Some randoms from around the city....

Just a quick post with some shots that I have taken over the past year around Chicago. Enjoy.

Tara and David...

The other day I had the absolute pleasure of shooting some photos for my friends Tara and Joe and their son David. Unfortunately Joe was at work, but Tara and David came by the house and hung out for the morning. We had a great time chatting and listening to David coo while I snapped away. These are some of my faves. The first shot of the five is one of the best captures I've had in my life as a photographer. The combo of difficulties (narrow depth of field of a 2.5 macro lens, a moving baby, manual exposure and focus) really make this a memorable shot for me. When I knew I had Tara reflected in David's eye, I was ecstatic. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.

Kristina's Maternity pics...

Pregnancy is undeniably one of the greatest processes and events that we as humans can experience. The changes that a woman (and the man) go through are nothing short of unbelievable. I have had the pleasure of seeing Tina go through this process. Below are some photos of her. We spent the day hitting a few choice spots here in Chicago and then went out to the Morton Arboretum. I hope these photographs convey the beauty and strength that Tina possesses each day on her road to becoming a mother. Much love to her and Baby Danger. Oh, and while posing for an idea she had, Tina took one of me too...ridiculous, always.

The first of a work in progress...

As you can see from an earlier post, I have a rather unobstructed view of the Chicago skyline and the Sears Tower ("What you talkin' about Willis?"). So of course I get to see this view in all types of weather conditions including thunderstorms. With thunderstorms of course comes lightning and with that comes The Sears Tower getting absolutely hammered by some of the largest lightning bolts this weather geek has ever seen. This photo was taken last week when some cells moved through and delivered a quite a show. I was inside of my place due to the rain, so that is the reflections that you see and the spots are from the rain drops on the glass. This is a work in progress, but I still wanted to share this photo, as it is my first of a building being struck by lightning. Enjoy.

In keeping with catching up....

I went to So ILL with my friends Bill and August a while back and wanted to put up some pics from the experience; unfortunately because of statute of limitations, extradition laws, PETA, the EPA, and respect for our loved ones; I'm only able to post this one picture. It is of August's shoes. He left them outside after a very long night that included his car "ending up" a couple thousand feet off of Chris' driveway and the nearest road (this can be verified by both a third and fourth party). These shoes perfectly capture the weekend and the night: beat up, left out, and came out clean...sort of.

Views from home....

So it's been a while since my last post, as I have been in the midst of a move to a new place and the beginning of wedding season. This post is a series of shots that I have taken over the last few weeks of the view from the porch. Those of you who know the residences that I have had over the past 10+ years as a full time climber may be slightly shocked to see that this is my view right now. But I find it no less wild and beautiful than the other views I've had...just very different. Enjoy and it's nice to be back.

NHB 8

I shot a climbing competition out at Vertical Endeavors climbing gym in Warrenville and had a blast. Tons of competitors came ready to climb and have fun. Here are a few select pics from the day.