Picture Perfect: Best Of IL In Photos 2022

ILLINOIS — As 2022 winds down, we look back at some of the best photos submitted by readers throughout the calendar year. We received hundreds of beautiful photos and always had a difficult time narrowing them down to a few for the weekly feature. We're hoping for many more great submissions in 2023.

To have your photo potentially featured on Patch, send it to Eric DeGrechie at eric.degrechie@patch.com. We just ask that you make sure the photo you send is one you have taken personally, and allow Patch to use on all platforms. Include your name for credit and a brief description of the photo, including where it was taken. Also, please remove any watermarks. Thank you!

In November, reader Kathy Marshall submitted this photo she took of a horse grazing under a beautiful blue sky at Dassenbrook Stable in Maple Park.

In July, Candi Johnson, of Tinley Park, sent us this photo she took of her three kids enjoying a cold treat after a softball game.

In June, Beth Spitkovsky took a photo of a fox family living behind her house in Darien. She said, "They've become my favorite subjects lately!"

In July, Joe Kloptowsky, of Tinley Park, photographed this colorful hummingbird having a drink at his backyard feeder.

In August, Joe Kloptowsky sent in this photo he took of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels during the Chicago Air and Water Show.

In November, reader Joe McGuire submitted this photo he took of an American white pelican at the Rock Run Reserve in Joliet.

In May, Kathleen Bovid photographed this wonderful image of tulips on Michigan Avenue in Chicago.

In July, Carol Neylon, of Oak Forest, submitted this photo of a monarch butterfly in her backyard. She told us she released four monarch butterflies during the summer and had several species of milkweed to attract the butterflies.

In May, Allison Fisher, of Midlothian, sent Patch this photo of a raccoon visit during the morning hours.

In May, reader Mark Andersen submitted this photo he took of his nephew, Layne, flying a kite at Mount St Mary’s Park in St Charles.

In June, Debi Shapiro sent us this photo she took of a mama wood duck with her babies hitching a ride for a swim along the Illinois and Michigan Canal.