I am thrilled to be highlighting reader travel photos, which first appeared in Viewfinders. The collection shows clearly that Minnesotans get around, and we know what we are doing behind the lens.

I hope the photographs inspire you to document your own trips — and to share the results with us by sending jpegs to viewfinders@startribune.com.

Want to improve your photo skills? Consider taking a class.

National Camera Exchange, with five locations in the metro area, offers a range of classes, including one-on-one sessions, the basics of digital photography and specialty offerings such as U.S. Figure Skating Championships Photography Workshop at the Xcel Energy Center, Jan. 20. Participants will get instruction as they shoot the junior men's and women's free skate competitions. Cost is $150 (natcam.com). Buy a camera there, and get free lessons on how to use it.

The nonprofit Minneapolis Photo Center also offers a range of options in its expansive brick-walled space, including Beginning Digital Photography Jan. 13, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., for $165. The center also offers one-on-one sessions devoted to topics such as darkroom processing; the center has a big one (mplsphotocenter.com).

If you'd like to travel and improve your photography skills at the same time, consider a trip with Minneapolis-based photographer Layne Kennedy. In 2016, he'll teach photography in places such as Cuba, Australia, Belize and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness during a five-day dog-sled trip with Wintergreen (laynekennedy.com).

Send your questions or tips to travel editor Kerri Westenberg at travel@startribune.com, and follow her on twitter @kerriwestenberg.