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

Reese Turns ONE! {Madison, WI First Birthday}

My sweet niece Reese turned one this past weekend and we celebrated her in style! You know I had to take some photos to document her big milestone and she was one of the easiest one-year olds I’ve ever photographed!! (I think it helped that her big sister was assisting me!) Usually it’s the other way around when it comes to my nieces :) Reesie is a March 1st baby so we did a spring theme for her photo shoot - tulips and tutus. She’s going to grow up to love tulips like her Auntie Coney, I just know it. I even got to be in a photo with her and her big sister. Thanks so much to my sister for grabbing a quick photo of us all.

I love you, baby girl!

Happy 4th of July!

Hello! Just wanted to pop in and say Happy 4th of July week! I spent the weekend before the 4th in Wisconsin visiting family, snuggling my dog, squeezing my nieces and taking photos. It was so relaxing to be out of the city for a long weekend. Never thought I'd say that it was nice to get out of Chicago. Who am I becoming?! When I returned home from Wisconsin in the wee hours of the 4th, I decided I wanted to do something I've never done before: photograph fireworks! In all my years as a photographer, both amateur and pro, I've never done it and I am really wondering why! I had so much fun photographing the Glen Ellyn fireworks, and was so close to the action, that I wish I'd done this sooner. I blew off the dust on my tripod that I rarely use anymore and had a blast playing with shutter speeds and seeing how I could capture this lovely show. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and got to take in a fireworks show. If not, see my favorites below!