Rockford is only about 1.5-2 hours northwest of Chicago. So it’s kind of sad that in my three years here, I haven’t gone into the city to see the sites even once. The last time I went around Chicago for leisure purposes was in fifth grade when we took a class trip from Kentucky.
My girlfriend, Erin, has wanted to show me around the city for some time now. This last week, we were able to get the time to go explore a little bit.
The first order of business was going to the Shedd Aquarium. Even though I’m an adult (legally), I act like a five-year-old around animals. The aquarium was a must for me.
I figured I’d bring my camera and take a frame or two if I saw something interesting. I packed light. Just my camera, a 24-70 and a 100 macro. Once we got there, it didn’t take long for me to start taking pictures left and right.
A sting ray moves through a central tank Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. ©2013 MAX GERSH
I took photos of some of the sea life because I found it interesting. Other creatures were just funny looking.
Funny looking fish Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. ©2013 MAX GERSH
Some things were best visualized through video. This was the case when I came across a pair of turtles fighting with each other. Focusing through the glass, especially at any angle, is very difficult. I did what I could to capture the slow motion fighting.
Red-bellied piranha Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. ©2013 MAX GERSH
I enjoyed the bright-colored poison dart frogs.
Dyeing poison dart frog Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. ©2013 MAX GERSH
Fish always look like they’re looking at you suspiciously.
Popeye catalufa Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. ©2013 MAX GERSH
Popeye catalufa Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. ©2013 MAX GERSH
Fish face Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. ©2013 MAX GERSH
And who doesn’t like a bright seahorse! They have got to be one of the ocean’s stranger creatures.
A seahorse Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. ©2013 MAX GERSH
Possibly the coolest thing I saw at the aquarium was the jellyfish exhibit. They are probably the most challenging living organism for a camera’s autofocus system to focus on.
Jellyfish Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. ©2013 MAX GERSH
Jellyfish Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. ©2013 MAX GERSH
Jellyfish Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. ©2013 MAX GERSH
And they move in such a bizarre way.
An edible jellyfish Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. ©2013 MAX GERSH
One type of jellyfish they have emits colorful light as they move.
After many hours of exploring the Shedd Aquarium, we grabbed a bite to eat and headed back to Rockford. I think I need to take advantage of some more of the gems in Chicago.