Sunset Sunday-Not the Signature Sunset from the John Hancock Center

Chicago offers one of the best skylines in the United States, if not the world. Of course, I am partial to New York, but I can also admit Chicago’s skyline is right there, especially when viewed form the John Hancock Observatory.

John Hancock Observatory Sunset

My goal during my last trip to the windy city was simple: to capture the view of the Chicago Skyline at sunset. To have a classic or perhaps signature Chicago sunset in the Sunset Sunday series. But the famous wind (it truly is the windy city) affected my view and the image. A thick San Francisco-like fog rolled across the sky from Lake Michigan as I walked the city streets to the John Hancock Center and the elevator that would carry me up the 1,000 feet to the John Hancock Observatory.  Visibility went from over two miles to less than two feet.

While waiting for tickets in the lobby, they announced due to poor visibility we wouldn’t see much, or really anything. Many left the line and I decided to join them. I simply thought I would return to the John Hancock Observatory another day.

the John Hancock Center in Chicago at sunset, by Craig Zabransky

a look up at sunset

Unexpected Magic at Sunset

On walking out, I looked up. Wow. As darkness descended and the city lights coupled with the last rays of sunlight illuminated the fog, I took off the lens cap and captured the moment.   Sure, it was not the classic (John Hancock) signature moment I desired for my Chicago sunset, but it was certainly a unique view from the city’s miracle mile and of the John Hancock Center.

Happy Sunset Sunday.

The image was selected for the 2016 Sunset Calendar. To order your copy of the 2016 Sunset Sunday Calendar > click the Lulu icon below
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Stay adventurous, Craig

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  • http://mariafalvey.net/ Maria

    Craig, that’s incredible shot. Really get the sense of how tall the John Hancock bldg is and the sky… I think it’s better because of the fog; romantic dreamscape.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      thanks Maria, romantic dreamscape… I like that. stay romantic, Craig

  • http://www.maryjdresselbooks.com/ Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

    Love this shot, Craig. Nothing like being up that high, and a sunset from up there would be priceless. But…yours is just as special. You’re a very lucky man at times when it comes to sunsets–in the right place at the right time. My profile photo is in Chicago, but it’s sunrise. How ’bout that.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Mary, thanks… didn’t know it was a Chicago sunrise… don’t think I saw any of them (too early for me usually) And, yes, definitely lucky with sunsets, but as my friend told me… “good fortune (luck) favors the prepared mind” – stay prepared, Craig

      • http://www.maryjdresselbooks.com/ Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

        Too early for me too, Craig. This was the end of my day, and near the end of a 25 mile bike ride through Chicago–overnight. You should try it. Stay Adventurous.

      • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

        That’s usually how I see the sunrise too… staying up through the night, although not often riding a bike. Sounds like a good time to ride through an empty and “quiet” city. … definitely an adventure…stay adventurous, Craig

  • Kim

    Love this beautiful and unique view you were able to capture :) We just got back from our first trip to Chicago and the sunsets truly are amazing!

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Thanks Kim… sunsets are amazing. period. And this was definitely unique… and very beautiful indeed. stay adventurous, Craig

  • http://www.jettingaround.com/ Pola

    GREAT shot! Hancock is my favorite skyscraper in Chicago and you did it justice.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Pola, that means a lot coming from a great photographer who loves city travel… glad I could do it justice. Thanks. Stay adventurous, Craig

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