A tip of Yo’s hat to Michael Kardas, our resident staff photographer, on his recent nomination as a finalist for Illinois Meetings and Events Magazine‘s annual awards.

The trade publication released its 2007 “Best Of” finalists for a range of categories, from florists to caterers to hotels. Kardas, whose work has been featured extensively on YoChicago and in the pages of New Homes Magazine, landed a spot among the top three photo / video nominees.

The official award ceremony takes place tomorrow from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rockit Bar & Grille, 22 W Hubbard St.

Shown here is an example of Kardas’ fresh look at the city’s natural and built environments.