Mark, I'm Near North. Tara & Marilyn (beachzz) have lots of terrific shots of my area in their gallery. Tara & Bill (bmac62) also have terrific shots of the Loop. I'm re-learning the Loop from Tara's gallery. Lots of different beauty in Indiana (I lived in Bloomington for a year.) Sounds like you're in the Gary/Hammond area...beautiful dunes there too.

Your pets are eating better than I am! Agree with Tara on the lighting, looks like something from a very expensive French restaurant. 

Below are 3 Edward Weston links. Famous 'pepper' studies: Contour, flow, mystery, etc. My computer's sputtering, hope I can get these up...