David A. Parker Photography's photostream  

I knew that the solar eclipse was occurring tonight, but I didn't know that we were going to be able to see part of the eclipse. When I saw the maps of the eclipse ending in the western United States, I assumed it meant we would not see it at all.

Imagine my surprise when I was out for a walk with my wife and kids and I realized that we could see it.

I drove to a nearby farm field, and setup my tripod, my 80-200mm lens, and put on my 10-stop ND filter.

I ended up shooting about 25 frames; some with the ND filter, some coupled up with a split 2-stop ND filter as well.

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All photos are copyright David A. Parker Photography. All rights reserved.

Back in the 1980's and into the 1990's, the Minneapolis Aquatennial used to host a skateboard competition on the shores of Lake Calhoun. There would be all sorts of ramps of different sizes, I actually cannot remember if this was the summer of 1991 or 1990.

I used to skate with some of the guys here. The guy in the photo, Ian, was dubbed "the Minnesota McTwister" by local radio station KDWB, who had a booth at the event every year and provided the music.

Taken with my old Pentax K-1000, on film.

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All photos are copyright David A. Parker Photography. All rights reserved.

Back in the 1980's and into the 1990's, the Minneapolis Aquatennial used to host a skateboard competition on the shores of Lake Calhoun. There would be all sorts of ramps of different sizes, I actually cannot remember if this was the summer of 1991 or 1990.

Woody is still involved in the skateboard community, although he hasn't skated for a long time due to knee issues. He is one of the main guys at the Plywood Benders, who build skateparks (www.plywoodbenders.com/).

Taken with my old Pentax K-1000, on film.

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All photos are copyright David A. Parker Photography. All rights reserved.

Back in the 1980's and into the 1990's, the Minneapolis Aquatennial used to host a skateboard competition on the shores of Lake Calhoun. There would be all sorts of ramps of different sizes, I actually cannot remember if this was the summer of 1991 or 1990.

Dave was one of the first sponsored skaters in the 80's from Minnesota. He and Justin Lynch were a tthe top of the vert skating game, both having pro models (Dave first skated for Santa Monica Airlines and Justin's first board came out on Alva). You could always expect to see some amazing skating when either of them showed up. Dave had a great style and flow, and was always very down to earth.

Taken with my old Pentax K-1000, on film.

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All photos are copyright David A. Parker Photography. All rights reserved.

A few weekends back, a friend and I drove to Fergus Falls to tour the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center.

I believe this part of the building was the part that was last used; it housed the chemical and alcohol dependency patients right up to when it closed in 2009. The patients, upon leaving after treatment, were invited to write/paint/draw on the walls.

The building is an amazingly cool building, and was built in 1895. The last patients left in 2009, so it hasn't been empty for too long. Unfortunately, the city turns off the power to the building, which means it stands with no heat. The electricity is turned on for the tours of the building, which happen on Friday afternoons.

The Dr. Kirkbride-designed complex was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 26, 1986. It includes the whole horseshoe shaped hospital, and not just the main tower. One of about 30 such hospitals remaining in the United States, the structure in Fergus Falls is also the most complete example of Dr. Krikbrides' design.

Help save the Kirkbride! Sign the online petition here:

www.savekirkbride.com/

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All photos are copyright David A. Parker Photography. All rights reserved.