I don’t always jump at the idea of waking up early. But when I had an opportunity to hop in the passenger seat of a Cessna to take sunrise aerials around Rockford, I had trouble sleeping.
I had a whole list of places to photograph from above. The main shot needed to be an iconic shot of downtown Rockford.
Here are a few of my favorites from the morning.
![I-90 state street ramps](https://i0.wp.com/www.gershphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/H4U1488.jpg?resize=700%2C467&ssl=1)
The entrance and exit ramps at East State Street and Interstate 90 Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013 in Rockford. MAX GERSH/RRSTAR.COM ©2013
![Rockford Miracle Mile](https://i0.wp.com/www.gershphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/H4U1354.jpg?resize=700%2C467&ssl=1)
The Miracle Mile on East State Street on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013 in Rockford. MAX GERSH/RRSTAR.COM ©2013