Radio Pictures: Lucia Dagen

December 12, 2019

On a brisk winter morning in Scandia, a group of hearty Minnesotans gathered at 6 a.m. in a one room church built in 1856 to celebrate the Feast of Saint Lucia. Only the warmth of the candles and the bodies huddled together on the log benches provided what little warmth there was in the room. As the congregation sang Silent Night and Santa Lucia in Swedish, I could not help think how this same service happened generations ago. with Swedish immigrants holding candles and bringing a bit of light and warm fellowship into a cold dark world. Just as we did that day.

The following photos were taken at Gammelgården in Scandia, MN in December 2019.

Radio Pictures: Sunday Morning in Saint Paul

June 12, 2019

I had the privilege of spending a Sunday morning with the House of Hope Choir School in April. But this wasn’t a normal Sunday. This was Easter Sunday.

From the rehearsal room to the choir loft, I enjoyed observing the laughter, dedication, and musicianship of these very talented young people.

The following photos were taken at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church in Saint Paul, MN.

Radio Pictures: Snowball

January 20, 2019

Winter can be hard in Minnesota. Especially in January. Lucky for us, dancing makes it better.

The following photos were taken at the fabulous Snowball ballroom competition on Saturday, January 12th, 2019.

Radio Pictures: Ring out the Old, Ring in the New

January 04, 2019

“Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.”
― Alfred Tennyson, In Memoriam

The following photographs were taken on New Year’s Eve at Orchestra Hall following the Minnesota Orchestra concert. Many thanks for the Minnesota Orchestra for inviting swing dancers to come dance to the band in the lobby.

Radio Pictures: Silent Night

January 02, 2019

“We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.” ―Laura Ingalls Wilder

The following photos were taken in December of 2018 in Minnesota.

Radio Pictures: Christkindlsmarkt

November 29, 2018

You never know when you might see Santa. I spotted Santa driving a golf cart around a German Christmas market with a group of children following him. That guy is popular.

The following photos were taken at the Christkindlesmarkt in Excelsior, MN in November 2018.

Radio Pictures: Rhythm Royale

October 19, 2018

I’m learning a new dance. Lindy. It’s fast, it jumps around, and it makes me sweat profusely. It’s so much fun. I am not the best at it, but luckily when you have your camera you can sit on the side and watch people who really know how to do it.

The following photos were taken at a new lindy dance in St. Paul called Rhythm Royale. The dance was a blast and I highly recommend you attend. If you need details, let me know.

Radio Pictures: Minnesota State Fair 2018

September 09, 2018

You either love the fair or you hate the fair. And I LOVE it. You can't beat the people watching, pronto pups, or giant pumpkins. It's all wonderful and it's the best way to end the summer in Minnesota.

Even if you hate the fair, I hope you will take a few moments to view these photos and see why I love it.

I'm already counting down until next year.

Radio Pictures: Ballroom

August 01, 2018

Dancers are amazing.

Competitive ballroom dancing is in a league of it's own. The athleticism and emotion that each dancers shows on the floor is incredible. It's hard not to be swept away by the magic of it all.

The following photos were taken at the Twin Cities Ballroom Open Championships in July 2018 during the Saturday night professional competition.

I hope these photos encourage you to dance. Even if it's in your living room. Just make sure to put on lashes.

Ballroom competition. Minneapolis, MN. 2018.

Radio Pictures: Rosary Procession

May 07, 2018

My photo exploration of the Catholic faith and rituals continued this week as I participated in a Rosary procession in Saint Paul, MN. Starting at the State Capitol, parishioners recited the Rosary while marching behind the Knights of Columbus and men in tuxedos who escorted a statue of the Virgin Mary to the Cathedral of Saint Paul.

At the cathedral, the statute of the Virgin Mary was carried down the aisle to a full congregation waving white handkerchiefs while a loud and triumphant organ piece was played. The pageantry of the ceremony was fascinating and the energy was contagious.

I'm not sure what my next Catholic photo event will be. Maybe I should tweet the Pope to see if he's available.

Hand on Mary. Rosary Procession. Saint Paul, MN.

The Bishop. Rosary Procession. Saint Paul, MN. — The Bishop. Rosary Procession. Saint Paul, MN.

Radio Pictures: Vigil

April 09, 2018

I'm fascinated by the rituals of the Catholic faith. I had never been to a Catholic Easter vigil, but when a friend told me there was fire, I knew I had to go.

The following photos are from the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of Saint Paul.

The last two photos are from the Easter morning service at the House of Hope Presbyterian church. There was no fire, but the Widor postlude made up for it.

Easter morning. House of Hope Presbyterian Church.

Radio Pictures: Send in the Clowns

March 16, 2018

The World Clown Association held their 2018 conference in Minnesota this year. Lucky us! I've never been to a clown convention, but I wanted to witness the cool and interesting people that would participate. I attended their one public event and I learned that the clowns and the fans of clowns are a friendly, fun, and approachable group. It almost made me want to be a clown. Almost.

Their goal is to make people happy. Even the sad clowns. And they did.

Radio Pictures: Choristers

March 05, 2018

I had the opportunity to spend a Sunday morning with the lovely choristers of the House of Hope Choir School in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It was amazing to watch them rehearse and prepare for the morning service. The dedication and enthusiasm of the children and the director was wonderful to witness.

Radio Pictures: Three Photos from a Parade

February 07, 2018

Everyone loves a parade. Even in winter. When it's freezing.

I went to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival King Boreas Grand Day parade on a cold Saturday in January. The crowds were tightly packed to see the newly crowned royalty of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and the energy was high.

From my little spot on the sidewalk I saw the following three photos.

Radio Pictures: From the Corner of the Floor

January 15, 2018

This past Sunday I went to the Snow Ball Dancesport Competition in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I was a little late to find a seat next to the floor, so I did the next best thing and sat on the floor with my camera in hand and watched in awe.

Ballroom dance is great. You should do it. Or at least watch it.

Radio Pictures: What I did during Christmas vacation.

December 27, 2017

I had a few days off from work last week for the Christmas holiday so I did what anyone would do with vacation time. I danced and took photos of strangers.

The following photos were taken in Saint Paul the week before Christmas.