I got a nice used Canon EOS 20D from a coworker last week, and decided I’d give it a spin by photographing St. Paul’s fireworks display from the Smith Avenue Bridge — which I consider to be the best Fourth of July fireworks vantage point in the Twin Cities. The results are a cut above what I’ve done in the past with my point-and-shoot, but probably not as good as what the camera is capable of. It’s my first DSLR, and obviously I’ve got a lot to learn. Fortunately, PC World had a handy guide to shooting fireworks that I found helpful (and that you should bookmark for next year).

That’s Harriet Island off to the right, flooded with light from A Taste of Minnesota. I didn’t make it there this year, but I hear it’s a lot better now that new management has taken it over. Any change is welcome, as far as I’m concerned; no disrespect, but the food is basically no different than state fair food, and last year’s Eddie Money set was by far and away the worst concert I’ve ever seen in my entire life. (Note to ’80s rockers: joking on stage about how you’re a washed-up has-been whose kids won’t return your calls, even if it’s true, is not cool.)