About Me

I'm a Minneapolis based photographer focused on weddings, portraits, and urban cityscapes. I pride myself on being a bit of an eclectic who takes an interest in all manner of people and places and travel a fair bit, so I try to include other elements of my work into my blog. My work tends to use a modern style with a mind toward drawing out the edges in life. I draw inspiration in my portraiture from Greg Gorman, Herb Ritts, Platon, and a handful of other masters of the art.

Whether your a new fan or an old friend, please be sure to leave a comment or drop me a line, I appreciate the feedback or just knowing who I'm reaching on the web. Thanks for checking out my work!

Thanks!,

Greg Benz
greg@carbonsilver.com

Minneapolis is Underrated

Jul 31, 2008 Posted in Best Photos

“Underrated” is a term I used to describe Minneapolis a lot. I moved here a few years ago, and really had no idea what a cool city it is. Even in Chicago, most people seem to think this is some backwater town sitting on the edge of the frigid arctic. Sure its cold (but not really colder than Chicago I’d say) and it isn’t as big as New York (but there’s plenty to do) – but once you’re here a while, you realize you pretty much have everything you’d want to do (good night life, pro sports, beautiful natural area, …) all within a few minutes anytime you want. It’s truly one of the most misunderstood and underrated cities I’ve ever encountered.

Click on the image for notes on my technique.

Show Hide 9 comments

October 11, 2009 - 9:45 PM

Alan Price - Your image is awesome and your title says it all, I couldn’t agree more, Minneapolis is a great city!

March 10, 2009 - 9:09 PM

Glen - I totally agree. There are so many people who are discovering Minnesota for what it truly is. The summers are starting to suck from all the tourists and even in the winter people still flee here to do their Holiday Season shopping at all our malls. It is definitely growing and will be noticed soon. I’ve lived in Minnesota my whole life and in Minneapolis for over a year. I love everything about it. And that is the most beautiful picture of the skyline I’ve ever seen! Did you take it on the 24th street walkway bridge just off of Portland Ave?

August 7, 2008 - 9:04 PM

joshidaniel - Nice shot!

August 7, 2008 - 6:55 AM

hybrid tom from DayTwa - What a sweet picture– Greg, I’ve said it before but you are seriously talented.

As a St. Paul expat living in Detroit, I agree totally with the “underrated” assessment of MSP. You residents should be glad the shallow thinkers believe it’s a “backwater town sitting on the edge of the frigid arctic”, because as long as they do you’ll have a lot fewer of them to deal with. You have a great place to live– take care of it so I have a great place to visit

August 1, 2008 - 12:05 PM

D.C. Confidential - That has to be the best photo I’ve Minnepolis’ skyline I’ve ever seen. Gorgeous!

And I agree. I was in Minneapolis a few years ago on business and was pleasantly surprised by how hip and sophisticated it was. It was like Chicago, but on a smaller, more manageable, friendlier scale. You live in a beautiful city!

July 31, 2008 - 6:42 PM

James Petersen - I agree with Tammy. How did the photographer do it. If he or she is willing to share it with me I would appreciate it.

July 31, 2008 - 6:41 PM

James Petersen - I agree. Minneapolis is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. Personally, I think the Miami,FL skyline is a little prettier than Minneapolis but Minneapolis has to be one of the more civilized and well behavied cities in the United States. Probably due to our Scandinavian Sweedish, Norwegian and Danish heritage.

July 31, 2008 - 5:51 AM

Tammy - Absolutely stunning photo! I’d love to know more detail on how this was done. Beautiful job!

August 3, 2008 - 8:59 AM

Minneapolis is Underrated « Between Two Cities - [...] Greg Bentz, who also took the picture of the Minneapolis skyline above, also explains: “Underrated” is a term I used to describe Minneapolis a lot. I moved here a few years ago, and really had no idea what a cool city it is. Even in Chicago, most people seem to think this is some backwater town sitting on the edge of the frigid arctic. Sure its cold (but not really colder than Chicago I’d say) and it isn’t as big as New York (but there’s plenty to do) – but once you’re here a while, you realize you pretty much have everything you’d want to do (good night life, pro sports, beautiful natural area, …) all within a few minutes anytime you want. It’s truly one of the most misunderstood and underrated cities I’ve ever encountered. [...]