krueck + sexton architects

You can see its modern, multi-faceted, geometric facade situated next to the historic buildings common in this area, making for a nice contrast.

Approaching this building from various vantage points can help you come away with a number of different perspectives. From further away, across the street or the median of Michigan Avenue, shooting straight on you get a flattening effect. You can also get some great reflections depending on what’s happening in the sky.

spertus institute, krueck + sexton architects

Getting a little closer, on the sidewalk just in front of the building, you can play with the various dimensions of the facade to create more depth to your images.

spertus institute, krueck + sexton architects

There’s also a section of the facade that juts out a bit creating a sort-of canopy, and even more depth. Depending on the light, and where you’re standing in orientation to this area, you can showcase this space in a number of different ways.

spertus institute, krueck + sexton architects spertus institute, krueck + sexton architects spertus institute, krueck + sexton architects

Including reflections of the surroundings, in this case, Grant Park, just across the street.

spertus institute, krueck + sexton architects

On days with flatter light, like overcast days, you get a more even, matte-like light.

spertus institute, krueck + sexton architects

Heading inside, the geometric shapes continue on a sculptural wall inside the lobby. A fantastic area for origami-like abstracts and playing with black and white tones during post-processing. As with the outside area, depending on how you orient yourself to the space, the images can feel one-dimensional…

spertus institute, krueck + sexton architects

…or have more depth. spertus institute, krueck + sexton architects

There’s also a glass railing on the second floor that can work to your advantage in utilizing reflections to create a different kind of depth.

spertus institute, krueck + sexton architects

We’re looking forward to heading back to this location with you on our next Chicago workshop. Just head over here to get all the details!

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