Tamara Bell Photography

Melrose Park

Tamara Bell — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:28:07 +0000

Being someone that favors urban environments can make covering the suburbs mundane at times. My favorite Chicago suburb is the West Proviso area located just west of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood and Oak Park. I love the area because it is full of diversity and does not feel like a suburb. One of the most colorful parts of this region is Melrose Park’s Broadway Ave. It is a Hispanic district and the window storefronts are filled with color.

Dulce Landia, 2009 W. Lake St.

Dollar Day Plus on Broadway.

Millennium Park

Tamara Bell — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:36:35 +0000

After living in Chicago for so many years I always try to avoid taking photos a tourist would take. I attended a concert at the Pritzker Pavilion in downtown’s Millennium Park. After leaving the show I saw these images at the Crown Fountain. I took them with the little point and shoot camera that I carry with me at all times when I don’t have my pro equipment. This time it proved itself to be useful.

California

Tamara Bell — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:23:41 +0000

During my last evening in California we visited the Paradise By The Sea RV Resort in North San Diego before my red-eye flight back to Chicago. Sunset in a Trailer Park is a photographers dream. I had to take full advantage of the light.

California Diaries

Tamara Bell — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:40:43 +0000

My week, furloughed from Pioneer Press, proved to be both exciting and anxious. I chose to use the time to visit dear friends in California. Noelle and her two beautiful girls met met me at O’Hare. We could not get on any direct fights to LA or San Diego. We flew East to go West,spending the night in Philadelphia. Although it was frustrating I still managed to make a few good images.

Tickets from my crazy day.

Bella Hendry, 5, her Mom Noelle Hendry and sister Haven ,3. on the phone at O Hare airport.

Bella on our flight to Philadelphia.

Haven Hendry,3 finally landing in Los Angeles.

Reflections on the Metra

Tamara Bell — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:15:46 +0000

Unfortunately, my beloved car died this week, which lead me to take the train to work on Friday. While returning from assignments in Lake Forest, I spotted these surreal reflections in the windows of the Metra Train on the way home.

Jonathan Antonio rides the Metra downtown while visiting from California.

A.J. Roskin rides the Metra from Highland Park to Evanston to attend a graduation party.

Animals

Tamara Bell — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:03:43 +0000

I love taking pictures of animals in their natural surroundings, after hectic days I can always count on my dogs being there for me when I get home.

My dogs Reina and Samantha after a long walk in the park.

Reina waiting to go outside.

Reina sunbathing at home.

NYC

Tamara Bell — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:48:32 +0000

I just got back from New York City and these are some of my favorite images I took on my trip.

A view from a pier in the Dumbo area of Brooklyn.

A sweet sixteen on the pier in Brooklyn.

STREB performance/dance group in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn.

Grandma

Tamara Bell — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:21:44 +0000

This is my Grandma Hume. I just took this picture of her and my cousin’s Golden Retriever, Gus. My Grandma has had a camera in my face my whole life. She is one of the reasons I became a photographer. I also inherited my never-ending energy from her. She just celebrated her 83rd birthday, and I hope when I am her age, I can be as happy and energetic as she. Happy birthday, Grandma.

Inscriptions From My Heros

Tamara Bell — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:13:13 +0000

In my photography career, I was always taught to stay connected to the ones that fuel your journey. If you are inspired by other photographers, contact them, learn from them, ask questions and listen. Photojournalism is an extremely competitive field, but we have a responsibility as a group to ethically report life. Talk to your teachers, colleagues and elders in all aspects of life. The best photojournalists are humble and most are willing to share their stories. All you have to do is listen. These are some of my favorites.

I just recently was lucky enough to meet with Peter Turnley in New York City. I have always been greatly inspired by him and his brother’s work. His images make you feel very close to the subjects. He also runs some pretty amazing workshops, and if I ever get enough money, I will attend one.

Art Shay is one of my favorite old-time Chicago photographers. He inspires me because when I look at his photos, it makes me proud to live in this great city. He also has a great sense of humor in person and in his photography.

Dave LaBelle is an amazing person and photographer. This is one of my favorite books to look at when I feel uninspired. It always makes me think about what I am doing wrong and helps me re-think assignments that I may find boring, turning them into something interesting.

John H. White - my hero, my guardian angel - the reason I am who I am today. I had John H. White as my photojournalism teacher at Columbia College, and if it were not for him, I would not be a photojournalist today.

Phil Velasquez was another one of my favorite teachers at Columbia College. This is the letter of recommendation Phil wrote for me to get into the Eddie Adams workshop. I did not get into the workshop that year, but I learned so much from Phil, mostly about how to shoot sports, which is one of my favorite things to photograph.

Jon Langham - Jon was my photo editor at Pioneer Press, my mentor for the past nine years, a father figure and good friend. He gave me my first chance as an intern in college, then hired me as a staff photographer later. This was my first review. I laugh at it because I am still horrible at Photoshop. Jon was recently laid off and my heart feels heavy for him and all those around the world getting let go as newspapers disappear. My days may be numbered as well, but I will always look back at the times I spent with Jon and all my other colleagues and think how lucky I am to have been a part of this.

Chicago Ave.

Tamara Bell — Mon, 11 May 2009 18:03:28 +0000

I am working on a personal project documenting Chicago Avenue. I live off this street and think it is one of the most fascinating stretches in the city. It runs from the high-end Gold Coast starting at Lake Shore Drive all the way down to the impoverished, yet hopeful, lower West Side. Of all of Chicago’s streets, I believe “Chicago Ave.” best exemplifies the city. I hope to capture that through my project and post on this regularly.

4805 W. Chicago Ave.

5604 W. Chicago Ave.