Trope Publishing has released a new coffee table picture book titled Above & Across Twin Cities, featuring stunning, breathtaking views captured from the sky, including drone images. While not on the cover, it’s an honor to have eighteen of my drone aerial photography images of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, included in this picture book, along with those of my eight fellow Twin Cities photographers.
Minnesota State Capital St Paul by Greg Schulz
From the publisher (Trope): “Above & Across Twin Cities captures the stunning beauty and natural elegance of Minneapolis-St. Paul as seen from the sky.
Showcasing historic architecture, the modern skyline, notable landmarks, and natural scenery, the images capture the twin cities’ vibrant character and historical significance. This unique collection creates a contemporary portrait of Minneapolis-St. Paul, captured in all four seasons.
Through a series of breathtaking images, readers are invited to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Minnesota State Capitol, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Stone Arch Bridge, as well as lesser-known corners of the city that are equally captivating.
Above & Across Twin Cities features stunning aerial shots that offer a bird’s-eye view of the city, capturing its diverse skyline and urban landscape in an entirely new light. With its striking visuals and thoughtful commentary, including a foreword by Peggy Flanagan, Lt. Governor of Minnesota, this photography book is a must-have for anyone who loves Minneapolis-St. Paul or wants to experience its beauty from a new perspective.
Featured photographers include: Dan Anderson, Michael Anderson, Mark Bergeron, Malik Blaylark, Zach Butler, Omar Ghrayeb, Jamie Hiner, Brian Johnson, Greg Schulz.”
The Details of Above & Across Twin Cities
Above & Across Twin Cities Hardcover 200 pages Size: 8.0 x 10.658 inches 140 Photographs Photographer: Various ISBN: 978-1-951963-58-3
Images by Greg Schulz in Above & Across Twin Cities
The following are my drone aerial photography images that are included in the Above & Across Twin Cities book that you can order here. You can also view my images that are part of Above & Across Twin Cities, as well as order digital downloads, prints, metal prints, framed prints, wall art, puzzles and more via our online gallery found here.
Images in Above & Across Twin Cities by Greg Schulz
Wrapping Up
Being part of Above & Across Twin Cities is exciting for me, as it is my first picture book and a throwback of sorts to my first technology book, published back in 2002 (The Resilient Enterprise/Veritas Press), which was also in conjunction with several other authors. That was the precursor to co-writing other technology books, as well as publishing five solo books.
Does this mean another picture book is in the works? Good question with no answer, at least as of yet.
2026 World Snow Celebration Snow Sculpting Day 4 (1/17/26)
2026 World Snow Celebration Snow Sculpting Day 2 (1/15/26)
2026 World Snow Celebration Snow Sculpting Day 1 (1/14/26)
The 2026 Stillwater World Snow Celebration aka World Snow Sculpting Championship #wssc will be held January 13th-25th in downtown Stillwater Minnesota in Lowell park adjacent to the frozen St Croix River. Check out some video and photo images from previous Stillwater World Snow Celebration and World Snow Sculpting Championship events below.
2026 Winning Teams
1st place Team Fjordwitches from Canada with their creation The Inosculation of Souls
3D animated Snow Sculpture TEAM FJORDWITCHES of Canada, titled The Inosculation of Souls. The 2026 WSSC First place overall competition winner, and artists choice winner.
2nd place Team Falcon of Mongolia with their creation Legend
3D animated Snow Sculpture from 2026 WSSC Stillwater MN by TEAM FALCON of Mongolia, titled Legend, 2nd place overall
3rd place Team Thailand with their creation Life in Frame
3D animated 3rd place Snow Sculpture from 2026 WSSC team Thailand of Thailand titled Life in Frame, 3rd place overall
People’s choice Team Kawsay from Peru with their creation Tupuna / Enlace
3D animated Snow Sculpture from 2026 WSSC team KAWSAY of Peru titled Tupuna / Enlace, peoples choice winner
Snow Sculpture TEAM WARM YOUR COLD BRITS of Great Britain, For fast acting relief try slowing down
3D animated Snow Sculpture from 2026 WSSC in Stillwater MN by team TURKIYE of Turkey titled dialogue
3D animated Snow Sculpture from 2026 WSSC Stillwater MN of team TAIWAN of Taiwan titled Lover’s Tear
3D animated Snow Sculpture from 2026 WSSC via team SWITZERLAND of Switzerland, titled The Family
3D animated Snow Sculpture from 2026 WSSC via team AOTEARCTIC of New Zealand, titled Forgotten Feast
3D animated Snow Sculpture from 2026 WSSC in Stillwater MN via team MELA of Malta titled Sansuna
3D animated Snow Sculpture via team DUST TO DUST SNOWFLAKE TO SNOWBALL of Lithuania titled Lets Play
3D animated Snow Sculpture from 2026 WSSC team CALLISTO of India titled Nature’s Cradle
3D animated Snow Sculpture from 2026 WSSC team TEAMFAMILY of Ecuador titled Organic Geometry
3D animated Snow Sculpture from 2026 WSSC team EASTWOOD of Denmark titled Bloom of bliss
3D animated Snow Sculpture from 2026 WSSC TEAM FALCON of Mongolia, titled Legend
3D animated Snow Sculpture from 2026 WSSC in Stillwater MN via TEAM COLIMA of Mexico titled Tripping
2025 Stillwater World Snow Celebration
For 2025, the Stillwater World Snow Sculpting Championship #wssc was expanded with a new or additional event name of World Snow Celebration. Scroll down to view photo and video images from 2025 and previous years events.
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
Click on the following image to access a PDF event program and schedule of events (and check out some of our 2023 event images). Learn more at the Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce World Snow Sculpting Championship (WSSC) site.
2023 World Snow Sculpting WSSC Event Program
Stillwater World Snow Sculpting Championship 2022
Views from 2022 Inaugural Stillwater Snow Sculpture #wssc event that builds on the previous Stillwater Lights and other activity downtown Stillwater.
We are honored our image was used for WSSC 2022 backdrop
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
2026 World Snow Celebration Snow Sculpting Day 4 (1/17/26)
2026 World Snow Celebration Snow Sculpting Day 2 (1/15/26)
2026 World Snow Celebration Snow Sculpting Day 1 (1/14/26)
2026 Winning Teams
1st place Team Fjordwitches from Canada with their creation The Inosculation of Souls
3D animated Snow Sculpture TEAM FJORDWITCHES of Canada, titled The Inosculation of Souls. The 2026 WSSC First place overall competition winner, and artists choice winner.
2nd place Team Falcon of Mongolia with their creation Legend
3rd place Team Thailand with their creation Life in Frame
People’s choice Team Kawsay from Peru with their creation Tupuna / Enlace
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
Pictures Over Stillwater provides indoor, outdoor, ground, aerial and all around content creative services. The following are some 360 interactive views including still image and video. Our 360 panoramic imagery capture experience includes 360 cameras for ground and aerial (attachment to aircraft e.g. airplanes) along with Drone based for one off as well as recurring projects.
Interactive Minneapolis MN 360 spherical view
Interactive St Paul MN 360 spherical view
Interactive Fall Colors St Croix River 360 spherical view
Interactive The Heights St Paul MN 360 spherical view
Interactive Rice Park St Paul MN 360 spherical view
Interactive sunrise St Paul MN 360 spherical view
Our 360 experiences include exterior and indoor virtual tours (photo and video) for real estate (residential and commercial), engineering, site planning, construction progress reporting and 3d modeling, along with general marketing and event support among others. From relative low level (eye height) to under hundred feet, to hundreds of feet, to above 40+ story tall buildings, and higher using airplanes, from empty property lots to completed structures, we have experience with diverse projects.
360 Interactive Fast Video Tour St Croix Bike Loop
360 View Lowell Inn Stillwater MN
360 View Grand Ball Room Stillwater MN
4th Street Entrance Stillwater Public Library
The following is a short Virtual Tour of the Stillwater Public Library.
360 images including still and video are great for virtual tours along with next generation virtual reality (VR) tours. Virtual tours are great way to showcase your property, facility, factory, property, showroom among other views with customers, partners, prospects among others enabling an interactive experience for the viewers.
The following is a 360 Interactive video view from 2020 Withrow Area Classic Car Show Wishes and More Wish Granting. Play the video and rotate around to see different angles and views.
The following is outward orbit 360 (horizontal) view from above Oak Park Heights Minnesota looking at the St Croix River Valley. To the east is the St Croix River and Wisconsin, to the west Minneapolis.
Outward orbit looking around St Croix Valley from Oak Park Heights
For some scenarios, tiny planet projection views are used to display 360 content such as for platforms that do not support spherical content. Following are some tiny planet projection views.
Tiny Planet Aerial View Stillwater MN
Tiny Planet Aerial View MN State Capital St Paul
Tiny Planet Spherical View Fall Colors Stillwater Minnesota
Browse, shop and buy print, digital downloads, wall art, and other items by clicking here to access our online SmugMug store. 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.
The above among other stock B Roll video clips are available for purchase by clicking here (as well as on the links above). Cant find what you are looking for or have questions, contact us to discuss other available options.
Check Out Our Collections of Stock Photos
We also have a large variety of stock photos available for digital download purchase available at our gallery sites including:
This page post is focused on twin cities drone aerial sunrise sunset night views including still photography along with videos. Most of the aerial sunrise sunset night views are from around the twin cities metro area there are a few from around Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and North Dakota.
2025 World Snow Sculpting Day 1 Drone Video
2025 World Snow Sculpting Day 2 Drone Video
2025 World Snow Sculpting Day 4 Drone Video
Winter Sunrise Stillwater Minnesota Video
New for 2021 northside of Stillwater Lift Bridge Lit Up
Hyperlapse time lapse downtown Stillwater Minnesota
Ice Maze From Construction Until Gone
Winter Week In Stillwater Minnesota Aerial Views Aerial Night View Ice Maze Stillwater Zephyr Theatre
Flying unmanned air systems (UAS), also known as unmanned air vehicles (UAV), aka Drones early morning and evening as well as night, has many challenges and opportunities.
The opportunities include capturing sunrise and sunsets from different vantage points in some cases when the air is calmer, clearer, and with fewer clouds. Likewise, there is less traffic (people, vehicles, and birds, or at least sometimes) than in the daytime, and, if configured properly, you can see your aircraft further. On the other hand, challenges include not seeing everything in the dark, other drones in the area that are not properly lit, or authorized to be in the airspace.
A challenge for hobby/recreational flyers who are not looking to go out and take photos and then sell them is getting night access to controlled airspace. For hobby and recreational drone operators whose intent is to go out and capture photos or videos to post and sell or promote, you should get your FAA part 107 certificate and then your daylight waiver. If you are already part 107, take the next step and get a daylight waiver so you can fly at night.
On the other hand, if you are looking to hire or have somebody do night time drone photos or videos, engage with a professional who is FAA Part 107.29 (daylight waiver), as well as MnDOT Aeronautics licensed, registered, insured and experienced. The key for nighttime, early morning, and evening drone flying is mitigating risk, being prepared, flying smart, and safe.
A couple of other tips and reminders include the night is considered the time from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. Maintain situational awareness of your drone’s altitude, direction, where it is, and where it is going while maintaining a visual line of sight (e.g., not staring at your phone). Another tip is to have high visibility lights that can be seen from several miles away. The lights help you see your drone and for others to see it (if they are watching). When you are going to fly at night, or even early morning or evening, get to know the area ahead of time while it is light out, where are trees, powerlines, and other obstacles.
The reason I mention the above is that having an FAA part 107.29 daylight waiver as well as being MnDOT licensed drone operator is to demystify and provide insight into night drone flying. If you want to know more about night drone operations or how to get your daylight waiver as well as airspace authorizations and related topics, get in touch with us.
Its Sale Time, Black Friday Before and Beyond
It’s here, Our Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Sunday Savings, Cyber Monday, Townie Tuesday, Wednesday Wall of Savings and, Thank You Thursday sale is going on now. We have stock images from around, on the ground and above the Stillwater, St Croix River Valley, Western Wisconsin, Twin Cities and adjacent areas. Browse, Shop, Buy and enjoy savings of 30% (or more) on Prints, Mounts and Wall Art including Metal prints from Tuesday November 24 through Tuesday December 1, 2020 at our online store (here).
Above, early November fall colors downtown Stillwater Minnesota with call waters of the St Croix river reflections of old and new bridges. Below sunrise downtown St. Paul Minnesota.
Late Fall Downtown Stillwater Lights Sunset Night Flight Views
Stillwater Friday Night Lights
Downtown Stillwater Sunset Opera On The River (view more here)
Washington County Fair Ground Sunset Views
Night View Washington County Fair
Stillwater Fireworks View From Wisconsin (view more here)
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?
2023 World Snow Sculpting Championship Video from Stillwater Minnesota capturing preparations, carving, visitors, crowds, day, night, drone aerial and up close views of the artists creations. The 2nd annual World Snow Sculpting Championship #wssc event was held in Stillwater Minnesota January 18th through 22nd 2023. The #wssc event is downtown Stillwater Minnesota in Lowell Park north of the St Croix river historic lift bridge.
Click here to view images and video from the 2024 World Snow Sculpting Championship event in Stillwater.
Click here to view a longer length version of the video.
The 2025 Stillwater Minnesota World Snow Celebration is a rebranding and expansion of the previous World Snow Sculpting Championship #wssc events. The 2025 Stillwater Minnesota Snow Celebration event downtown Stillwater adjacent to the St Croix River and Historic Lift Bridge located in the eastern twin cities Minneapolis St Paul metro area.
2026 World Snow Celebration Snow Sculpting Day 4 (1/17/26)
2026 World Snow Celebration Snow Sculpting Day 2 (1/15/26)
2026 World Snow Celebration Snow Sculpting Day 1 (1/14/26)
1st place Team Fjordwitches from #canada with their creation The Inosculation of Souls
2nd place Team Falcon of #mongolia with their creation Legend
3rd place Team #thailand with their creation Life in Frame
People’s choice Team Kawsay from #peru with their creation Tupuna / Enlace
Artist choice Team Fjordwitches from Canada
Winter Sunrise Stillwater Minnesota Video
2025 World Snow Sculpting Day 1 Drone Video
Day 1 (Wednesday January 15th) started out sunny, windy and cold and ended up cloudy and blustery however with lots of activity in the afternoon. Check out the activity including artists working on their creations up close (with invitation of one of the artist teams to fly through one of the creations) and Ice Skaters on the Ice Rink.
2025 World Snow Sculpting Day 2 Drone Video
Day 2 (Thursday January 16th) of the world snow celebration and world snow sculpture championship event #wssc saw lots of progress on the artist teams creations along with nicer weather.
Due to unsafe weather conditions, no drone aerial images were able to be captured on day 3 (Friday January 17, 2025) of the Snow Celebration event because of strong winds.
2025 World Snow Sculpting Day 4 Drone Video
2025 Stillwater Minnesota World Snow Celebration Video of Day 4 (Saturday January 18th) daytime and night time drone aerial views.
Q: Why do you need to learn to fly a drone as they are automated? A: Learn about the National Air Space (NAS) and where you can fly as well as other tips for flying drones safely. Otoh, you still need to learn how to drive a car, get a license even with self driving cars, or at least for now ;).
Q: Do classes include a live demonstration flight? A: Demonstration flights are weather and other condition dependent.
Q: Can students bring their drone to the classes? A: Yes.
Q: Where have you taught classes in the past? A: Anoka/Hennepin Community Education, Eden Prairie High School, Eden Prairie Central Middle School, Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education, North Central University STEM, Stillwater Area Public Schools Community Education, and Stillwater Public Library among others.
Q: How long have you been flying drones? A: Over 10 years for singles and quads for about eight years.
Q: How long have you been commercial licensed drone operator? A: Since May 2018
Q: How long have you been waivered to fly at night commercially? A: I received my 107.29 (daylight waiver) back in December 2018 which was valid until April 21, 2021 when daylight waivers were sunset (e.g. phased out). As of April 21, 2021 for those who have either taken the new initial, or recurrent part 107 test, you are now authorized to fly at night without a waiver (e.g. daylight and night waivers no longer exist).
Q: Do you have any other waivers? A: Yes, 107.39 (Operating Over People e.g. OOP) and 107.145 (Operating Over Moving Vehicles e.g. OOMV)
Q: How hard is it to get certified? A: Depends on how well you can learn (or memorize). Getting your FAA TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) certificate is relatively easy and quick, its free from various organizations such as AMA here. The next step takes more time which is getting your part 107.
Q: How many flights have you flown? A: Many thousands including indoors and outdoors.
Q: How many hours in the air do you have flying? A: Over 600 hours air time.
Q: How many miles total have you flown drones? A: Spanning thousands of flights several thousand miles flown.
Q: If I am not going to fly drones for commercial, why get a part 107? A: Additional experience, you also get access to additional airspace and privileges by being a part 107. Keep in mind that part 107 is often thought of as being commercial license, when in reality, its a category or type of certification that allows you to do more, one of those things being commercial activity.
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 that will impact what your earnings will be.
Q: Have you ever flown FPV, what do you think about them? A: Yes , check out our FPV experiences page here. FPV drones are great for those who like the FPV gaming experience, including racing, general recreation, as well as for action cinematography videography indoors as well as outdoors. 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).
