Lost in the Winter Woods
The heart always knows the direction of the journey even when we are lost.
Dilapidated Barn
The dilapidated barn appears to rise among the cornfields, becoming an integral element of the natural landscape.
Photo taken in Somonauk, Illinois.
Street Lamp Shadows
The photo was taken on a sunny February afternoon in DeKalb, Illinois.
Hustle & Bustle
The hustle and bustle of an early Saturday evening in the rain-soaked city.
Photo taken in Chicago.
Daybreak on the Farm
The rising sun spotlights the singular tree in the barren fields.
Winter Splendor
Rows of trees line the virgin snowfall.
Photo taken at Cantigny Park in Illinois.
The Prairie and the Pump
The old water pump, circa 1871, stands as a background fixture permanently rooted in the prairie soil.
Photo captured at Peck Farm in Geneva, Illinois.
Blue Chicago
The onset of evening begins to reveal Chicago’s beautiful lakefront buildings, along with a pretty blue sky.
Off the Beaten Path
Never as linear as we might expect, life’s turns can lead to an unpredictable journey.
Chicago Lights
The striking colors of the city are reflected in the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan.
Dusk Descends on the Ferris Wheel
Photo captured at Chicago’s Navy Pier.
Still Open
Yes, it’s still open after all these years. Photo of the old door taken in Lemont, Illinois.
Red in the Land of Black and White
Winter can often be a season of natural black and white. The red cardinal adds a touch of color to the landscape.
Bending in the Wind
Although I grew up in the Chicago area, I lived in San Antonio for nearly fifteen years. Returning home to Chicago brought a fresh perspective and set of eyes, the ability to see old things in a new light.
I have probably seen prairie grass for most of my life without much consideration. Looking anew, I see stark beauty and winter strength. With ice crystals forming, the plant bends but refuses to break, a sure sign of incomparable resiliency.
Come and Play
Forever true to her eclectic personality, McGee was a constant ham for the camera, seemingly posing for the amusement of her companions. Although snow, water and play were her treasures, McGee was a connoisseur of all life’s experiences, both as a participant and teacher.
A few years ago, I chronicled McGee’s adaptability and capacity to find joy, which can be read here. She was a wonderful companion and friend, and is missed.
Rural Respite
Life on the prairie years ago was assuredly not a carefree existence, but the beauty of the rural setting evokes thoughts of an unhurried time, devoid of the trappings of today.
Photo captured at Peck Farm in Geneva, Illinois.
Broken Barn Doors
To some, “rustic” is a euphemism for antiquated – replace the old with the new, they believe. Yet there is a subtle beauty in all things old, things that have dutifully served a meaningful purpose and continue to survive.
Such is the case with these barn doors and windows. Somewhat battered perhaps, they have become resilient reminders of life’s journey and struggles, and the capacity to thrive in spite of the surrounding pressures and elements.
The Bald Eagle
Regal and proud, the national bird and treasure provides a sideways glance to the photographic visitor.
Emerging from the Fog
At the top of the bridge, the mysterious figure emerges from the fog, intentions unknown.
The Prairie Beckons
The quaint red barn, silo, and windswept prairie plants harken to life from another era. Photo captured at Peck Farm in Geneva, Illinois.
Lavender Dream
There is an old barn and hill near Kaneville, Illinois that has always fascinated me. Through the power of digital processing, I was able to transform the original capture into a more moody image.
Winding Path
Winter, while seemingly far too long in the Chicago area, has its own special elegance. This snow-lined path was captured at Bliss Woods in Sugar Grove, Illinois. The stark tree branches dusted with virgin snow add a natural black and white feel to the woodland setting.
Faces in the Clouds
Photo opportunities came come from the most unexpected places. I walked outside one recent evening and was surprised by the interchange of bright moon and swirling clouds. It was almost as if they were dancing around one another. I quickly grabbed the camera and began shooting. When I looked at the results later, I was even more surprised to find “faces” in the clouds. Yes, an overworked imagination may be at play, but one can still dream.
A Friend of Silence
“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass – grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence. We need silence to be able to touch souls.”
~ Mother Teresa
The Golden Intersection
Golden hair meets golden grass on the open prairie. My wife, Bridget, has often been a muse for my artistic endeavors. We were out on a walk the other day, and I thought her freshly cut hair blended perfectly with the golden prairie grass.
Broken Promises
A bottle of red highlights the empty table for two.
This photo was an old storefront in Sycamore, Illinois. I added some texture, and was pleased with the lonely, moody result.
Spun Gold
Willowy prairie plants at day’s end resemble a veritable web of golden radiance.
Photo taken on Christmas Eve, 2011, at Peck Farm in Geneva, Illinois. There was no snow, relatively mild temperatures, and plentiful sun — an afternoon for the ages.
Opposing Elements
Contradictory nature of a crusty old building in the park: dark yet filled with bright shadows, stark but leaves littering the floor, apparent warmth inside despite the sub zero frigid temperatures outside.
Path of Light
The golden prairie grass shines on the inviting path of light.
This photo was taken at Peck Farm in Geneva, Illinois. The sunlight was spectacular and the photo did not require any processing.
Forever Marilyn
Forever Marilyn is a statue of Marilyn Monroe designed by Seward Johnson.
The scene depicts the most famous image of Marilyn from the film The Seven Year Itch, and will remain in Chicago until the spring of 2012.
Chicago After Dark
Chicago starts to come alive as the sun goes down.
Photo captured on Michigan Avenue at the Chicago River on a Saturday evening. The lights were coming on and reflected nicely in the water.
Not Ready to Leave
Although physically removed from the trees, some leaves remain tied to their familial branches in the reflection.
I was on a walk the other morning, and did not find any significant captures. As I was heading back to the car, I saw the trees reflected in the small pool of fresh rain, surrounded by leaves. Never underestimate the unexpected.
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