Tom Gill (lapstrake)'s photostream

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The world has so many beautiful things hidden away in plain sight, if you only take a moment to look for them. I'm constantly bombarded by things that beg to be photographed, and I tend to observe my surroundings as if through a lens - always looking for the perfect angle. I simply want to share the beauty that I encounter as I wonder around this world, and that results in over 20,000 photos each year.

My photography concentrates on landscapes, primarily Indiana and Illinois shorelines, dunes, canyons, and waterfalls.

I have a passion for lighthouses, and enjoy visiting and photographing them in all seasons - especially during the icy winter months.

Old barns and historical places such as the Illinois and Michigan Canal, also hold my interest.

I am formally trained in Industrial Design, have earned a Fine Arts Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and enjoy oil and watercolor painting, woodworking and of course, photography.

I'm a Chicago native, currently living in the suburbs with my wife and three boys.

I don't keep many contacts - only those who's photos I enjoy viewing, and who take the time once in a while to comment on my photos. Please feel free to critique my work, the standard "nice photo" doesn't help me develop as a photographer!!

Visit My Blog for some stories behind and about some of my photographs.

or visit my portfolio web page for more information on how to contact me about my photography.

Recent Gallery Exhibits

Tom Gill (lapstrake)'s favorite photos from other Flickr members (1,242)

Contacts (111)

xantiflagfreekx No real name given
aimeeern Amy
Father Hinie No real name given
Jeka World... Jeff and Kalitha Rose
Michigan54 No real name given
KT of Lake Orion Katie
Monika Thorpe Monika Thorpe
Rich Wyllis Rich Wyllis
stevedontsurf Steven Karsten
wasatchreflections No real name given
Jelly_ Belly No real name given
John_D_Burzynski John D. Burzynski

Groups (50 50)

Your Best Shot 2011 14,027 photos, 16,493 members
Project Weather 8,105 photos, 2,553 members
Lighthouses worldwide 6,902 photos, 622 members
I&M Canal Fans 212 photos, 14 members
Michigan Cottage Life 74 photos, 11 members
Indiana Audubon Society's Flora and Fauna Gallery 4,047 photos, 121 members
Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs 1,670 photos, 207 members
The Lighthouses of Wisconsin 649 photos, 98 members
*******LUIZA'S LIGHTHOUSE GALLERY******* 4,100 photos, 304 members
Kapok Tree Restaurant 81 photos, 8 members
Digital Photography School 158,925 photos, 14,644 members
Montrose Point 1,814 photos, 33 members
Visit Indiana 11,840 photos, 416 members
Tinley Park, IL 229 photos, 24 members
Visit Northern Illinois 2,287 photos, 45 members
Traditional Skyscrapers 4,740 photos, 416 members
Railroad Coaling Towers 386 photos, 105 members
Naturally Indiana 6,605 photos, 505 members
Not a lighthouse photo 873 photos, 125 members
Fairport Harbor 342 photos, 24 members
A Christmas Story- the movie 377 photos, 95 members
**A Big Fave (Invite Only)-Post 1/Fave or Comment 2 505,381 photos, 63,405 members
Ohio lighthouses 754 photos, 112 members
Panoramic Lighthouses 266 photos, 92 members
Florida Lighthouses ~ Beautiful Beacons 684 photos, 166 members
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 961 photos, 80 members
Lake Michigan Weather 4,615 photos, 401 members
Flickr 5.25 1,135 photos, 1,420 members
Tulip Time Festival 983 photos, 181 members
Holland, Michigan 4,426 photos, 283 members
CreativeClouds 1,344 photos, 386 members
DANGER! 5,076 photos, 777 members
silhouette 226,841 photos, 30,867 members
Explore Northeastern Illinois 9,442 photos, 157 members
Abandoned Illinois. 4,299 photos, 279 members
Lemont IL 406 photos, 41 members
FlickrCentral 4,812,783 photos, 166,283 members
Awesome Snowflakes 2,164 photos, 401 members
Lighthouse Trek 9,495 photos, 1,163 members
Drifted Snow 336 photos, 44 members
North Central Illinois 2,997 photos, 134 members
Indiana's Lake Michigan Beaches 407 photos, 32 members
Geotagged: Illinois 5,382 photos, 78 members
Illinois Wilderness 10,929 photos, 401 members
Picture a Creation....( art from within us)... 2,087 photos, 240 members
Marshall Field's 125 photos, 43 members
AROUND ILLINOIS 23,180 photos, 341 members
Intrigued by ICE 2,839 photos, 730 members
Enjoy Illinois 19,949 photos, 527 members
Chicago, South Shore, & South Bend Railroad 1,022 photos, 84 members

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Testimonials (5)

D. Rogers Photography says:

"Tom is an amazing photographer ! Not fraid to take risks for that perfect shot! He has a great eye! He is also a great role model for his little photographer :) Tom is definately a fun guy with a great spirit and love of photography and life!"

15th January, 2009
Gregor Halbwedl says:

"Thank you Tom for showing your amazing world. In your huge stream I like especially the seaside and of course the lighthouse pictures. Here I am fascinated on the beauty of natural forces. The natural touch is your trade mark. And I like it that you are uncompromised beside new techniques like pattern layers or hdr.
Have a good light, Gregor"

9th August, 2009
aplseed photography says:

"Tom is a great supportive contact. he sees th world much as I see it, making the ordinary scenes stand out and seem so much more interesting.

I imagine his family will grow to also enjoy the family time spent on these photoshoots. There are many beautiful images that will be timeless and family treasures over the years. I can't wait to see his young boys start to take on his artistry when they begin to take up cameras of their own."

13th April, 2008
zooeybat says:

"Lapstrake's midwest images are pure Americana. He's capturing the sights we don't pay enough attention to and are in danger of losing. Remember, Tom climbed rocks, and waded in river beds for those shots!

Tom's a great guy to go shooting with; his mix of kindness and humor make him a true friend. I feel like I've known him forever."

4th April, 2008
muledriver says:

"Tom has a great eye not only for the obvious,but for all those little snippets of things most of us do not see. He stops at nothing to get the shot! His knowledge of many different subjects is amazing,and that shows in his shots. Easy going to a fault, he's a lot of fun to go out and shoot with. I'm glad I have him as a contact and a friend!!"

24th March, 2008