Loving Chicago, despite it all

Photographer Alina Tsvor took this aerial photograph of Chicago during a helicopter tour to try to capture the city in a new way. Click through to see other images of Chicago in all its glory.

The twin corncob-shaped towers of Marina City are a familiar site to many Chicagoans. "I love the city for its architecture, the unique neighborhoods, and the food," says photographer Tsvor.

Matt Kochar simply looked up to capture this popular pavilion at Lincoln Park Zoo. "Chicago's parks are the settings for (a) world-class collection of sculptures, and the people of Chicago are lucky enough to have them in their backyard."

David Nevolo caught this aerial view from a commercial airliner on New Year's Eve 2013. The flight path into O'Hare goes right over downtown.

The Chicago Cultural Center is home to the world's largest stained glass Tiffany dome; there are 30,000 pieces of glass covering the dome's 38-foot diameter.

When Craig Shimala thinks of Chicago, the first image that pops into his head is the famed Chicago Theater. When the marquee is lit at night, "it's like it's beaming with the city's energy," he said.

Zahava Hanuka caught this rare, empty scene at Millennium Park. "There was the most romantic couple standing underneath the Bean, just there for me to shoot a chance of a lifetime shot," she said.

"Every day I wake up and see that powerful, breathtaking skyline, I feel inspired to work hard to make my city even greater," says Reynaldo Leal. "I proudly tell people 'I'm from Chicago' no matter what misconceptions they might have."

Amanda Fallico says she married the love of her life in the city she holds in the same regard. The happy couple posed on LaSalle Street in front of the Chicago Board of Trade.

A lone walker crosses an urban canyon on LaSalle Street.

Kweku Bentum captured this icy sight from Adler Planetarium in January 2014.

The LaSalle Street Bridge is one of city's many movable bridges. Chicago has more movable bridges than any other city in the world.

"I love when Chicago sports teams make it to the playoffs or post-seasons. The skyline is lit up with specific quotes per team," says Brendon Hernandez. This photo was taken during the Blackhawks' playoff season in June 2013.

Binod Khadka called Chicago his home for five years and the top thing he misses is the diversity and variety of the city's architecture. This bright image was captured with a long shutter speed.

Navy Pier is Chicago's top tourist attraction. It's also one of Khadka's favorite things to photograph there.

Ian Leavitt remembers his foggy stroll along the Nichols Bridgeway, which begins at Millennium Park, crosses over Monroe Street and connects to the Art Institute of Chicago.

"A warm summer night with a love in hand, watching Buckingham Fountain light up the sky cannot be matched," says Kevin Teale.

Susan Downs snapped this photo of Belmont Harbor in 1985. "This picture tells a story that happens every day in the city: friends and loved ones gathering together to celebrate life."

Swathi Sridhara was born and raised as a Cubs fan. This year is the first time she has season tickets. Sridhara shot this scene from Wrigley Field on opening day.

The Field Museum holds a special place in Sridhara's heart because it's where her fiance proposed. Click the double arrow to see more photos.

Keli McCoy-Mrotek says the Lincoln Park Conservatory is incredible year-round, much like when she snapped this photo in October 2013.

"Chicago is a multicultural place providing all kinds of food, culture and entertainment," says Krishna Sharma. "All three are the best ingredients you want" in your city.

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• CNN asks readers to share what they love about Chicago


• "Chicago is the world in one place," says Reynaldo Leal.


• "Chicago doesn't just reside in our heart -- it is our heart," says Farhaj Hassan


• "Chicagoland" airs Thursday nights at 10 p.m. ET on CNN

Editor's note: CNN asked you to tell us what you love about Chicago, and some of your enthusiastic responses are included in this article. Follow the real-life drama of how Chicago's leaders, students and residents are transforming the city on CNN's which airs Thursdays at 10/9C.

(CNN) -- Dear Chicago,

You sure aren't perfect.

Numerous city aldermen and officials have been brought down by corruption charges. Your schools are failing. You have a high rate of gun violence, which has cast shadows upon your reputation.

Despite the long list of wrongs, there are a lot of things you do right.

Lifelong Chicagoans and loving visitors are consistently complimentary of you. We say this without shame: Chicago, we love you, imperfections and all.

You are 77 official neighborhoods, according to the mayor's office. But more than 200 "pocket" neighborhoods make up your anatomy.

WBEZ: Who creates Chicago's neighborhoods?

Your people ride through your bloodstream on the L, where we can see your distinct personalities in each lively neighborhood. Concert venues and Al Capone's favorite hangout, the Green Mill, beam as we zoom through Uptown. The Garfield Park Conservatory emanates natural beauty on the West Side. And lessons from the past fill our minds as we near the DuSable Museum of African American History in Washington Park.

"Chicago is the world in one place. It's being able to get tacos in Little Village one day for lunch and tzatziki in Greek Town the next," says 21-year-old student Reynaldo Leal. Persian, Polish or Puerto Rican, you've got the world covered.

Your citizens make you who you are, with people from across the globe calling you home. Some stay put in their ethnic enclaves, speaking their native tongues, while others are curious neighborhood hoppers who seek authentic food and culture.

Chicago. Just saying your name is enough to conjure fond memories for Amanda Fallico. She can imagine riding down Lake Shore Drive on a warm summer evening.

Summer is when our love for you crescendos. You are at your peak of liveliness.

Tight-knit families watching movies in the park, children playing games at North Avenue Beach and couples strolling along the magnificent lakefront are some of the things that bring you to life come summer.

"Chicago's parks are the settings for (a) world-class collection of sculptures, and the people of Chicago are lucky enough to have them in their backyard," says Matt Kochar.

But even in the winter, for any of us who brave the never-ending snowfall and brutal, subzero wind chills, you are truly a beauty.

When the tourists are too scared to come outside, it's us locals who get the rare treat of staring into Cloud Gate (affectionately known as "the Bean") all alone. Zahava Hanuka witnessed your quiet side during a moment just like this.

While the Bean, Chicago Picasso and Alexander Calder's Flamingo are all figures of beauty, your buildings and stunning skyscrapers are architectural marvels in themselves. Whether we're lost in the past of the historic Rookery building or meandering through the urban canyons beneath the futuresque Trump Tower, your architecture tells us the story of your life.

Sometimes, you talk to us through your buildings. When the Blackhawks made the playoffs last year, skyscrapers lit up with words of encouragement. The same treatment goes for the Bears, Bulls, Sox and well, someday the Cubs. (Here's to hoping someone breaks the Curse of the Billy Goat soon!)

Share your Wrigley Field photos

Your cheering buildings prove you're a big city that doesn't take yourself too seriously. As Swathi Sridhara puts it, "Chicagoans have a unique blend of small-town Midwest charm and a gritty city work ethic."

And if your gleaming towers and your potholed streets are your skeleton, then your heart lies in your people.

Farhaj Hassan, who moved away as a child, said it well: "Chicago doesn't just reside in our heart -- it is our heart. Chicago is us, we of Chicago are Chicago."

Chicago, no matter what anyone says, we will always be proud to call you home.

Love,

Chicagoans everywhere

Author Christina Zdanowicz is a proud native of Chicagoland who refuses to call the Sears Tower by its new name and unabashedly cheers for the Cubs.