Photographer Dave Vorland of Bloomington, Minn., offers a glimpse of fall in Minnesota with these spectacular images.
Early October: Photographed north of Duluth. Deer season begins Nov. 11. Although I hunted until my daughter as a kid asked me to stop, I hope this one survives to be seen again next year.
October 19: Always nice to see a cardinal at the feeder. And what’s more, these guys usually stay here with us during the winter while most other birds (and many humans) depart for warmer locations.
October 21: With some exceptions, I’m pretty much a Christmas, Easter, weddings and funerals kind of guy when it comes to attending church. But I’ve always admired the physical and spiritual beauty of religious edifices such as this one, Sacred Heart in Freeport, Minn., as well as the support and peace of mind the clergy and volunteers provide to the membership. The church is now surrounded by small town clutter that did not exist when it was built. Neither is it high atop a hill like its name sake, Sacre Coeur in Paris. But it’s beautiful, and it’s still getting the job done.
October 23: Oak leaves yesterday in our yard in Bloomington, Minn. Autumn is a favorite topic of poets, and one can understand why: unearthly beauty mixed with a tinge of melancholy. Winter is not far over the horizon.
October 24: “Eros bendato screpoloato,” seen yesterday at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It’s by the late sculptor Igor Mitoraj, acquired by the museum as part of its Centennial celebration. Contributions are still being solicited for its $1 million price tag. It’s of the Greek god Eros, depicted as being both bandaged and cracked, pointing out, says the MIA, “the contradiction between the ideals of strength and beauty, and the inherent fragility of the human condition.” Cool.
October 24: What could be better than a morning at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, shooting pictures with my daughter Kristi Vorland? She took the photo, I did the modeling (and the quick edit).
October 25: Artist capturing Minnehaha Falls in late afternoon light, Minneapolis.
November 2: Survivors, our backyard in Bloomington, Minn.
November 3: Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington, Minn., yesterday. A great day for a November hike!
November 3: When hiking the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington, Minn., it’s easy to forget about the nearby airport, one of the busiest in the country. But not for long.
November 3: Most cardinals remain with us during Minnesota’s winter, such as this one seen at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington.
November 5: View of Minneapolis from Lake Calhoun on a gray day.
November 6: Nearing sunset, Bloomington, Minn.
November 9: Our place in Bloomington, Minn.. The stark look of trees without leaves makes for a bit of melancholy, knowing what’s to come next. Perhaps that winter rental in Key West, Fla., isn’t such a bad idea after all?
