Local Lens is a series where Block Club Chicago explores the story behind the photograph.

CHICAGO — I knew I wanted to be a journalist because I loved telling stories, but I rarely thought about how I’d tell my own. Luckily, this is a job that leaves you with a story to tell every single day.  

From my first day with Block Club in November, it’s been a whirlwind of emotions. For six months, I’ve woken up early for shoots, traveled to parts of the city I’d never visited and stayed up into the wee hours of the morning editing. 

Photojournalists are “professional noticers” — as originally put by Vanity Fair photographer Christopher Anderson — and I’ve enjoyed being able to notice on such a wonderful stage.

And every Block Club reporter I’ve worked with has taught me something meaningful about this job. Though their styles are different, they all have their ways of immersing themselves in the community and telling deep stories.

I’m so happy that my photos have been able to play a role in that. 

In Chicago, every neighborhood feels like its own city. Every community has its own visual identity, from the German architecture and Puerto Rican murals of Humboldt Park to the terra cotta arches of Chinatown.

The streets, much like its people, have stories to tell. I’ll take any excuse to capture that.

See Jeremy’s favorite photos from his internship:

Students protest during a walkout outside of River Park on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

Marimar Martinez listens during a news conference in the Loop on Feb. 11, 2026. Credit: Jeremy Battle/ Block Club Chicago

Fredrick Jackson sits in between rounds in the Battle of the Badges at De La Salle Institute on Friday, April 17, 2026. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

A patron enjoys a drink at Red Pepper’s Lounge at 428 E. 87th St. on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

A community member demonstrates during the Community Commission for Public Safety & Accountability’s community meeting at Kelly High School on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

Families await the debut of rhino calf Hazina at the Lincoln Park Zoo on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

Lilly Frazer uses a welding torch while teaching her ringmaking class at Lillstreet Art Center on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

Willie Wilson stands near the window of his Loop high rise home on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

A dog sits in a cage at Chicago Animal Care and Control, 2741 S. Western Ave., on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

Igor Does My Bike owner Igor Kolomiychenko works on bikes at 3650 N Recreation Drive on Monday, April 13, 2026. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

Trays of Rosca de Reyes sit at La Baguette on 3103 W. 26th St. on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

Chicago Reader editor Sarah Conway sifts through the Reader’s records at 2930 S. Michigan Ave. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

Records sit inside Out of the Past Records at 4407 W. Madison St. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard watch from the deck of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, Chicago’s Christmas Ship, after it docked at Navy Pier on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks with press in his ceremonial office at City Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

CPD boxer Esteban Gonzalez misses against CFD boxer Nick Chevas during the Battle of the Badges at De La Salle Institute on Friday, April 17, 2026. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago

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