2020 Highlight Reel
Welcome to my annual time capsule project! This collection of photos represents my favorite selection of photos from the year. Enjoy!
FEBRUARY
Where: Milwaukee Museum of Art
For one of our first dates together, my partner and I made a trek out from Chicago to Milwaukee and visited the Milwaukee Art Museum. As a fan of modern architecture, I was immediately taken with the satisfying lines, curves, and shapes of this fascinating building. Though I could have chosen to wait for the people to leave, I almost liked their presence purely for scale reference. (Find the first shot here on my shop)
APRIL
Where: Nickerson Beach, Boston, MA
Shortly before the start of the pandemic, Adit and I temporarily relocated to Boston for work. About a week after our move, the pandemic hit and shortly thereafter the lockdown ensued. To remedy the cabin fever, we spent a lot of our time at this park, watching the planes come in with the backdrop of a spectacular sunset.
JUNE
Where: Bahá’í House of Worship, Chicago
From my first year in Chicago, I was introduced to the architectural beauty that is the Bahá’í House of Worship. This shot was taken during Covid, so alas we couldn’t go inside, but the midsummer sun shining off the intricate white details is always a sight to behold.
JULY
Where: Midway Plaisance Park, University of Chicago Campus
Taken on the Fourth of July, my roommates and I went out to the Midway on UChicago campus and lit some small sparklers. The Midway is known for having these pillars of light lining the street. Taking a long exposure and zooming in at the same time, I was able to create a neat streaking effect with the silhouette of one of my roommates in the middle.
AUGUST
Where: Hyde Park, Chicago
This shot was captured from the fire escape of my old apartment. We would typically sit out on the landing and watch the spectacular stormy sunsets that were the norm of Chicago summers and one night I noticed the building next to us was under renovation. The stark contrast between the orange light from inside and the blue hue of the building during blue hour caught my eye. This photo is entitled “Peering on Progress” and you can find it here on my shop.
Where: Ping Tom Park, Chinatown, Chicago
Battling the cabin fever once again, Adit and I would set out in search of interesting vantage points of the city at sunset. Following one of Chicago’s famous summer storms, I was able to capture this during blue hour, with the famous Sear’s Tower antenna getting swallowed by the clouds. (Find it here on my shop)
Where: Adler Planetarium, Chicago
In 2020, Chicago experienced the tails of a storm known as a Derecho. If you’re not from the Midwest, chances are you have no idea what that is. Essentially, imagine a hurricane but in a land-locked part of the country. While Iowa got the brunt of the storm, Chicago ended the night with a spectacular sunset.
Where: O’Hare International Airport
Sunsets like these I like to refer to as cotton candy. When the clouds turn this pink, it makes me feel like I can just reach up and grab a fluff and eat it :) This was taken from the top level of a parking structure near the airport. It was always quiet and watching the planes take off, especially with a sunset like this, was always so meditative. (Find it here on my shop)
Where: Logan Arts Center, University of Chicago
Again from the top of a parking structure, this time on University of Chicago campus, my partner and I were able to witness this beauty. With an incredible golden streak swirling across the middle, and just the tip of the sun visible as it dips below the horizon, this would definitely have to be on my list of most beautiful sunsets.
OCTOBER
Where: Mt. Soledad Veteran’s Memorial, San Diego, CA
For my annual portrait, this one has always caught my attention. Maybe it’s the vivid colors, or the leading lines, or maybe it’s that this place and image capture the essence of my pandemic experience. Kate Sessions Park and Mt. Soledad were a frequent refuge for Adit and I. We would often stake out a spot and eat some takeout and warm up in the sun before retreating back home.
NOVEMBER
Where: Yuma, AZ
After spending some time with my family in San Diego, Adit and I decided it was time to return to the midwest. Having never been to much of the southwest, we planned a route and headed east. As the sun set over Yuma, Arizona, the moon began to rise, perfectly timed to get this beautiful purple hue. Since then, we refer to this timing as a “Yuma Moonrise.” (Find it here on my shop)
Where: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
One of the first major stops on our roadtrip was the Grand Canyon. Having heard the rumors and seen the pictures of the swarming crowds, it was almost eerie seeing the park so empty. While the midday lighting was not ideal for photos, the beauty in the deep purples of the canyon was unmistakable.
DECEMBER
Where: Albuquerque, NM
One of the following stops was Albuquerque, New Mexico. Though planned as sort of a “layover” city with just a quick break for food and sleep before continuing on, Albuquerque caught us by surprise. With a fresh layer of snow on the mountains and beautifully quaint adobe style homes, we fell in love. On our way out of the city, I shot this image of some birds lined up on some light-posts with a backdrop of the snowy Sandia's. Little did we know that this place would soon become home.
Where: Coralville, IA
Shortly after arriving in Iowa, a massive blizzard hit, dropping more than a foot of snow on our doorstep. As we cozied in, I shot this through my bedroom window. The snow covered trees through the somewhat retro looking paneled windows reminded me of a Christmas card.
Where: Gateway Arch National Park, MO
Driving down from Iowa to Tennessee we made a pit-stop at Gateway Arch National Park. This would be National Park #2 on our checklist thus far. Due to Covid measures, the groups able to ride the lift to the top of the arch were smaller, thus once we got to the top, we had a whole view to ourselves practically. With the low hanging clouds still clinging to the tops of the buildings the effects was quite surreal.
Where: Gateway Arch National Park, MO
Here is another vantage from the top. From here you can see the Capitol Building, the same hotel in the distance, and the shadow of the arch itself with a faint double shadow. (Find it here on my shop)
Where: Gateway Arch National Park, MO
Back on the ground, here is a more macro shot of the arch. The ability of the arch to create a shadow in the sky was something I’ve never seen anywhere else. That faint dark line coming out from the peak of the arch, is indeed a shadow. From the base, the arch looks so spindly and delicate, as if suspended by an invisible cord. (Find it here on my shop)
Where: Knoxville, TN
Christmas morning in Knoxville, we woke up to a blanket of white. Something quite unusual for Tennessee, but remarkably beautiful. I love the coldness of the surroundings, the white snow, white building, cold colored sky, contrasted with the warmth of the window and the building reflected opposite. Almost looks like you are peering through the glass to a building on the other side rather than a reflection.
Where: Gatlinburg, TN
On our way to the Smoky Mountains National Park, we paused in Gatlinburg to snag some pictures of this epic retro car caked under a fresh layer of powdery snow. The pristine cleanliness of the car with the fresh snow made for an amazing high contrast shot.
Where: Raccoon Mountain, Chattanooga, TN
To cap the year off, Adit and I made a day trip out to his old stomping grounds in Chattanooga. There we made an excursion up to Raccoon Mountain and did a little walk around. Alas, no raccoons, but we did find this neat pond where the ripples froze creating beautiful patterns in the ice.