[an actual] Fall in the Midwest

One of the few things that I appreciate about living in the Midwest is that I am actually able to witness one of my favorite times of the year: fall.

In California, we don't get the same treatment for fall. The late summer - early fall is usually characterized by hot weather as we transition into a cool down that eventually leads to the rainy season. However, the midwest treats you to something more characteristic of a traditional fall - leaves that change colors ranging from yellow to orange and red, which contribute to gorgeous and lavish backgrounds accentuated by bokeh; flowers showing the last bits of their magnificence before they perish with the cool down; squirrels and chipmunks collecting in preparation of the long cold spell. Last year, it felt like we only were able to enjoy a narrow two to three week period of fall before the rain, wind and snow destroyed the wonderful natural colors. With this in mind, I decided to bring the cam with me on campus in the last week to take some pictures of all that is fall.

I had to get my Schwinn in on the action as well.

Finally, it wouldn't be fall without a view of the skies. This was taken right after a large dose of rain brought many of the colorful foilage to the ground. It's a sign of the impending winter looming closer by the day.

Welcoming a fellow west-coast brotha

It's good to have another Cali brotha here in the Chi, especially a good friend from undergrad. Carlos Laurie is originally from LA, attended UC Davis for undergrad, and is currently in the Marriage and Family Therapy Masters Program at Northwestern University. He came by for a quick photosession before a night of sports. All of these pics were taken with one light (and bounce cards for two of the three).

Welcome to the midwest, NU and let's hope you're ready for the winter bro.

What I'm missing...

Hey what's good folks?

It's been a while since I've posted anything, or taken many shots! After moving back to Chicago, I've shifted my focus more towards school, the graduate program and potential dissertation topic, so the photos have and will be taking a back seat for a little bit. However, it doesn't mean that I won't be able to post pics that I've take in the last few months.

Right now, with fall kicking in out here (meaning temps in the 40s and 50s), I'm really missing California and the wonderful weather out there. Besides the people (friends and fam), I really miss driving and being able to enjoy the autumn scenery as I drive throughout Northern California.

This image was taken off one of my favorite roads to drive - Hwy 29 between Calistoga and Middletown. This shot was taken adjacent to the water spot (for those familiar with the area) where you can fill up for free. Calistoga actually fills up across the way from that same spot. Although it wasn't fall at the time, I tried to edit it to emulate how I remember fall to look in that area around this time of the year.

The drive itself is an amazing mixture of uphill and downhill scenery that gives you a good view of the northern Napa Valley while also giving you a taste of the wilderness that would lead many to believe that they're even further from civilization than they really are. As I drove up the road with a friend, I couldn't help but take my time and look around, taking in the rustling of the leaves from the high tree canopy above with the daylight peeking through. At night, it's common to see strands of the Milky Way from this high and away from light pollution. I try to make it a point to come out onto this road each time I'm back in Cali. Whether rain or shine, it's been a long time fav. Especially since I'm currently surrounded by endless cityscape and populated areas, I try to take advantage of roads like these anytime I can.

For those that can, definitely make a drive up there and if you can go topless (top down, t-tops or sun/moonroof off), make it happen!

Until next time, hang easy!