Tamara Bell Photography

Go Bulls

Tamara Bell — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 02:08:23 +0000

I got to shoot the Bulls on Monday night when they slaughtered the Sacramento Kings with their 50th win of the season. The final score was Bulls 132, Kings 92.

My Blizzard 2011

Tamara Bell — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 22:24:57 +0000

It was Tuesday around 2 pm I looked out the window of our Hinsdale office and laughed as I heard everyone talking about the “Snowtropolis” It was clear and sunny. As a photojournalist I was hoping for a blizzard but didn’t think it was really going to happen. I headed for my son’s daycare in the city just in-case and around 3.00 pm. while driving all of the sudden things started looking more like a winter storm.The first 2 are taken from the car, only because my 9 month old was in the back seat

Pulaski and Ogden Ave.

California street.

My adrenaline was rushing, disappointed and worried that I had my baby in the car. I wanted to be out there. I was so excited and couldn’t wait for work the next day. I had everything ready even a back up driver if I couldn’t get my car out. Morning came and I nor anyone in my Chicago neighborhood could get their cars out. I walked out my door to Chicago Ave and my plan was to take either the Chicago Ave. Bus going East or West. It was a ghost town. No one in sight except one person while looking East.

Chicago Ave. and Francisco
I wanted to go East. I wanted to hit downtown, I called my boss and told him my brilliant plan of fate and he was not amused. He said “No ” I need you west”, so west I went…I took the bus East because non were gong west. Got an non working cab to drop me off miles away at a Green line train stop. I was the only person on the train. Got off the train in Oak Park and this was what I first saw-

Six Harlem 90 buses were stuck in the snow near the Harlem Green Line stop in Oak Park. Driver, Jeffrey Laird has been stuck for six hours on Marion Street since 5 am this morning. | Tamara Bell~Sun Times Media

A CTA Harlem 90 bus was stuck under the Marion street viaduct in downtown Oak Park since 11 pm on Tuesday night.

People trying to make their way to the green line stop in downtown Oak Park during Wednesday’s storm.

I headed for downtown Lake street in Oak Park hoping to warm myself and plan my next move. No stores were open.

Chipotle in Downtown Oak Park closed due to weather conditions.

I knew I had to get to other suburbs but would have to go on foot. Co worker Rob Hart called and our freelance photographer friend Brian got his car out in a nearby suburb. Brian saved the day and picked us up. We made our move onto Elmwood and Franklin Park.

Driver, Brian Morowczynski

David Garcia (left) and Pawel Nowak shovels out a car on the 7200 block of North Avenue in Elmwood Park on Feb. 2, 2011. The Blizzard is third-largest storm in Chicago’s history and some areas already have more than 20 inches of accumulation. | Tamara Bell~Sun Times Media

River Grove,IL A man shoveling snow collapsed and was attended to by paramedic on the 2500 block of Rhodes Street in River Grove on Feb. 2, 2011. The Blizzard is third-largest storm in Chicago’s history and some areas already have more than 20 inches of accumulation. | Tamara Bell~Sun Times Media

A group of teenagers jump into the snow in the park at Elmwood School in Elmwood Park on Feb. 2, 2011. The Blizzard is third-largest storm in Chicago’s history and some areas already have more than 20 inches of accumulation. | Tamara Bell~Sun Times Media
Those are just a glimpse of the day. There was world of moments flashing outside and I was glad to be apart of it.

Welcome 2011

Tamara Bell — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:51:45 +0000

After looking at my coworker and good friend Rob Hart’s blog recently, I knew I had to step-up my game and get my own blog in order. If you are wondering why I haven’t posted since January, chalk it up to my pregnancy, the birth of my son and all the stresses of being a single mother with two jobs and two dogs. So even though 2010 was challenging, I am stronger for it and hope to channel that into a great 2011. I would like to thank you – my friends, family, coworkers and bosses — for all of your support during my 2010 trials and tribulations. Your kind words, understanding, thoughtfulness and assistance made it possible for me to get back on track. I am blessed to have a fantastic family and an awesome extended family of friends and coworkers. I also have a great job which takes me on new and exciting adventures all over Chicago and the suburbs on a daily basis. Speaking of work — I snapped this photo on the way to a job assignment the other day. It pretty much describes my new life. Sometimes you just have to throw your hands in the air and do the best you can. Let’s hope 2011 brings more fun photos and exciting adventures to all of us!

Bobby Lee Payne has been pushing his cart around for 8 years on Roosevelt Rd. on Chicago’s west side and advertises businesses on the side of his cart. The company Rod Outs pays him 20 dollars a month for the exposure. He shovels snow, picks up scrap metal, removes refrigerators & stoves. and gives short rides to people in the neighborhood.

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.