I was on my way to work one morning when this scene caught my eye. This is the window of a now chain sandwich shop. Luckily, no one was sitting at the table. But it used to be a jeweller. Erickson’s. A wonderful store. It’s located in a neighbourhood that used to be predominantly Swedish, Andersonville. My great grandparents lived here and my great grandfather was a beat cop here.
Now these places, where one could hear – and speak – Swedish are slowly disappearing. They’re almost gone. There used to be two delicatessens on Clark. They would really hum at the holidays when people were buying their smörgåsbord cheeses, meats, and fish. There was a bakery that provided all the baked goods and sweets for holidays and everyday. That closed a couple of years ago.
There’s still a small cafe that serves Swedish pancakes just like my grandma used to make. Or at least there was one until the pandemic. I really hope this place survives because the food was tops, the service was friendly, they knew me, they were always full, and it would be very sad for the neighbourhood, not to mention the employees.
There is a pub which serves glögg at the holidays with neon signs to announce the time has arrived once more. Several bars serve this delight, actually. My grandmothers made this as well and I always enjoyed the pageantry of that night in the kitchen. I grew up drinking glögg (in very small amounts) which might explain a few things.
So I was remembering it all and wishing that some things could remain the same.
What do you think are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!
The negative space and the lighting as it’s rather anticipatory.
If you would be able to make this photo once again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?
I would remove the letters reflected on the table.
Trish Korous shared her photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.
Photographer
Trish Korous, Chicago, USA
INSTAGRAM 1
INSTAGRAM 2
FLICKR
Equipment and Settings
Shot on a iPhone 5c and edited with Snapseed.
Every year we release four quarterly printed editions of FRAMES Magazine. Each issue contains 112 pages printed on the highest quality 140g uncoated paper. You receive the magazine delivered straight to your doorstep. We feature both established and emerging photographers of different genres. We pay very close attention to new, visually striking, thought-provoking imagery, while respecting the long-lasting tradition of photography in its purest incarnation. Learn more >>>
