Staff Directory 6370426

Aaron Lavinsky

Photographer | Newsroom
Phone: 612-875- 0431

Aaron Lavinsky is a staff photographer for the Star Tribune covering news, sports and everything in between. He joined the visuals staff in 2014. 


"Lavinsky previously worked at newspapers in Washington State and Arizona. Lavinsky is a licensed drone pilot and is passionate about the outdoors. He lives in Richfield with his loving girlfriend and cat, Pixel.
Recent content from Aaron Lavinsky

Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Twins 6-3

Twins' offensive struggles continue against Tyler Glasnow, Dodgers Entering with an MLB-worst .180 batting average and the second-fewest runs per game (2.88), they tallied three hits and 14 strikeouts in Tyler Glasnow's seven innings.

Chris Stapleton performs at U.S. Bank Stadium

Chris Stapleton performs Saturday, April 6, 2024 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn.

Timberwolves hold off Rockets 113-106 at home

Naz Reid led the Wolves with 25 points, and Anthony Edwards finished with 21 despite going a third straight game without making a three-pointer.

Gallery: Boys basketball state tournament ramps up in Class 1A semifinal action

Cherry and Nevis faced off for the first Class A semifinal game on Friday, with Cherry winning 76-58 to advance to Saturday's state title game. Fertile-Beltrami and West Central Area went into triple overtime, with Fertile-Beltrami eventually coming out on top.

Gallery: Maximalist Maria Bartholdi

Inside maximalist podcaster Maria Bartholdi's bold-colored fuschia and chartreuse Minneapolis home filled with dinosaurs, robots and other eclectic decor.

Gallery: Gophers women's basketball loses 76-67 to Michigan

The Minnesota Gophers women's basketball lost 76-57 to the Michigan Wolverines in round two of the NCAA Big Ten Tournament at the Target Center in Minneapolis on March 7, 2024.

Gallery: Chanhassen defeats Minnetonka for spot in boys hockey state tournament

Chanhassen beat top-ranked Minnetonka 2-1 in the section final at Braemar Ice Arena in Edina on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

Gallery: Gophers beat Ohio State 88-79

University of Minnesota men's basketball played Ohio State at Williams Arena in Minneapolis on Thursday, February 22, 2024.
The Burnsville Police Honor Guard accompanied the casket of one of two fallen officers outside Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation.

Burnsville first responders mourned

A processional for officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, who were killed on Sunday in a shooting in Burnsville along with paramedic/firefighter Adam Finseth, was held between the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office and the funeral home in Jordan. A vigil for the fallen first responders was also held in the evening outside the Burnsville Police Station.

Burnsville first responders mourned

A processional for officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, who were killed on Sunday in a shooting in Burnsville along with paramedic/firefighter Adam Finseth, was held between the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office and the funeral home in Jordan. A vigil for the fallen first responders was also held in the evening outside the Burnsville Police Station.

Photos: PWHL Minnesota wins 2-1 over Ottawa

Minnesota hosted Ottawa during a Professional Women's Hockey League game at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.

Northernettes synchronized skating team practice ahead of international competitions

The team, one of the top nine junior synchronized skating teams in the country, rehearsed in preparation for two international competitions, the Mozart Cup in Salzburg and the Marie Lundmark Trophy in Helsinki. This will be the first time in their seven-year history that they will be competing at two international competitions as part of Team USA.

Gallery: Snuggled up with furry friends for the holidays

The Secondhand Hounds rescue organization hosted their "Puppy Snuggle Event!" where people young and old can sign up to spend time with puppies, kittens, cats and dogs.
Incoming Maple Grove juniors with the dance team Olivia Nagel, right, and Aubrianna Brown pose for a photo with Minnesota TImberwolves mascot "Crunch"

Gallery: All-Metro Sports Awards show at Target Center

The Star Tribune's sixth annual All-Metro Sports Awards show celebrating outstanding student-athletes and those who support them at Target Center.

Gallery: All-Metro Sports Awards show at Target Center

The Star Tribune's sixth annual All-Metro Sports Awards show celebrating outstanding student-athletes and those who support them at Target Center..

Prior Lake beats Mounds View 17-15

Prior Lake won in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs

Photos: Gophers topple Louisiana 35-24, end losing streak

The Gophers defense tightened up after halftime, while the offense scored three second-half touchdowns.

Shakopee Takes on Eden Prairie

Shakopee Takes on Eden Prairie

Maple Grove defeats Centennial 41-28

After a blowout beginning, Maple Grove overcomes Centennial at home

Janelle Monae lights up The Armory

Monae performed Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 at The Armory in Minneapolis.

Gallery: The Twins lose 2-0 to the Mets

This was the Twins only loss in the three-game series against the New York Mets.

Anoka tries out its new downtown 'social district'

Super blue moon rises above Lake Harriet

The second full moon of August — a phenomenon called a "blue moon'' — was also of a rare super variety. Watch a time lapse here.
Watch: Super blue moon rises over Lake Harriet in Minneapolis

Watch: Super blue moon rises over Lake Harriet in Minneapolis

The second full moon of August — a phenomenon called a "blue moon'' — was also of a rare super variety.

Birds of a feather hit the Minnesota State Fair together

Birds of a feather hit the Minnesota State Fair together

Matching outfits sprouted up all over the fairgrounds, by chance and via families hoping to keep track of each other.

Super blue moon rises above Lake Harriet

Minneapolis police officer shot and injured

The officer was pursuing a robbery suspect in an unmarked car, Police Chief Brian O'Hara said.

Family and friends of Ricky Cobb II gather for his funeral

Cobb was shot and killed by a Minnesota State Trooper during a traffic stop in July on I-94 in north Minneapolis.

A Tiger Encounter

Zach Bryan plays Target Center

The Oklahoma singer went from posting videos while serving in the U.S. Navy to touring arenas two years later, buoyed by the top 10 hit "Something in the Orange."

Double Dutch & Skates event in St. Paul

Kids opt for fun outside instead of technology

Gallery: First recreational marijuana dispensary opens in Red Lake

Red Lake Nation's NativeCare was the first recreational marijuana dispensary to open in the state of Minnesota on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

Mariners defeated the Twins 9-7

Twins lead Mariners early

The Minnesota Jays youth football team practice

The north Minneapolis team is fresh off a regional championship win about three years after their practice was interrupted by gunfire.

Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour stops at Huntington Bank Stadium

Fan feature and scene report from Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour stop at Huntington Bank Stadium, the first major concert at the Gophers football palace since the last time she performed there in 2016.

Mud bug madness invades Indeed Brewing Company

The 1st qualifying round for Crayfest 2023 Crayfish Eating Contest was held at Indeed Brewing Company.

Lucy Laney students ride to Dairy Queen for ice cream

A group of Lucy Laney students taking a bicycling class have earned a special treat: A bike ride to Dairy Queen (4017 W Broadway in Robbinsdale) for ice cream. Last year, the teacher said 20 of her students told her they'd never had DQ before so she's determined to keep the tradition going.

Downhill derby hits the streets of Stillwater

The 89th Annual Lumberjack Days included a market, food, mini golf, magic bounce inflatables, chalk art competition, skate ramp, mini log rolling, downhill derby and lumberjack demonstrations.

World Axe Throwing League season kicks off in Oakdale

The Burrow - Oakdale establishment kicked off its first night of WATL (World Axe Throwing League) play for the season, with five participants taking part.

Taylor Swift dazzles in first of two Minneapolis performances

It's a Taylor takeover! Swift fans flocked to U.S. Bank Stadium Friday night to watch the pop star's Friday-night concert.

Twins beat Red Sox 5-4

Minnesota Twins beat the Red Sox 5-4 in 10 innings at Target Field.

Red Sox beat Twins 10-4

Boston Red Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 10-4 at Target Field.

Justice Department finds pattern of discriminatory policing in MPLS

Photo Gallery – Reactions to Justice Department finding a pattern of discriminatory policing in Minneapolis.

Lynx fall to Suns 89-84 at Target Center

Connecticut Sun beat the Minnesota Lynx 89-84 at Target Center. Lynx start season 0-6.

Montessori school premieres its version of the tale of the Titanic

Clouds over Lake Independence

Fisherman and swimmers enjoy weather and clouds on Lake Independence at the Baker Park Recreation Area Tuesday, May 30, 2023,

Third anniversary of George Floyd's murder

Three years on, Minneapolis remembers George Floyd at George Floyd Square Thursday, May 25 2023.

Twins vs. Toronto Blue Jays

The Minnesota Twins hosted the Toronto Blue Jays at Target Field in Minneapolis on Friday, May 26, 2023.

Gallery: Aurora season opener

Minnesota Aurora FC played Rochester FC in the season opener at TCO Stadium on Wednesday.

Lynx lose 83-77 to Atlanta Dream

The Minnesota Lynx lost 83-77 to the Atlanta Dream at Target Center in Minneapolis on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Twins lose 4-1 to Giants

The Minnesota Twins lost to the San Francisco Giants 4-1 at Target Field on Monday, May 22, 2023 in Minneapolis.

Gov. Tim Walz signs public safety bill into law, containing two gun safety measures

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a sweeping public safety bill into law, including two gun measures: universal background checks and a red flag-style provision allowing law enforcement to intervene when someone is at high risk of injuring themselves or others with a firearm.

Shania Twain performs at Xcel

Shania Twain performed at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn., on May 17, 2023.

St. Paul Mosque damaged by suspected arson

A St. Paul mosque heavily damaged by fire is a suspected arson, the sixth attack on a Minnesota mosque so far in 2023 amid calls for accountability and increased security for the houses of worship.

Minnesota Peace Officer Memorial Service

The 2023 Minnesota Peace Officer Memorial Service was held Monday, May 15, 2023 at the recently renovated Minnesota Peace Officer's Memorial on the south grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol.

COVID survivor Rick Ulrich reunites with North Memorial nurses

Ulrich returned to North Memorial with his wife Deb and two daughters to bring lunch and thank the healthcare workers he credits for saving his life during his nearly month-long stay in the ICU in late 2020.

Photos: Dinkytown residents, business owners seek solutions to teens wreaking havoc

Last Thursday through the weekend, large groups of teenagers caused havoc throughout Dinkytown, with video showing dozens of teens curb stomping someone believed to be a University student.

San Diego Padres 6, Twins 1

The Minnesota Twins lost to the San Diego Padres at Target Field on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, in Minneapolis.

Senate debates paid family and medical leave

The Senate is debating the creation of a state-run leave program Monday that would enable people to take time off with partial pay.

Gallery: Vikings NFL draft party at U.S. Bank Stadium

Vikings faithful gathered at U.S. Bank Stadium to watch the team select USC wide receiver Jordan Addison with the 23rd pick in the NFL draft.

St. Croix flood waters looms in Stillwater

Riverfront businesses have had to make due while the St. Croix River hits major flood stage on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

St. Croix flood waters looms in Stillwater

Native Nations Fashion Night

"Northern Lights: A Native Nations Fashion Night" was held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at The Machine Shop in Minneapolis. The event showcased the life ways of the Yup'ik of Alaska and the Great Lakes Woodlands Anishinaabeg.

Native Nations Fashion Night

Twins beat Yankees 6-1 in series opener

Sonny Gray pitched seven shutout innings and Jorge Polanco had three RBI as the Twins beat the Yankees 6-1.

Wolves fall to Denver Nuggets 120-111 in Game 3

The Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Denver Nuggets 120-111 in Game 3 of their NBA playoff series Friday night at Target Center in Minneapolis.

Gov. Walz delivers State of the State address

Gov. Tim Walz delivered the first State of the State address of his second term Wednesday night.

Photos: Fish Fest Friday at Eden Prairie Scheels

Fish Fest Friday was held to bring in the open water fishing season and included vendors, a mini-boat show, food and seminars from fishing pros. "Lets Go Fishing" is an organization that serves older adults, veterans and people with disabilities get onto the water.

Photos: St. Croix rises in Stillwater

Residents and business owners in Stillwater continue to watch the rising St. Croix River on Monday, April 17, 2023.

Photos: St. Croix rises in Stillwater

Record breaking spring heat

Temperatures in the Twin Cities officially hit 84°F breaking the previous record for April 12th of 83° set in 1931.

Summer-like weather, at long last

The Twin Cities had its first 80 degree day in six months Tuesday.