In the Northwest bay of Lake of the Isles is a Sea Serpent. Not just any serpent, this one is a regular. Ever since I moved to Uptown, I noticed that someone builds this serpent in the same place every year. A few weeks ago I actually caught the builder at work. Bob Flick lives near by and he has been building it since the 70s. His son used to help, but has since moved away. But Bob still gets down there every year and builds this local winter landmark. Thanks Bob!

This scene looks so quiet and empty, but that’s only an illusion and far from the truth. There were hundreds of skiers shuffling through, with a 30 second exposure, they disappear into the night. If you look closely (click to enlarge image) you will see odd ghosts of people in the middle.

The fun effect of a long exposure is that only the things that don’t move get caught. There were hundreds of skiers shuffling past and under the bridge, but the little gathering held still for me. Also, you can see Matt and Dusty taking flash photos on the right. What are they shooting? Check out tomorrow’s post to see the view. Oh, by the way, yes, I did ask Matt where his tripod was.

Ice campfires defend the shores of Lake of the Isles in Uptown.

This past Saturday, Dusty, SnapShutter, Ravsitar and I spend a long cold evening photographing the unusual Minneapolis event known as the Luminary Loppet. This next series is from what was called the Enchanted Forest and was created by Jennifer of Ice Lanterns. It was created on the peninsula by the Northwest bay of Lake of the Isles.

I’ve seen this view dozens of times and never could get it right — until now. I’ve even tried to shoot it with a bigger lens from across the lake. Hennepin is on a ridge and the neighborhood banks away from it. The curve is nicely obvious from Lake Calhoun.

Back to the streets again for the Parade. Friday night is definitely busier than Thursday. The streets filled up pretty quickly, you can tell that this photo is from before the parade because the lights are still on. Just before the parade begins, they cut the street lights and the bus shelter lights, but the Christmas lights on the trees stay on.

It’s very different with the lights on, the lights on the big buildings light up the low clouds so it almost feels like you are indoors on Nicollet, ‘cept of course for the bitter cold.

Dan and I went down to see the Holidazzle Parade last night. It’s a difficult thing to photograph, tripods are pretty much a necessity. The Holidazzle Parade is at 6:30 Thursday – Sunday. We’re going back tonight with re-enforcements, so any suggestions are appreciated.

Twilight over Minneapolis from the Foshay Tower.