Sunset shots like this were a bit problematic during 2012. The reason was the assortment of stuff hanging off the side of the building. The seals around the windows needed repair and the limestone was due for a major cleaning, and crews spent a long time working evenings and weekends to make those things happen. As you can see, their gear does show up even from a distance (at least with the right lens).

Not only did it cause some consternation for photographers, but it also put a little bump in the road for the Independence Day celebration. Normally the Symphony would set up on the capitol steps, but because of the necessary safe boundary area they were forced to be down on the lawn like the rest of us.

Thankfully things are going to be back to normal this year. I’m super excited for Independence Day this year, despite some wrinkles in some long-made plans. It’s going to be a great week to be in Bismarck-Mandan, and I’m hoping I can dust the cobwebs off the cameras and capture some of it to post! After the whirlwind that has been 2013, as evidenced by the trickle of photos posted on this site, I’m long overdue for some camera time. My sweetie agrees.