Mark it is such a pleasure to see you posting again in any form. Your photos are superb and you really managed to capture the true beauty of your neighborhood here. Please take your time and make sure your rested for your trip.

The blue reflection,flat shapes creates such a marked contrast to the organic form of the red flowers.This is a wonderful glimpse into your world ,Mark.

Awesome shot :)

As this loaded, I watched all the sweet details--and then that tree popped up--that's the BEST!! The red just makes this shot, well, that and the reflections, and the glass, and well, ALL of it!!

Contrasts against contrasts; I was struck by the beautiful details on the closer building, one of those lovely older ones, against the glass of the newer one. And then of course the gorgeous organic shape and color of the red tree against the man-made buildings...wonderful capture, Mark!

I can't get over the mix of the old and the new in your part of town (I know I've said that before):) I have not read a lick about architectural photography but I have a feeling you've captured the essence right here. Three diverse buildings, three different periods, glass, brick, concrete...all colored by nature proving bushes and trees grow in Chicago too:-) Beautiful composition.

Wonderful photograph Mark!The composition is beautiful.The point of view show so much creativity! The reflections in the great building and the light, he beauty of the older,near us,and the contrasts you captured are fantastics. And the contrast between the tress is beautiful...one is waiting and the other breathes life and colour. Be well and good trip:))

The old abuts the new. Other than delivering a sincere "scintillating and superb" on this go-around, especially considering this is one of your early attempts at photography, my comments pretty well echo those posted above, Mark. Have a beneficial and restful time during your hiatus.

A lovely crisp photo. Have a good holiday.

You already know everything I think about this image, and how much I love it! It's a spectacular photograph. You're a natural at this, my dear!

Very nice POV and composition. well done.

look at the detail in the branches against the window pane. True artists eye there dear-the perspective is wonderful and how delicate the leaves are portrayed!

Even the strongest building doesn't measure up to delicate wonder of nature. Delicate rich leaves. Really enjoying your photography and seeing a glimpse into your world. CC

I think you were born with a camera in your head... Fantastic composition and details - I love the juxtaposition of old and new architecture, organic and linear form, washed out direct sky and bright blue reflected sky. Marvelous!

OH Mark, you got this beauty so excellently. These red leaves stand out to the viewer, demanding the attention. No need to do that as they fit so lovely into it all and are so well seen. it is a wonderful composition and i agree with all other comments. Now you cant have any doubt, that you are doing excellently.

Great juxtapositions! It is indeed a super pic, and it shows very interesting details about the older building so clearly..those 'thin' bricks and the deep blue-slatey colour of the older facade..wonderful to see. And, of course, the acer!

very fine picture! great composition. the contrasts in it are very good and the reflection in the glass and concrete building adds a lot. apart from the fine architectural detail in the old building i especially love that tree with those fantastic leaves. you got it all in one.

gorgeous capture!!! great colors and reflexions!!

Red maples are among my top favorite trees and this one looks so lovely growing against the black and brown of that lovely old building. I like the contrast between old and new and the reflecting sky ties it all together. One of my favorite things about Chicago is all the tall reflective buildings.

Very beautiful capture !!!

Very nice image and POV. Great lighting and reflections! Excellent capture.

SUPERB POV AND A GREAT SPLASH OF RED COLOR IN THE FOREFRONT

Awesome photo, love the contrasts.

Simply beautiful Mark! Those red leaves are a perfect touch, they stand out beautifully! I love the reflections and all the textures from the smooth downspouts to the rough bricks. It seems, like Tara, you have an eye for the glass and architectural beauty. And the lovely POV reminds me of Denise...I'm so excited for you trying this new venture and doing it so very well!

I love the way you have framed this shot making the foliage the focal point of your shot. Marvelous capture!

great shot...

Contrasts .. and light .. what marvelous contrasts! I love the old and the new, the glass and the stone, the organic and the inorganic .. wonderful angles and lines and oh my, this is awesome! You're an artist with your camera as well!!

A wonderful image Mark your artistic eye seems as well at home in your photography as in your art..

WOW! This is gorgeous! I love the juxtapositions...the classic older building (with more character) and the newer one which has character but it's still too young. The framing is perfect and the touch of those red leaves is a wonderful splash of color. It get the feeling that this is more a painting in nature, which is always a wonderful thing when looking at a photograph. Painting and photography are both visual after all, and so many of the things that work in one will make the other quite interesting, especially when such things are not casually considered. Wonderful work!

Lovely colors and architecture around your place. Very nicely captured.