Building a Neighborhood: A Photowalk Through Chicago With Francisco Marin

Architecture does not ask to be documented.
It asks to be understood.

Join architect and photographer Francisco Marin for a guided photowalk through Chicago’s iconic Michigan Avenue, beginning at Leica Store Chicago.

This experience is designed for photographers who seek more than images—those who want to see with intention. Through a disciplined approach to composition, participants will explore how light, material, and structure interact to form a visual language rooted in clarity and restraint.

Chicago becomes the medium.
Your vision becomes the result.
What You’ll Learn

• How to distill architecture to its essential forms
• Using light and shadow as compositional tools
• Identifying structure, rhythm, and balance within urban environments
• Composing with precision—before pressing the shutter
• Developing a more intentional photographic voice

Schedule Overview

Welcome & Introduction
Meet at Leica Store Chicago for a brief introduction and overview of the walk.

Photowalk: Michigan Avenue
Guided exploration focused on architectural abstraction, light, and composition.

In-Store Pause
Return to the Leica Store for a short break and informal discussion.

Final Location: Cloud Gate
Work with reflection, distortion, and scale to create compelling final images.

Closing
Group photo and final reflections.

About Francisco Marin:

Francisco Marin is a Mexican born architect and photographer. Besides being an avid traveler around the world, mostly in Asia, he lived in China and Singapore for 16 years where he dedicated his time to own and operate a successful photography studio with focus on Architecture and Fashion. In 2006 he started to teach photography in Shanghai until 2013 when he moved to Singapore. In Singapore, he continued his studio and started to teach at Leica Akademie in 2015. He taught different systems as well as other topics and became an Ambassador for the APC-S Leica camera systems. He was also photography teacher at LaSalle School of Arts in Singapore. Francisco also had shown his works in several exhibitions in Asia. He has 2 awards as a film maker in Shanghai at a local film festival. He is currently living in the US. He continues with his studio and is a member of Leica Akademie North America.

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