Late in the day when light is soft and beguiling, Francesca, Chris and I froze a tender moment during their first pregnancy. We made a series of images about a mile north of Victoria in Carver County, one of my favorite locations for portraiture.

It’s a sure fire bet every New Year’s Day, hundreds of brave souls will plunge into 32 degree water to benefit needy causes.  The annual ritual has raised tens of thousands of dollars and in the process, Minneapolis metro polar plungers suffer from intense cold for local institutions and charities.  I’ll pass thank you, but I’m delighted that 500 others were willing to risk hypothermia for others in need.