Around Chicago

I've lived in Chicago for more than 4 years now and still have so many things to see and do. This city really has so much to offer. This summer we took a weekend to be "tourists". We walked around downtown snapping pictures of all the hot spots and seeing things that we had never really appreciated before. It was fun to see your own city through a new lens. Here are a few of the pics:

That is some Canadian pride

Fun With Shadows

When I was a child I used to love playing games with shadows. I think we all did. There is something innocent and pure about the way light plays tricks on on us. In a recent photo assignment, we had to find and capture shadows. It was amazing how mysterious and puzzling shadows instantly became. I started analyzing the different shapes formed out of everyday objects. Objects that I pass by everyday became puzzles, adding layers of curiosity. As I completed my assignment, I noticed that my eye is drawn to deep contrast. The shadows that had the highest intensity were the ones that sucked me in. Below are a few of my favorites:

 

Who are you looking at?

My nephew is the most hilarious little person to photograph. I can't stop looking back at pictures I've taken and laughing out loud. He has one of those smiles that lets him get away with anything (well, from his Aunt at least)...

These pictures below show how this little monkey just melts my parents. They just can't get enough of their grandchildren!

Baby Goat

Evan's Aunt had an encounter with a very friendly baby goat at her son's wedding, aka the "Goat Farm" wedding. It was the most spectacular thing to capture on camera. Her emotions were priceless. I am not sure who enjoyed it more... Evan's Aunt or the Goat!

H-H-H-U-D

I never thought that I would say this, but I actually love going back home to good ole' Hudson, Ohio. The town I grew up in has such an incredible amount of charm that is captivating. Walking along Main Street has a unique feeling of old meets modern, in a classy and unpretentious kind of way.  Whenever I visit, I get this satisfying feeling that I belong there and always relive the memories that occurred on the streets of my town. Oh are there memories!

These pictures are from when I was home over Memorial Day.

Summer Flowers

Ah flowers... What girl doesn't appreciate a beautiful bouquet of flowers in her life? No matter where I am shooting, I always find myself snapping some of mother nature's finest. It just so happens that if you are a girl that loves flowers - you can't seem to avoid the insect friends that accompany them.

Goat Farm Wedding

Evan's cousin got married this summer on a goat farm in North Carolina. It was as beautiful and unique as the honored newlyweds. The food was authentic, the drinks were flowing and the band was absolutely fantastic! In between busting a move and quenching my thirst, I took a lot of pictures of the magnificent day.

Everyone Needs a Bicycle

I really like bicycles for some reason. I especially like taking pictures of bicycles. Here is one that I found on Wellington. It's a pretty intense bike with a huge front light and colorful handle bars. It really makes me wonder who is the owner of this fine piece of transportation.

Grace Cathedral

Just one picture for tonight. This picture is also from our San Francisco trip - it is of the sign outside of a gorgeous church in the city. I really love the angle that this was taken at. In photoshop, I brightened up the color of the flowers a bit to create more contrast.

San Francisco

Evan and I went to San Francisco in March for a long weekend getaway. It was our first weekend with the new camera so some of the pictures I look back on now and think they could be so much better. We had a great time walking around, drinking great wine and eating fantastic food. San Francisco is such a beautiful city with so much to offer. Every time I'm there I fall in love with the bay area.

Below are a few pictures of our trip. Check them out...