Sunday was the annual Chicago Gay Pride Parade in Lakeview. Although I missed the parade itself, I found the atmosphere of the entire day intoxicating in the best possible way. Even the police officers were in great moods as well, and not only because overtime pay is awesome. When crowds are happy and peaceful, cops tend to relax and have a good time too. The female police officer above actually gave me a huge hug when I stood up from photographing her. It’s the first time I’ve ever been hugged by a cop!
When I spot someone like George on the streets of Chicago, it validates my entire existence. Immediately before running into George on Rush Street I had spent around 40 minutes style hunting with no success. The fact is that since I practice authentic street-style there are no guarantees. I am completely at the mercy of the universe and chance. So when someone like George comes walking towards me, after lots of time wasted, my heart starts to sing. It’s grueling physical labor to be a street-style photographer in Chicago. I spend an average of five to six hours outside walking around, and hike anywhere between 3 miles (short day) to 8 miles (long day) everyday. I have the calves to prove it. It takes that much time to find people like George, who are scattered like diamonds in the rough amongst the sea of sameness.
George is a very talented artist and illustrator based in Chicago. I thought at first he was a stylist, but his superb sartorial sensibility comes from his training as a graphic designer.
To see close-up photos of George, please visit my Tumblr.
