My name is Ben Berndt and I live in Coon Rapids, MN. I have lived in minnesota all 25 years of my life and I love the variety that this state provides. I have been married for nearly 4 years and we are expecting our first baby(Girl) in 7 weeks. We are going to name her Grace. I am a financial planner by trade, but i'm building up a business with the end goal of being a full time photographer. I am one of those guys with a million hobbies and always seems to be doing something. I spend a lot of time on the Lake Superior North shore of Minnesota and it is the backdrop to a lot of my landscape photos. I started shooting weddings last summer and love the constant change of it. I am an adventure sports nut and love to feel of being off the ground.

I am learning the whole webdesign thing and my attempts can be found at these sites:

Photography: www.benberndtphotography.com
Personal: www.brberndt.com

A snapshot my wife took of me from last spring. This was about 30 minutes before I was knocked into the lake with my old canon 300d by a rogue wave. ....RIP 300d

Welcome, Ben. Glad you're here.

We spent our first anniversary in Duluth. In that big, cylindrical hotel. Have no idea what is is, anymore. Funny story there, but it'll have to wait.

We also camped for the first time ever as a couple right near Duluth -- about 20 feet from the shore. Umm, can you say windy? Big storm blew in. Our brand new tent had almost every seam separated by the end of the night. Great times. I miss living in MN sometimes -- well, often. I remember that lift bridge between Duluth and Superior -- kind of cool.

Oh, we lived in St. Louis Park, Eden Prairie, and then bought half a duplex in Shakopee, where we lived for three years or so. All in all about 6 in the MSP area.

Anyway, welcome.

HI Ben! I am Melissa, I live in Cambrige, MN! Welcome!! I am in Coon Rapdis all the time...You will love it here!

melissa

Hi Ben, welcome!! I think you will love OSP! I have been to Minneapolis and Duluth on business trips. I once sat in the food court at the mall of america with my fingers in a cup of ice after a business associate slammed my hand in the car door at the airport!

I love the scenery and people up there. Sure gets cold quick though!

Hi Ben,

Welcome to the fun that is OSP.

Sincerely,
Ben

Welcome to OSP ben - we're glad you made it!

I love Minnesowtah. I grew up vacationing there (the big town of Remer - I would be surprised if you've heard of it).

*rubs eyes* mornin.


*pours coffee*