Marengo is where I grew up and the place I will always call home. Our setting is very rural for a home so close to Chicago. We have a creek running along the half mile driveway which leads to our house situated on a wooded five acre land surrounded by hundreds of acres of rich Illinois farmland. In addition to a grove of hickory, oak and walnut trees we have a large pine forest that reminds me of a National Forest campsite. The vegetation and abundant  wildlife attracted to the creek  create a scene so majestic that you might expect to see it  on the Discovery channel. Growing up in this setting allowed me to appreciate both nature and life in general. My brothers and I explored the creek and our surroundings whenever we could and at all time throughout the year.  There was always plenty to do: rafting down the creek, camping in the woods, playing soccer in our own soccer field and basketball on the blacktop at the end of the driveway. The possibilities for fun and adventure were endless.

  The pictures in this section will show you some of the great natural settings Marengo offers and why it was such a perfect place for me to grow up and expand my appreciation for nature photography. Without question the natural setting of my home  has affected my photography profoundly.

  My amazing family and many of my best friends still live in Marengo, making it a great place to return and  feel welcome and comfortable and relaxed ... just like home.    

 

A Slice of Paradise......