I was born and raised in Illinois. After spending nearly two decades in Colorado, my wife and I moved back to be closer to our families. Illinois won’t be on anyone’s short list of most scenic states. However, as with everywhere I’ve traveled, I’ve found that there are photos for those who are open to the idea of finding them wherever they go. This gallery is my effort at showcasing the beauty of a forgotten state.
Blue in Gold
A great blue heron framed by out of focus goldenrod on September 4th, 2021 in Northern Illinois.
Egret Ballet
A great egret flaps its wings as if to takeoff in front of a paddle of wood ducks in Northern Illinois in the evening of October 3rd, 2021. While the egret wouldn\'t actually take-off, it made for an interesting frame with the wings spread.
Honeybee and Goldenrod
A honeybee is making good use of a large field of Goldenrod in Bensenville, IL on August 31st, 2021.
October Haberdashery
Sumac leaves in northern Illinois are shedding the green hues that they\'ve worn all summer for a range of vibrant reds and yellows on October 3rd, 2021.
Deer Panorama
It\'s hard to believe but this quiet scene is within 100 feet of a large warehouse and 800 feet of a major tollway. Beauty really can be found anywhere if you\'re willing to look for it.
Autumn Splendor at Churchville
The maple tree next to the old Churchville Schoolhouse in Bensenville, IL is just about at its peak autumnal glory on October 26th, 2021.
Oaks in Downpour
A grove of oak trees in Northern Illinois as seen in a downpour on August 29th, 2021.
Sears Tower Skydeck View
With apologies to the company that owns the current naming rights but it will always be the Sears Tower to anyone that grew up in Chicagoland.
Transformation
The sun is getting high enough in the sky to start burning off the heavy fog that has enveloped the Morton Arboretum on Christmas Eve, 2019. I was struck by the sense of transformation when I made this photo. Night into day. Fog into sunlight. And the last few leaves still hanging on for a bit longer despite winter\'s arrival with the solstice three days earlier. All life is change.
Lantern and Waterfall - Anderson Japanese Gardens
Detail shot from one of the water features at the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, IL on October 23rd, 2019.
El Light and Shadow
Afternoon sunlight on Leap Day, 2020 creates a dynamic pattern under the El tracks near the CTA\'s Armitage Station.
Autumn Waterfall - Anderson Japanese Gardens
The waterfall at Anderson Japanese Gardens at peak autumn foliage on October 23rd, 2019.
After the Rains - Matthiessen State Park
Heavy rains have caused the water levels to rise and given them a muddy hue at Matthiessen State Park on September 22nd, 2019.
Waterfall in Kaskaskia Canyon
2 days after Christmas, 2011, the waterfall in Kaskaskia Canyon in Starved Rock State Park is running quietly with far fewer visitors than it sees during the summer months.
Soft
Soft colors in soft light give an ethereal quality to this photo of oak trees at the Morton Arboretum on Christmas Eve, 2019.
Winter Woods
A forested scene at the Morton Arboretum on March 22nd, 2020 seems like the kind of place that Robert Frost had in mind when he wrote \"Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening.\"
Windows and Stairs - Aurora YWCA Building
Vine covered walls add some randomness to the more strict geometry of the windows and stairs on the old YWCA building in Aurora, IL on January 3rd, 2013.
735 - Aurora, IL
Warm light bathes the old Roney Oatman Dairy building on the west side of Aurora, IL on January 3rd, 2013.
Paramount Arts Center
The old Paramount Theater was revitalized and repurposed as an arts theater before I was born. Today it\'s one of the most beautiful buildings in downtown Aurora. It\'s shown here in the evening of April 16th, 2012.