Chicago in Season: A Collection of Images by the Chicago Tribune Photographers

WELCOME TO CHICAGO through her seasons, as captured by Chicago Tribune photographers. This visually exquisite city is an ever-changing inspiration for photographers. Whether dressed in a white gown of snow or lashed by rain and lightning, Chicago is by turns dramatic and subtle, beautiful and gritty, cranked up or contemplative-much like the varied, interesting personalities of Chicagoans themselves. Inside you'll discover vast skylines, elegant details and aerials that beg to be studied, inch by inch. Our images can be serendipitous or slowly and elegantly composed. For example, Tribune photographers, en route to "official" assignments, often stroll through the Loop and capture fleeting moments during peak light. Other times a photographer waits for hours for the split second when a runner bounds across a sun-bathed bridge. Whatever the season, whatever the time of day, Chicago Tribune photographers are out there-watching, composing, recording. We've culled our favorites from the past few years by poring over thousands of images. It's difficult to select just 100 or so, because there's so much talent here at 435 N. Michigan Ave. And because Chicago remains one of the most beautiful places on earth. - Robin Daughtridge, Chicago Tribune director of photography