Aerial Views of Chicago from a Helicopter
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” ― Roald Dahl
For the past 11 years I’ve had the distinct privilege to call Chicago my home. For me, it is a magical architectural masterpiece that continues to uncover new perspectives time and time again. As anyone who knows me can attest, I have a passion for architecture, specifically high rise structures. I admire the strength and magnitude of Chicago’s super-talls. They stand strong and imposing, their shadows looming, juxtaposed against the beautiful natural surrounding that encompass this great city, most notably, Lake Michigan.
Many Chicagoans, if asked, would say that summer is the best time to experience the city. But not me. I fall in the minority, favoring fall and winter. Don’t get me wrong, sand volleyball under the warm summer sun is a fun way to experience the lake front, but the variety of the seasons inspires me to constantly explore. Sometimes it’s more fun to find the beauty in what other people think is miserable. The vibrant warm-toned colors of fall give way to the cool blues and grays of winter, and the city is transformed into a winter wonderland. The smell is so crisp and clean. And as you’ll see in the aerial photos below, Lake Michigan is transformed into a frozen tundra that appears to be unending.
So, how did I get to this super high vantage point to capture our frozen city? My husband, Nick, is a professional photographer and he’s incredibly obsessed with taking pictures of Chicago. Don’t believe me? Just take a quick look at his Instagram feed and you’ll see…the addiction is real. In some cases, I’m lucky enough to tag along on his photo shoots. The photos below are a result of just that. On Friday, February 27 we packed up our gear, headed to Midway Airport, and took our places in the four-seater helicopter. Piloted by the ever capable Ryan from Rotor Zen, we set off on a flight over Chicago.