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
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:
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.
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.
This page is a collection of upper Midwest, Western Wisconsin, Minnesota, Minneapolis, St Paul, Stillwater, Mississippi River, St Croix River Valley and other floods flooding content.
Stock Images Video B Roll for Press Media News Producers
We have stock photo still images along with video B roll footage available for licensed use by Press Media News Producers Editors Writers. Our imagery has appeared in various online, on air, and print venues. Contact us at info at picturesoverstillwater.com to let us know what you need, or visit our gallery for self service shopping needs.
NOAA Weather Service St. Croix River Stillwater Forecast
The 7th annual Opera On The River was held downtown Stillwater MN along the shores of the St Croix River July 26, 2025
2024 Opera On The River
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
