Stunning Images: 2021 Best Of Illinois In Photos

ILLINOIS — Every week, we ask readers to submit some of their best photography as part of our Illinois In Photos features. As the editor of this feature, I'm amazed at how many great entries I receive. We have some very talented photographers in the state.

For a little insight into how we determine which photos make it into the feature each week, I narrow down the entries and then show them to the Illinois Editorial team every Friday. I take their feedback and select a Top 5. We admit, this is a nearly impossible task, but one we enjoy doing. Based on the response we get and positive messages from readers, we know that you appreciate the feature.

Without further ado, here are our Top 10 submissions from 2021. They are in no particular order. Remember, to have your photo 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.

Alexandra Mick, of Shorewood, took this photo in April of a fox across the street from her neighbor's house where it was watching out for and protecting its babies.

Chip DeLorenzo sent us this action photo he got in June of Naperville North High School long jumper Zeke Williams landing in the sandpit at the IHSA Track and Field Sectional in Naperville.

Heather Mall captured this photo in June of a raccoon family. "I was looking for birds at St. Paul Woods in Morton Grove and this mama raccoon and her two babies popped up from behind the tree," Mall said.

Steve Coccaro, of New Lenox, sent in this photo he took in November from the Human+Nature outdoor art exhibition at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

MOST RECENT: Holiday Dogs, Heron On Ice And A Storm Cloud

Mary Marzalik submitted this photo in October taken by Lindsey Marzalik, 12, of a "judgmental llama" at Safari Lake Geneva in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Debbie Garcia, of Bolingbrook, sent us this amazing photo she took in May of a Northern watersnake.

Pam Pollastrini, of Lake in the Hills, sent us this fall photo she took of colorful trees reflecting on water in November.

Amanda Stowers, of Downers Grove, sent us this photo in April of her dog, Pizza, who she describes as the "best dog I've ever had." She also said the family pet is well-known in her neighborhood.

Lorrie Hanna sent us in this photo in July of a black fox taken by her husband, Mark Hanna, in Romeoville.

Thank you all for the beautiful photo submissions!