'Susan May Moody Exposed' gives snapshots of real life

The shadows on skyscrapers and the fashionable spiked heels on a morning commuter both catch the eye of Susan May Moody on any given day. But instead of letting a perfect composition get away, Moody snaps the fleeting image with her point-and-shoot camera.

Moody is the lady with a camera in her hand. Locally, Moody is a favorite among local artists and musicians and has become the unofficial paparazzi at art shows and concerts.

During the week, Moody posts photos of her daily walk to "the Bean" from her office in downtown Chicago. Some of Moody's shots are akin to Humans of New York; others are more candid.

"People and what they do fill me up. I know that every one of them has a story to tell. Outside of stopping each of them and asking (for their story), I attempt with the random shots to capture part of their story, and if it appeals to someone else, they can make a story for them," said Moody, who will show her work for the first time at the Yetee Gallery on Friday, May 1.

Since 16, Moody has toted around a camera and is always ready for the next perfect shot.

"I have always been that girl with a camera in her hand. I took it to every rock concert in the 1970s and have been blessed to have awesome shots of some of rock's greats," she said.

Moody's photography really took off several years ago when she started walking to Millennium Park during her lunch hour.

"I would watch people take the normal 'selfies' at The Bean, then I started approaching them inquiring if I could shoot a different 'fun' shot. Most agree, which is how 'Jumping at the Bean' started," Moody said, referring to her popular Facebook page.

"I have met people from all over the world, in different situations of life, most happy, some hopeful, and some sad. But at the end of the day I am always happy my camera has captured part of their lives and brought a smile, at least for a short while," Moody said.

The opening of "Susan May Moody Exposed" will be 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday, May 1, during First Fridays, at Yetee Gallery, 110 Cross St. in downtown Aurora.

The reception is free and open to the public; photos and prints will be available to purchase.