The mighty Mississippi River flows right thorough the center of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The river is one of the main reasons that Minneapolis is one of the biggest cities of commerce in the entire country.
What makes water so mesmerizing? The question came to mind while I was facing the dynamic flow of Saint Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis. It felt like it’s full of life. It’s always moving and changing. The falls aren’t just beautiful, they’re strong, and their story discusses change, resilience, and survival.
I wasn’t simply capturing Saint Anthony Falls with my camera that day. A strong desire came over me to, in a way, preserve its unrefined strength and the enduring flow that shaped Minneapolis for centuries. I set up my tripod,realizing that the waterfall is the heart of the city, still shaping the landscape.
At that instant, I wanted to seize more than the fast-flowing water. I intended to include the structures that lived alongside it—the Stone Arch Bridge along with the urban skyline beyond. Both felt like a sign that the city of Minneapolis has matured alongside this mighty waterfall.
Taking shot after shot, looking for the perfect angle, I pictured the waterfall seeing the city’s transformation. From powering the milling industry to today’s urban life, Saint Anthony Falls has always been at the heart of it. The water poured ahead relentlessly, without flagging, as though it were saying, “I’m still here.”
And isn’t that a reminder for us all? In fluctuations of the environment, we can represent a steady force—advancing, surviving, and prospering much like those falls.
By clicking my shutter, I hoped to preserve the story of the waterfall. Packing my gear and taking one last look, I realized that the story is not fully over. Every day, Saint Anthony Falls continues to write about it.
So, what can we learn from this persistent flow? It’s about standing strong, even when the world around us keeps moving.
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