This week’s top photo comes from Visual Journalist Anthony Vazquez. Follow him on Instagram.
What makes this photo great?
I like how it captures the depth of both the water and the damage, stretching across such a long expanse. It further emphasizes just how much water had flooded the neighborhood.
How did you get the shot?
Despite the freezing temperatures — I believe it was around 10 degrees that day—the reporter and I decided to explore the neighborhood. When we first arrived, we stood in the same spot where the police vehicle is visible in the background. We could have taken photos from there and called it a day, but instead, we chose to brave the cold and thoroughly explore the neighborhood to better understand the damage and speak with residents.
This shot was taken after an hour of carefully navigating major flooded areas— occasionally misjudging the water’s depth and soaking our feet. After taking the long way around, we finally reached a berm that provided a clear, elevated view of the submerged street.
Technical details:
- Equipment: Canon EOS R5 with a RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM lens
- Focal length: 200 mm
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Exposure: 1/6400
- ISO: 800
9 more great photos from the Sun-Times staff
Nicole Smith, who was hired with the Office of Air and Radiation at the U.S. EPA Region 5 at the end of December and fired last Friday, joins other federal workers and their supporters for a rally in Federal Plaza in the Loop to protest the Trump administration’s firings of employees at federal agencies with offices in Chicago, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
