Click on above image to view, shop and buy Fireworks Images & Prints
2024 Winter Fireworks Stillwater MN
2023 4th July Fireworks Stillwater MN
2023 February Fireworks Stillwater MN
2022 Twinkle Party Fireworks Stillwater MN
July 4th 2022 Stillwater Fireworks Video
Winter Fireworks 2021 Downtown Stillwater MN
August 2021 Stillwater Lift Bridge Celebration
Marine on St. Croix July 3rd 2019
Downtown Stillwater 4th of July 2019
Having an FAA Part 107.29 waiver enables Pictures Over Stillwater to fly 24 hours a day including at night weather permitting. In addition to having additional high-intensity multi-colored strobe lights (red, green, white) visible from 3 miles on our aircraft, Part 107.29 operations also includes having trained visual observers (VOs) as part of our night safety crew as well as keeping aircraft (e.g. dones) within visual line of sight.
In addition to our SmugMug online store, we also have a FineArtAmerica site where you can shop, buy prints, puzzles, wall art and other items.
When in downtown Stillwater Minnesota stop in and visit Art n Soul on the corner of Mainstreet and Chestnut (across from Leo’s) to check out some of our work including post cards, puzzles, framed prints and other items.
Click on above to view more World Snow Sculpting Images
Click on above to view Stillwater Harvest Fest images #smashinggoodtime
2022 Food Truck Event Washington County Fair Grounds
Video of Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 Food Truck Extravaganza Event June 18, 2022 held at Washington County Fairgrounds near Stillwater, Oak Park Heights and Lake Elmo Minnesota.
Stillwater Fire Department 150 Year Anniversary Event
Time lapse video and aerial views of Stillwater Fire Department 150 year anniversary event celebration Stillwater Minnesota June 3 2022.
2022 Fire and Ice Event
2022 Fire and Ice Event Downtown Stillwater Minnesota
2022 World Snow Sculpting Championship #wssc
Preparations are underway downtown Stillwater Minnesota for the upcoming World Snow Sculpting Championship #WSSC event in mid January 2022. The following is a short video showing snow being made on January 6th for the event that starts on January 18th.
Ice Palace Maze Season Two Opening Night January 15 2022
The 2024 World Snow Sculpting Championship in Stillwater Minnesota near Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities Minnesota along the St Croix River takes place January 17-21st 2024. Learn more about this event at the 2024 World Snow Sculpting Championship #wssc website.
The second annual stillwater snow sculpture event known as the World Snow Sculpting Championship (WSSC) takes place January 18th through 22nd 2023. The world snow sculpting (wssc) event is downtown Stillwater Minnesota in Lowell Park north of the St Croix river historic lift bridge.
The event brings in teams from around the world who compete for creating the best creation. Each team is given a large block of snow to create their sculpture during the snow and cold, mainly during the day however also at night as the final day and judging nears. Once the judging and winner announced, there is a large outdoor party adjacent to the sculptures, along with indoor activities.
Friday Night Lights, 2023 WSSC Stillwater Minnesota
The following video chronicles from the week before the 2023 event including initial site preparations, setup, moving items, equipment in, as well as creating the large snow blocks. Sculpting kicks off on Wednesday morning with the teams working on their assigned block of snow to create their creation which progresses over the next several days and night. Crowds begin to visit the sculpture particular on the next to last, and last day of the event.
#WSSC 2023 World Championship Video
2023 #WSSC Night scenes of teams working on their creations.
Downtown Stillwater Minnesota
Click on above to view gallery of more 2023 WSSC images
Making Snow 2022 Stillwater Snow Sculpture Championship
Preparations are underway downtown for the upcoming Stillwater Sculpture #wssc event in mid-January 2022. The following is a short video showing snow-making on January 6th for the WSSC event that starts on January 18th.
Related Content Additional Views, Images, Videos
2022 Stillwater Holiday Twinkle Event
2022 Home For The Holidays Tree Lighting Fireworks Stillwater MN
2022 Fire and Ice Event Downtown Stillwater MN
Snow Sculptures In Background 2022 Fire Ice Event Stillwater MN
Returning for its 6th season 2024 Opera On The River July 27 Stillwater Minnesota downtown 7PM outdoors in Lowell Park along scenic St Croix River front. The event is free and open to the public along with VIP seating for a fee. Learn more at the event page here.
Being in the park, in addition to reserved seating, there is free and open seating (or standing) in and around Lowell Park, or, if you prefer, from your boat. For the hearing impaired, there will be ASL service during the event. Even if you are not an opera fan, these shows are a lot of fun as they have a great mix of classical and musical songs that they perform.
Stillwater Evening Hot Air Balloons
2023 Opera On The River Video Views
Past Opera on the River Events
On Sunday August 2, 2020, On Saturday evening August 10 2019 Operatunity Theatre presented their Opera On The Virtual river event. The 2020 event was a social distanced production taking place near the St Croix River and downtown Stillwater as well as being live streamed on FaceBook and YouTube.
Pictures Over Stillwater was honored to be involved with the production and live stream of the event providing aerial video images of the St Croix River Valley, Downtown Stillwater and event areas as well as documenting behind the scenes of this social distanced event.
Watch for more images (still, video and 360 of the 2020 event to appear hear soon. Visit the Operatunity Theatre website and Facebook page to learn more about this event, St Croix Valley Opera and related information.
Views from Opera On The River Event
The 2020 event follows the 2019 inaugural downtown Stillwater Minnesota opera on the river free event.
Click on above image to view more Opera On The River Images
Downtown Stillwater St. Croix River Valley (few days before Opera event)
Despite the on and off rain throughout the day, the organizers, performers, volunteers as well as attendees braved the elements and proved that the show must and will go on.
The following image was taken during the soundcheck Saturday afternoon with some cast and crew on stage while Stillwater Minnesota native headliner Jack Swanson appeared at ease with the elements. When I saw this view during the soundcheck and the confidence of cast and crew, my thoughts were that rain or shine, this would be a great event.
The Opera On The River Show Must Go On
The following are some images of Opera On The River downtown Stillwater along St. Croix River during the performance after the rains passed (and a short delay to allow conditions to improve).
Looking Forward to 2020 Opera On the River
Thank you to Opportunity Theatre event organizers, staff, volunteers, performers for allow Pictures Over Stillwater full access to capture these and other images of this inaugural event. Also thanks to all of the sponsors and attendees who braved the elements for this first of what will become an annual event. Hopefully the weather and conditions will look more like the following image of the St. Croix River valley and downtown Stillwater for the 2020 event.
2022 Fire and Ice Event Downtown Stillwater Lights Minnesota
Zephyr Theatre 2022 Ice Palace Maze
Making Snow For 2022 World Snow Sculpting Championship
Preparations are underway downtown Stillwater Minnesota for the upcoming World Snow Sculpting Championship (WSSC) event in mid-January 2022. The following is a short video showing snow-making on January 6th for the WSSC event that starts on January 18th.
2021 Light up Stillwater #homefortheholidays
Kicking off the 2021 holiday season and home for the holidays among other events was the lighting of the new lights on the northside of the lift bridge, followed on December 4, 2021 with #twinkleparty tree lighting and fireworks and #homefortheholidays.
Downtown Stillwater Minnesota November 26 2021
Season Three 2020 2021 Stillwater Lights
Ice Maze From Before Construction Until It Vanishes
Aerial Daytime and Night Lights Fire & Ice Event
Downtown Stillwater Fire and Ice
Downtown Stillwater Fire and Ice
Downtown Stillwater Fire and Ice
Opening night downtown Stillwater Minnesota Ice Maze
Downtown Ice Maze
Aerial Night View Ice Maze Stillwater Zephyr Theatre
Inaugural Night Stillwater Lights Historic Lift Bridge Lights Up
You may have seen our images including some shown on this page in various venues from local and regional news (print, TV, web) and social media among others. We have stock images some shown on this page for sale as prints, metal prints, wall art as well as digital downloads (click here or on the images to learn more about buying options).
In addition to prints, wall art, and digital download stock images, we also have video B Roll available, and other creative services. Contact us to learn more or discuss your particular needs.
Aerial Video Wintertime in Stillwater Minnesota Holiday Lights Views
Stillwater Lights Light Up Stillwater 2020
New in December 2020 Stillwater Minnesota has expanded Stillwater lights along main street downtown, chestnut plaza with overhead led lights and a led virtual tree. Also new is that for the first time, the nearly 100 year old historic lift bridge has been lit up with lights.
Winter in Stillwater Minnesota Lift Bridge Lit Up
The new additions with more in the works combine with previous holiday light display and tree decorations to create a winter wonderland wintertime in Stillwater holiday light display experience (all are free).
There is plenty of free parking downtown Stillwater to check out the holiday light display and hometown for the holidays in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.
VACtv Video with Aerial Footage Provided by Pictures Over Stillwater
Click on the images to view more, shopping and buying options for prints, wall art (including metal prints), along with digital downloads of stock images.
Early November Sunrise Fall Colors Downtown Stillwater
View from above Water Street Inn Clock Tower Downtown Stillwater
July 4th 2019 Fireworks with Downtown Stillwater Minnesota as backdrop
Light Up Stillwater Downtown Mainstreet 2020 2021
Fall aerial view downtown Stillwater Mainstreet and St Croix River
Summer 2020 Pandemic Drive in Movies Mainstreet Stillwater
Pony Stadium Lit Up The Night Minnesota Lights April 2020
Mainstreet Downtown Stillwater Lit Up Pony Class 2020 Parade
Light Up Stillwater Lights Season 2019 2020
After making its debut season in December 2018, the Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown Stillwater Lights season two has started. Learn more about Stillwater Lights and Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce via their website here.
Lights Downtown stillwater minnesota near mainstreet November 2019
Season Two Light Up Stillwater Setup November 2019
November 2019 Ready For Snow Mainstreet Downtown Stillwater
Evening Sunset View Downtown Stillwater
Season One 2018 2019
In downtown Stillwater Minnesota along the St Croix River there is a new attraction starting December 21, 2018 called Stillwater Lights. The new attraction is an experience that you walk through (and its free open to the public) an open-air tunnel of lights. At the base, it is about 24 feet wide and around 18 feet tall (give or take a foot or two).
February Sunset Fresh Snow Downtown Stillwater
Winter Mainstreet Downtown Stillwater Minnesota
New St Croix Crossing Sunset Moonrise near Stillwater
Click on the above 360 image to navigate the view
Click on above image to view additional images in our gallery of lights
Note that the 2023 Ice Maze has been moved to Eagan Minnesota at Viking Lakes, learn more here.
Something cool is in town, the Zephyr Theatre Stillwater Minnesota Ice Palace Maze. The new Ice Palace Maze is also believed to be the largest in the United States and indeed in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Find the Ice Palace Maze in the Zephyr Theatre Parking Lot, 601 Main Street North, downtown Stillwater, just a few blocks and in sight of the world snow sculpting championship #wssc event downtown Stillwater Minnesota.
The Ice Palace Maze is larger, new layout, more features, ice carvings, fun and much more. Contact Zephyr Theatre box office for tickets and learn more IcePalaceMaze.com.
Inaugural Season 2021
Opening night downtown Stillwater Minnesota Ice Maze
All lit up Stillwater Lights Downtown Ice Maze
Wakey Wakey early morning opening day Stillwater Ice Maze
Aerial Night View Ice Maze Stillwater Zephyr Theatre
Blue Hour Cool Cold Stillwater Ice Maze
Downtown Stillwater Ice Maze Construction
Aerial View Ice Maze Ice Palace Stillwater
Construction and Aerial Video View Ice Maze January 18, 2021
How large is the Ice Palace Maze? It measures 114 feet by 72 feet, consisting of about 1,500 blocks of ice. Meanwhile, the Ice Palace Maze has a perimeter wall about 8 to 9 feet tall. As part of the Ice Palace Maze, there will also be a 36′ slide, among other features.
About the Zephyr Theatre Ice Palace Maze Downtown Stillwater
For safety, limited to 100 visitors at a time. Restrooms are open, and as is the Zephyr Theatre Bar. Masks required when inside. Free parking is available adjacent to the Zephyr Theatre. Cost is free for kids under four and over 100 years old, ages 5 through 12 $10. For ages 13 through 100 cost is $15. Tickets can be bought in advance or walk-up, depending on availability.
While currently under construction, the Ice Palace Maze is scheduled to be completed by January 22, 2021. Ice Palace Maze visiting hours will be Tuesday through Friday, 5 PM to 10 PM, and 12 PM to 10 PM on Saturday and Sundays. The Ice Palace Maze will be open from January 22 to February 28, weather permitting.
Other Wintertime In Stillwater Updates
Similarly recent additions to downtown Stillwater Lights include the historic lift bridge being lit up. Other downtown Stillwater Minnesota winter updates include an ice skating hockey rink adjacent to the historic lift bridge. An overhead light show on the mall leading to the lift bridge and upcoming events.
Aerial Daytime and Night Stillwater Lights Fire & Ice Event
Downtown Stillwater Minnesota Lift Bridge Winter Wonderland Ice Rink being created downtown Stillwater Winter wonderland winter in Stillwater Minnesota Stillwater Lights
In conclusion, learn more about the Ice Maze here IcePalaceMaze.com.
Contact Zephyr Theatre via phone 651-342-1542 or email at boxoffice@stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org and learn more about the Zephyr Theatre Ice Palace Ice Maze at IcePalaceMaze.com.
Like the images on this page? Browse, shop and buy digital downloads (website, blog and zoom backgrounds), images for marketing mailing as well as prints, wall art, metal prints and more here on our shopping page.
The following is information about UAS UAV sUAS sUAV Drone Safety Fundamental Regulations. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Small UAV (sUAV), Small UAS (sUAS) also known as “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities. Drones are used by recreational hobbyist, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies among others.
In the United States, once your drone takes flight leaving the ground it is considered to be in the National Air Space (NAS) which is managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Some considerations when flying a drone recreational for fun as a hobbyist, or as a commercial (e.g. part 107), or for other purposes is where your feet are on the ground, and where in the air is your drone.
Common Drone Safety Questions
Q: Why are there so many rules, regulations and restrictions for drones? A: For Safety
Q: What is the difference between recreational hobbyist and commercial? A: Hobby recreational drone operators are flying just for fun, not for commercial or any benefit to self or from others (monetary or other benefit).
Q: Who has to register drones with the FAA? A: For hobby recreational drone operators 13 years and older with drones weighing less than 55 lbs and greater .55lbs you have to register via FAA DroneZone website (here is the link). Cost is $5 for three years and you can register multiple drones with your account number. Note that drones registered for hobby recreational can not be flown for part 107. Also note that registration number needs to be clearly visible on the outside of the aircraft (drone).
For commercial part 107 operators if your drone weighs less than 55 lbs (including less than .55lbs) you have to register via FAA DroneZone website (here is the link). Cost is $5 for three years per aircraft (each drone requires a unique registration number). Note that drones registered for commercial part 107 can be flown as recreational. Also note that registration number needs to be clearly visible on the outside of the aircraft (drone).
Q: What if your drone weighs 55 lbs or more? A: For drones weighing more than 55 lbs, or, you want to qualify for sUAS operations outside the US, you hold title to an aircraft/drone in trust, the sUAS owner uses a voting trust to meet U.S. Citizenship requirements use this FAA link for registration.
Q: What are the recreational hobby rules: A: Check your local regulations for any restrictions on where you can legally fly drones outdoors among other rules. FAA recreational drone rules (e.g. 44809) are found here.
You Are Responsible For Knowing The Rules
Recreational drone operators should also be aware and know that if they intentionally violate safety regulations, and/or operate a drone in a reckless, or careless manner, they could be liable for civil and/or criminal penalties. In addition to knowing the FAA regulations, also know what your local restrictions and rules are. Saying that you did not know the rules is not a viable excuse, you as the drone operator are responsible for knowing where and how to fly safely.
✓ Register your drone with its registration number visible on outside of aircraft and carry proof of registration with your. ✓ Fly only for recreational purposes. ✓ When flying, keep your drone at or below 400 feet above the ground when in uncontrolled airspace (e.g. Class G).
Note that recreational flyers are not allowed to fly above 400′ by combing the height of a man made structure plus 400′ when within 400′ of the structure (this is something that part 107 operators can do).
✓ Obtain authorization before flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D and E) via Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) and/or DroneZone.
NOTE: Flying drones in certain airspace is not allowed. Classes of airspace and flying restrictions can be found on our B4UFLY app.
Also note that some federal, state, county and local parks as well as other locations have regulations on flying from (take off, landing) their land or waters. Know where your feet will be on the ground and aircraft in the air.
✓ Keep your drone aircraft (drone) within Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS), or within VLOS of an Visual Observer (VO) who is physically next to you to, and in direct communications with you.
Hint, if you or your VO can no longer visually see the drone without using displays, its out of VLOS, and your are flying Beyond VLOS (BVLOS).
✓ Unless your drone has lighting that allows you to know where it is, its direction and orientation, do not fly at night. ✓ Give way to and do not interfere with manned aircraft. ✓ Do not fly over a person or crowd of people or over a moving vehicle. ✓ Never interfere with emergency response activities including accident response, law enforcement activities, fire fighting, hurricane recovery efforts among others. ✓ Dont fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol. ✓ Dont operate your drone in a careless or reckless manner.
Q: Is there a training test for recreational hobby drone flyers? A: Not yet, its in the works, visit the FAA recreational website to learn more.
Q: What are the categories of drone operators? A: Part 107 commercial, 44809 recreational hobbyist.
Q: If you do not get any money to fly a drone, are you still commercial? A: It comes down to your intent to fly, and benefit (not just money) to you. If you are are flying a drone with intention to just have fun and not do things on behalf of others (even if you do not get paid) or that benefits you in any way, then you do not have to be commercial part 107. Put another way, if you operate a drone within the carve out exceptions for hobby recreational, then you do not have to be part 107. However if you go outside the regulations for hobby recreational, then you would fall under part 107 regulations and need to be part 107 certified. Note that in Minnesota you also need to be licensed by MnDoT (also aircraft/drones registered with them) to perform drone activities on behalf of others.
Q: If Im not getting paid, just taking some photos or video for a friends business, club, association, church group or as a volunteer at a non profit to help with their fund raising or website do I need to be part 107? A: Yup
Q: If Im just taking photos and using a drone for my own recreation activity, not doing things for others, may be sharing my photos however not selling them, or benefiting someone, do I need to be part 107? A: Probably not, it comes down to what is/was your intent and derived benefit.
Q: If I am not going to fly drones for commercial, why get a part 107? A: Additional experience, get access to additional airspace among other things
Q: How much money can you make flying drones? A: Like many things it depends, keep in mind your costs of equipment, spare batteries, apps, licenses, registration, insurance among other costs will impact what your earnings will be.
Q: How far can your drones fly? A: As far as I can maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) on them
Q: Drones are fully automated, why learn how to manually fly them? A: Its not if, rather when technology fails, or when you get into a situation where knowing how to fly and land manually become important. For example when an automated flight app encounters poor or loses GPS coverage and requires a manual or assisted landing.
Q: Can FPV drones be flown outside? A: Yes, absolutely, however they require at least one other person adjacent to the FPV pilot operator functioning as a Visual Observer (VO) maintaining a direct visual line of sight on the drone, as well as following other FAA drone, uas, uav regulations.
Q: Have you ever flown FPV, what do you think about them? A: Yes, I think they are great for those who like the FPV gaming experience, virtual reality and action type things. Keep in mind if you are going to fly FPV outdoors you will need to have a Visual Observer (VO) standing next to you watching the aircraft (drone).
Q: Whats different from flying indoors vs outside? A: Besides obstacles, biggest difference is you may have poor to no GPS coverage that can impact automated flight modes, in other words, you want to practice your heads up and stick flying skills (or learn to fly FPV).
If you or somebody you know have a drone, want one or need to learn more about them, sign up for one of our classes or seminars. Pictures Over Stillwater partners with various Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro public school community education programs providing continuing education from drone basics to advanced topics. Fly safe and fly smart by learning about UAS UAV sUAS sUAV Drone Safety Fundamental Regulations
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online. Classes for 2024 have been added for Minneapolis and Stillwater. Click on the following to learn more as well as links for registrations, times and locations.
Got a Drone for Christmas or know somebody who did? Did you or somebody you known get a drone for Christmas or as another gift? Here’s a link to a great information video from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about knowing what to do before you fly your new drone. Step one is registering it, then knowing the rules of the road and airspace among other tips.
FAA Holiday Drone Messaging, Know Before You Fly
November 4-8 2019 is the first annual FAA National Drone Safety Awareness Week (#drones4good) initiative. As a participant in this weeks activities including being part of a free webinar open to the public on November 5, Pictures Over Stillwater has prepared the following non-branded video to showcase and promote drone safety and benefits of using licensed, insured drone operators.
In addition to Aerial Photography and Video, other focus areas during the FAA National Drone Safety Awareness Week included:
View the following video to learn more about the benefits of using licensed (FAA Part 107 and applicable state licenses), insured drone operators.
Note that Minnesota in addition to FAA Part 107 certification requires an additional licenses from Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDoT) Aeronautics for commercial drone operators doing work for others. Pictures Over Stillwater is FAA Part 107 certified including daylight waiver and various airspace authorizations as well as registered aircraft. In addition to meeting FAA requirements, Pictures Over Stillwater is also licensed by MNDoT for drone operations including aerial photography, video and imaging, as well as insured and registered aircraft.
Have an event or other activity you are looking for aerial and ground based coverage (still video and photography)? Contact us and we can discuss options to meet your needs.
The following are various Pictures Over Stillwater drone based aerial photography and video images of different Boats Marinas Yacht Clubs as well as Harbors from around the Minneapolis St. Paul greater twin cities area.
Hyperlapse Spring Sunset Ice Flow St Croix River Stillwater Minnesota
Early Spring Morning Boating Aerial View St Croix River
The following video is an example of what happens when you dont get your boat out of the water in the fall and winter freeze comes early. This is near the DNR public boat launch ramp north of Stillwater on St. Croix River near Wolf Marina view looking south.
Have an upcoming event at a Marina, Association or other venue, or simply looking for images (still and video) of your facility or boat?
Various still and video images from July 27, 2019 Inaugural Run Stillwater St Croix Crossing 5K and Half Marathon. The event started at 7AM in Houlton Wisconsin with runners finishing in downtown Stillwater via new St. Croix River Crossings Bridge.
Inaugural Run Stillwater St Croix Crossing 5K Half Marathon
Click on above image to view more Run Stillwater items
