The Chicago Lakefront is Not a Cold Dead Place

I've taken a lot of photos along the lakefront this winter.  There's a serenity to Lake Michigan in January and February that I think is unique from any other time of year.  In cold weather the lake becomes a different creature, equal parts frightening and beautiful, and this winter has seen plenty of both.

The one thing I've wanted to capture, but haven't until now, is the lakefront during either a sunrise or a sunset.  Sunrises don't work well with my schedule, but I did find a nice sunset this week:

"Rise, Lake Michigan" © Andy Marfia 2014 All Rights Reserved. Nikon D7100 w/ 16-85mm lens, 1/200sec at f5.6, ISO400.

"The earth is not a cold dead place" © Andy Marfia 2014 All Rights Reserved. Nikon D7100 w/ 16-85mm lens, 1/125sec at f8, ISO400.

Both of these photos were taken from the same location, on Chicago's Hollywood Beach.  The first was shot at 24mm and the second 128mm.  I boosted the orange saturation in post processing, but otherwise I tried not to over-process these.  I don't think they need it.

This scene also provided me with an excuse to name a photo after my favorite Explosions in the Sky album: The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place.  Here's some optional musical accompaniment: