Lincoln Park Zoo; Chicago, IL: It’s crazy the amount of noise that was bouncing around in my head when I snapped this shot. This quiet, serene spot came out of nowhere as I bounded around the zoo for some clarity. I was able to stop, listen to the silence, and regain some inner peace. 5/6/17

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT: At war with the mice for the comforts of the Jeep, MATTHEW found himself enter into another epic battle with his phone battery just as he arrived at the stunning Bryce Canyon. He could barely bring his eyes to look up at all the texture and pattern he was so frustrated, but when he did finally open his eyes to the beauty before him, it took him to the highest peaks to explore the bounty of each perspective. 10/14/17

Sedona, AZ: Being alone can be scary, dangerous. Defeating. Deafening. When I sat on a rock in a canyon while the water rushed by me, there was no humankind in sight; still, I felt heard and seen. I felt like my whole self. I felt alive. It was enough to get my words going. 1/14/17

Downers Grove, IL: This friendly flier stopped by my parents’ place to bask in the glow of a sunflower. I had to get up close and personal for this shot, but the butterfly was unflapped and ready to pose. 9/5/18

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ: It was a long drive from Phoenix to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. When I arrived to the park, I wasn’t sure what I was looking for, relying on the map to guide me to where I was supposed to be. Then, I found it and saw how lost I had been. 1/13/17

Chicago, IL: I didn’t know what to expect at an industry event for the event industry. When I first walked up, this was my view. Looking back, it almost feels like an I, Spy picture.

Chicago-bound from Orlando, FL: I was sick as a…dog? Person who gets the flu? It wasn’t ideal flying conditions, I’ll put it that way. Still, I couldn’t deny the awe-inspiring color scheme as the sun set, making me smile as it burst forth above the wave of clouds. 2/10/18

Carson National Forest, NM: It’s a challenge to find Laguna Larga on a map, it’s even more difficult to drive to this secluded area without a 4x4. It was a tough few days without phone service (and people in general), but it was where I reignited my passion and joy. 9/19/17

Huron-Manistee National Forests, MI: Being caught in a rainstorm is an exhilarating experience. Feeling the water rush down on you, listening to it sweep through the trees; this was everything I needed from this peaceful stroll through the forest. 7/10/17

Indiana State Dunes, IN: I love how these trees stand out along the sand, looking out over the lake; one, the elder teaching the younger tree how to remain still even through the most turbulent of times. 5/23/18

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, IL: Though it’s not as grandiose as my previous adventures, this forest is the perfect getaway when I need some air, space, and nature. I can’t believe all I’ve spied there. 12/19/17

Guanella Pass, CO: It was getting colder with each move into higher elevation—obviously—but I wasn’t prepared at all for the conditions. Still, I wanted to reach further because each view that turned up was even more gorgeous. 10/17/17

Chicago, IL: There is something so captivating about the twists and turns of a tree; the limbs reaching up toward the sun as the roots stay grounded beneath. 6/26/17

Smoky Mountains, TN: Wet Bottom Trail…what a name. But for real, this was an experience of a lifetime as my friend and I ventured on an extended hike together to reach this oasis. 8/20/17

Piestewa Peak, AZ: Woah. I don’t know where all the self-confidence came from, but before I knew it, I was climbing up the side of a cliff without a trail to follow. I won’t say it was the smartest decision, but damn…what a feeling. 1/15/17

Morton Arboretum; Lisle, IL: Is it weird to say this is how I feel inside? :) I learned I really enjoy the combination of lights, music, and snow. Add some hot chocolate…perfection. 12/29/17

Sedona, AZ: It’s funny what we let touch us and what we shoo away. I was pleasantly surprised by this little one landing on my arm; I was even more impressed with the willingness to pose for the shot. 9/29/17

Great Smoky Mountains, TN: I had been to the Smokies once before, but had failed to take in the wonderment of nature. When I finally did open my eyes, I was curious if all the trees were staring back at me. Do they have an opinion what they see? I listened closely and heard the answer. 10/18/16

Lake Michigan, IL: It was a difficult decision to leave Chicago, but I often overlooked the draw of the water even when I lived here. Some days, it is calm. Other days, it is choppy and rough. When I came back to visit, I finally saw it in all its glory in the way it should be viewed. 7/13/17

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, IL: I was contemplating a lot when I returned, like whether or not I would be able to find my way back to nature. I visited Greene Valley often to get my fix, and I was regularly treated to spectacular views like this one. 12/30/17

Cathedral Rock, AZ: Though it wasn't a planned stop, a recommendation from one of the hot air balloon workers prompted me to take a quick detour and hike to catch this beautiful view before I left Sedona. It was obviously well worth it. 10/1/17

Eastown, Grand Rapids: A perfect way to end the day: going out to Wilcox Park to reflect, read, and take in the sunset. It was quite remarkable to be sitting at this picnic table as the day shifted to night.7/25/17

Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, AK: It's hard to decide sometimes which is better: the all-consuming caterpillar or the majestic butterfly. I got a chance to see both in their element in the Ozarks, and though this caterpillar is beautiful with it's gold features, nothing beats the butterfly (except maybe a spider). 9/12/17

Chicago, IL: In the heart of Boystown, I found myself in front of the largest crowd I’ve seen. Luckily, the eyes weren’t on me, at least not from what I could tell. What an electrifying experience to see so much love and support over Pride weekend. 6/26/16

Eastown, MI: I was a huge fan of women’s gymnastics growing up, but I knew that my maleness would prohibit me from every competing in my favorite event: the balance beam. I wouldn’t say this was an exact replica, but it gave me the strength, fearlessness, and balance to tackle this challenge daily. 9/1/17

Chicago Botanic Garden, IL: It was the orchid show, and though I haven’t been able to keep an orchid alive in several tries, I was amazed by the variety in petal shape, size, and color. I didn’t learn how to save an orchid’s life, but I did get a chance to see how bountiful their lives can be. 2/18/17

Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, AK: I mean...come on! This was taken with my old iPhone, which means I had to get awfully close to snap this photo. It goes to show, when you're willing to be inspired by the beauty unfolding around you, nature has the best pose. 9/13/17

Arches National Park, UT: Though it's not technically an arch, Arches National Park had me looking high and low as I battled through phone issues, mouse invaders, and road construction in the park. However, the magnificent structures remained standing despite the chaos going on in my life. 10/16/17

Great Smoky Mountains, TN: What an incredible trail! Alum Cave provided such a diverse viewpoint at each stop along the way. Susan and I had our work cut out for us as we traversed up the mountain, but it was well worth it with the amazing perspective it gave us. 8/20/17

Phoenix, AZ: It was Pride weekend in Phoenix when I visited my friend for our shared birthday. We met these incredible DJs at brunch prior to the show; when we got to Pride, we were able to up a bird’s eye view of the festivities from the DJ deck! 4/6/19

Marble Canyon, AZ: I spent the first few days overlooking this luscious area; taking in all the break-taking views from above. Then, I ventured down into the canyon for a different perspective. I never imagined what I would find. 10/4/17

Waterfall Glen, IL: As I was walking along with my mother, I happened to look down and spot this praying mantis frozen in place. I had never seen one out and about quite like this before, and I was happy he was able to strike such a perfect pose for the shot! 8/25/17

Ensenada, Mexico: What a breath-taking view. After a rough and tumble experience in the ocean the day before, this beauty enchanted me, calling me back in like a siren. 2/10/19

Sequoia National Park: Wow! I could not believe the size (and age) of these trees along the Sherman Tree Trail. Though it made me feel a bit inadequate, it reminded me to stand tall and grow up while firmly rooting myself. 9/10/18