Sunday, September 11, 2011

Things to do in Chicago and the surrounding Suburbs 2011

There are several places you can visit while staying in Chicago.

Millennium Park: 









201 E. Randolph St., between Michigan Ave. and Columbus Ave. Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312.742.1168


Image and Information Courtesy of http://grantparkmusicfestival.com & http://apolloidt.com
For More info Visit the ExploreChicago
For a Map of the Park: Click Here


Rent a Bike at the: <-----
McDonald's Cycle Center in Millennium Park


Buckingham Fountain:
(A few blocks away from Millenium Park)

The Fountain, one of the largest in the world, is located at Columbus Drive (301 East) and Congress Parkway (500 South) in Grant Park
It is one of the few places you can get your kiss without a mistletoe!  






Chicago Architectural Tours:
Click here for more info
888-881-3284

Fee: $30/adult
A tour of the Chicago River and more than 40 landmarks. This one does cost around $30 per adult, but it is worth the trip.  The tour can last a little over an hour.  Ask Joan for reviews.
Alternatives: Click here for COUPONS
Chicago Skyline Boat Tours - At the Lake side for around $15/adult
SPEEDBOAT for the Daredevils in you for $35/adult



Segway Tours:
$69 per Adult

505 N. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60611
Across from Navy Pier @ Lake Point Tower

Tired of walking?  New Trend? "Count me in!!! Want to see Chicago easy mode? Your in luck because of Chicago Segways!  Located near Navy Pier, and visitig places like The Field Museum, Shed Aquarium, the Planetarium, Soldier Field Stadium,  Art Institute, Millennium Park and Many more...
Click here for COUPONS






Skydeck Chicago:
233 S. Wacker Dr. Chicago, IL 60606
Admission:
  • Admission only: adults $15.95; children $11;
  • Admission with Audio Tour: adults $21.45; children $16.50;
  • Admission includes The Ledge.
The tallest building in the western hemisphere the Sears Willis Tower boasts a glass ledge!!! 1,353 feet above ground... because below ground would be just ridiculous... all admissions includes "THE LEDGE".




Marilyn Monroe Sculpture:
(400 block of North Michigan Avenue, east side)
For all the New Jersey visitors, its made by one of your very own Seward Johnson.  Many now look up to Marilyn as she stands 26 ft tall in the Magnificent Mile.  Go visit and take a few photos as you galavant the wonderful Michigan Ave.






Water Tower:
806 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60611
While your on Michigan Ave, MAGNIFICENT MILE, might as well take a photo op at the historic Water Tower.  Created in 1869, it was indeed used for firefighting.  A misconception is that its the only building to survive the Great Chicago Fire... nope its not the only survivor.  It is however the only "public building" in the "burn zone" to survive.  The Water Tower inspired the White Castle restaurant design.  The White Castle tho... you should avoid.








John Hancock Observatory:
875 N. Michigan Ave, MAGNIFICENT MILE!!!!
9am-11pm
Adults $14, Children $8.50, Kids under 3 goes in free
It has a 360 degree view! You can see Michigan (not the ave), Indiana, and Wisconsin from the 94th floor the the big John.  They have the wonderful Lavazza Espression cafĂ©, with a wonderful view.  Best time to visit this place is sunset.



Saturday, October 23, 2010

Make A Statement: Design for the Cure

by: Cristopher Beltran  

The 4th Annual "Make a Statement: Design for the Cure" Fashion Fundraiser kicked off on Oct 21 2010.  The event was held at the River East Art Center in Chicago Illinois.  

The event showcased some of Chicago's top designers. This included the Tie Bar, Heidi Heiss, Michelle Tan and many more.

The event was a success despite the late start of 9pm.
For more pictures: Click Here


Sunday, October 3, 2010

2nd Ever

Karolina
by Cristopher Beltran

Karolina is my second shoot ever.  I have at this point owned my digital camera for a good 4 months now (January 2010).  I have slacked a bit and not taken any pics in-between.  I needed once again Conrad's persistence to keep me doing this.  Thank you Con!  

Karolina was kind enough to model for us.  She like Amanda has never done this kind of a shoot before, but was well enough and worked perfectly with our cameras.  The shot took a little over 5 hours between 2 photographers and wardrobe changes.  It was a fun afternoon and it was a much needed experience for myself.

JBB 1980

Friday, October 1, 2010

"Wild Orchid Fashion Show" benefiting the Lupus Research Institute of Chicago

"Wild"
by: Cristopher Beltran

The "Wild Orchid Fashion Show" benefiting the "Lupus Research Institute of Chicago" was a very exciting event last Sunday, Sept. 26. 

The event was held at the Architectural Artifacts Museum in Chicago; The venue was quite impressive.  UR Supermodels hosted this event, and they did a magnificent job. 

I was invited by Conrad Castelo to help out with equipment and to get some experience with shooting runway.  This was definitely an experience.  The event planners, models, performers, and guests were extending good vibes throughout the night. 

As usual, the UR Models carried the night with the marvelous designs by many top designers, but one really stood out from the rest: http://www.vexclothing.com/

Below is a link to an article reviewed by Fashion Chicago Magazine, using Conrad Castelo's images.

The link below is a link to Conrad Castelo Photography "Wild Orchid" images: (Facebook)