r/ChicagoPics

PHOTO COVER CONTEST: Tracks of the Chicago L

I'm looking for the best photograph to potentially become the cover of my upcoming book, Tracks of the Chicago L.

I'm inviting photographers, transit enthusiasts, and anyone who has captured a great Chicago L photograph to submit their best shot.

I'm especially interested in photographs featuring trains, tracks, stations, signals, interlockings, bridges, or interesting Chicago surroundings. Golden hour, sunrise or sunset, autumn, winter, snow, rain, dramatic weather, or unique perspectives are especially welcome. Photos from any season will be considered if the image stands out.

The winner will receive:

• A free copy of Tracks of the Chicago L

• Full photographic credit in the book

• Credit in related promotional material

• A link to the photographer's preferred social media, website, portfolio, or other page.

• The photographer retains copyright ownership of the submitted photograph.

Simple rules:

• You must own the copyright to the photograph you submit.

• The train or trains shown in the photograph must be in active passenger service. Photographs featuring CTA revenue equipment such as the 2600-series, 3200-series, 5000-series, or 7000-series are eligible. Photographs primarily featuring retired, preserved, work, or out-of-service equipment are not eligible.

• Photographs must be taken from lawful, non-restricted locations, unless you have explicit permission or authorization to be in the area. No trespassing or unauthorized access to CTA property, railroad property, tracks, tunnels, construction areas, or other restricted areas.

• Drone photographs must comply with all applicable FAA, state, and local laws and airspace requirements.

• Multiple photographs may be submitted.

• AI-generated images are not eligible.

• Normal photographic editing is permitted, including cropping, exposure, contrast, and color adjustments.

• The winning photograph may be cropped or adjusted as necessary to fit the book cover design.

By submitting a photograph, you confirm that you have the right to grant permission for the photograph to be considered for publication.

Submission deadline: October 15, 2026 (11:59 PM, Pacific Time)

To enter, email your photograph to: calcagnomaps@gmail.com

Subject line: Tracks of the Chicago L Cover Photo Contest

Please include your name and, if desired, your Instagram, website, portfolio, or other preferred link for photo credit.

Please submit the highest resolution version available. If your photograph is selected, I will request the original high-resolution file.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Chicago L photographers have captured. The winning photograph could become the face of Tracks of the Chicago L.

Behind those trees, atop the garage is the swimming pool for 215 West Apartments

Construction on McDonald's Park—the Chicago Fire's new $750 million privately funded, 22,000-seat stadium in the South Loop's "The 78" development—is actively underway. Ground was broken in March 2026, and heavy machinery, tower cranes, and foundational concrete work are shaping the lower seating bowl ahead of a planned 2028 MLS season opening.

Current Construction Status

Vertical Progress: Heavy civil work and foundation framing are moving across the site, with stepped concrete for the lower seating bowl visibly rising along the west and south sides.

Equipment on Site: Major lifting operations are underway utilizing tower and crawler cranes managed by Pepper Construction, GMA Construction Group, and A.L.L. Construction.

City Approvals: The Chicago City Council approved a complementary $424 million TIF-backed public infrastructure and surrounding street/transit improvement package in July 2026 to support the site. 

Project Details & Partnerships

Name: McDonald's Park (following a landmark naming-rights agreement announced in May 2026)

Location: The 78 development along the Chicago River in the South Loop

Capacity: 22,000 for soccer matches; expandable up to 31,000 for concerts and special events

I think I’m trying to find the love of my life. Please help me ❤️🙏🏻
This might be a very long shot, but I’m trying to find someone who was on United Airlines flight UA450 from Anchorage to Chicago, departing around 8 PM on Saturday, August 15 and arriving in Chicago on Sunday morning, August 16.
I believe he was sitting in seat 35E and was one of the last people to board the plane. He had short black, slightly curly hair, some facial hair, and was wearing a burgundy sweater, black or dark navy dress pants, and sneakers. He only had a backpack with him on the plane.
We didn’t speak, and I don’t know his name. All I can tell is that there was something between us. When we were getting off the plane, he asked me, “Did you forget something?” I completely panicked and said “no.” And now I can’t stop thinking that maybe he meant my number 😭
One more detail in case it helps him recognize me: I was wearing a long white skirt and carrying yellow rain boots in my hands.
So here I am, trusting the internet. If this is you, or if you were on this flight and know who I might be talking about, please DM me. 🤍
And if you know anyone who was on UA450 ANC → ORD on August 15, please share this with them. Maybe somehow this finds its way to seat 35E.

150 North Riverside views across the Chicago River Confluence on a nice Sunday afternoon

♥️

Billy Goat Tavern, Chicago, 2026

Picked up a used copy of a new lens this morning so that I could snag some shots today. Lucky the weather somewhat held off!

Any favorites?