Chicagohenge 2019 - Spring Equinox - Chicago Loop

I have been infatuated with Chicagohenge since learning about it not long after I moved here and I made it a point to schedule it in my calendar this spring so I wouldn’t forget. What is Chicagohenge, you ask? During the fall and spring equinoxes, the rising & setting sun lines up perfectly with Chicago’s street grid and creates a beautiful phenomenon that is coined Chicagohenge. The sun and it’s beautiful direct light dance in the street between the high-rises, traffic and pedestrians. Look down any East-West street in part of the Loop and see the sun framed perfectly between the buildings. It’s gorgeous! If you’re ever in Chicago on either the spring or fall equinox, make sure you’re in the Loop for this spectacular wonder! Get there early to grab a spot; its popularity is catching on and the streets are filled with cameras!

This year I went down there two nights in a row, both evenings after the actual equinox, because it was cloudy and gloomy on the actual night of the equinox. I first went to Randolph & LaSalle, near the Cadillac Palace Theatre and the view was similar to the last time I shot there. The second night I went to Millenium Park (Michigan Ave & Washington) to challenge myself and try a different angle and location. I ended up loving the shots from MP the most, which I was extremely surprised by. Always a good reminder to get out of your comfort zone! Check out some of my favorite photos from the second night with the “L”, the pedestrians and the gorgeous ball of glowing fire in the distance. Chicago, you never cease to amaze me.

Much love, friends!

My favorite. I have always admired Henri Cartier-Bresson and this made me think of his work when I saw the image on the back of my camera. "There is a creative fraction of a second when you are taking a picture. Your eye must see a composition or an expression that life itself offers you, and you must know with intuition when to click the camera. That is the moment the photographer is creative." - Henri Cartier-Bresson

Chicagohenge 2017. An Ode to Chicago.

I tried my hardest to get to Chicagohenge last year but as it turned out, my Boudoir Day happened the same day and we ran late & I missed it. So, I made it a goal to see it this year and I may have been a day or so early (I'm not sure which exact date it was) but it was close enough for me!

What is Chicagohenge?? When the sun's rays and the city's grid align perfectly to create an enchanting wonder of light. This city is always beautiful to me, but this was astonishing to watch! I walked all over the north Loop, looking for what I thought would be a great spot to see it and ended up at the corner of State Street and Randolph with the Oriental Theatre directly in view. I was shooting and dodging traffic, waiting for the sun to do its' dance, and suddenly it inched its way around a towering building and it took my breath away. See my Instagram shot that I grabbed with my phone to see some sun flare trail. Below are just a few of my favorites from the evening. Next year I'll find a different spot and bring a model along and see what I get! You know I love a pretty photo but let's get a human(s) in there and I'll melt! 

Speaking of melting... I have never been so in love with a city in my life. Excuse me while I get a bit philosophical. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and that we are meant to be where we're at in life, but I can't help but wish I'd moved here sooner. Although, had I done that, I may not have experienced it or appreciated it the way I am now. Chicago, I love you and how you've opened my heart & helped me feel more alive than ever.

Merchandise Mart looking glorious in that delicious golden light. The L went by at the right moment. 

I love a good reflection!

Be still my heart.