American Faces No. 113: The American Farmer

This might well be the quintessential American Faces story so far.  Not because of Larry K.’s face but due to the fact that he is an American Farmer who has continued to farm on the very land his family has been farming since the 1950’s.  For many years he was a dairy farmer in the St. Michael, Minnesota area.  Larry, his brother and their families raised Jersey dairy cows for milk production along with growing corn, soybeans and hay.  In the not too distant past the farm transitioned to crops and raising Angus/Holstein steers that may someday find their way to markets near you. He continues to farm a couple hundred acres of ground slowly being enveloped by housing developments all around.  Year in, year out his tractors continue to work the very ground on which  he was raised.  

The stresses of farming have always ebbed and flowed but in my ten plus years of knowing Larry I have always encountered a man who had a warm smile, a kind word for the day and a dry joke or seven to lighten the mood.  I have had the privilege of Larry’s kind and cheerful nature as we loaded trailers full of hay for the goats my wife and I keep.  Even when I haven’t seen him for a while and we greet each other with a handshake, it feels like he’s a friend I have known forever.  I think that is the true measure of a good man. 

When I asked Larry why farming means so much to him he said, “It’s what I have always done and I enjoy it”.

So as 2026 begins to move ahead, take a deep breath and remember life stresses will ebb and flow.  First, enjoy your family.  Second, smile…you and the others need it.  Third, make a difference in the world around you.  It definitely needs you.

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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American Faces No. 112: 3000 Acts of Kindness!

What better way to kick-off 2026 than with an American Faces subject I photographed in 2025.  September 25, 2025 to be exact.  I know, so yesterday!  Well life got a bit busy in the fourth quarter of 2025. I think in all truthfulness I was supposed to let this story marinate until I understood the full scope of Danielle Igbanugo’s heart for those on the streets and people surviving as they experience homelessness.  

She’s a light in a world that so desperately needs it.

But this story is more complex.  Complex in the sense that Danielle does not do all the difference making by herself.  It started years ago when she had a vision for bringing people together to do acts of kindness; multiple acts of kindness, well, specifically 3000 acts of kindness (I am sure it is way more than that in all truthfulness) Danielle knows that a vision with that scope is not done alone.  She asks for others to come alongside her as fellow “Difference Makers” for a one day event called 3000 Acts of Kindness.  This event is hosted by Danielle’s organization Coated in Love and supported by many sponsors.  The foundation of the day is set up with an area for spiritual care, another area for footcare, other areas offer boots, haircuts, backpacks, sleeping bags, lunch and more.  Dignity, love and care were in full measure.

The fifth year of this amazing event was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in 2025.  There were 100’s of “difference making” volunteers wonderfully caring for people and showing dignity in tangible, heartfelt ways that truly brought a tear to the eyes of the onlooker. I had the privilege of attending the event this year not as a content creator/photographer but as an interviewer to help tell the organization's story of impact with a video crew that captured amazing footage throughout the day.  While I was conducting the interviews of both volunteers and those needing help, there was a common theme; HOPE.  Not just the lukewarm use of that word, but real hope.  There were smiles, hugs, human care and above all dignity in large doses shared with all.  That day, HOPE set the course for how people were treated.  It wasn’t about an ideology; just being human to one another.  People were prayed for, their feet cared for and their hearts filled.  Oh and differences made one human to another.  Not just to the receiver, but also to the giver.

Take a look at the incredible impact and scope of the event:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRS2dNB5VDE

Now imagine if Danielle had not listened to her heart years ago.  The lives of people on that chilly December day would not have been touched by the profound kindness of all the volunteers, sponsors and the countless people behind the scenes.

Here’s the challenge; How will you make a difference in the life of another in 2026?  If you need a date to help you get something on the calendar go to Danielle’s website.

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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American Faces No. 111: To Bee or not to Bee

Ok that is definitely my most cheesy title.  I am a bit sorry for that ...but I am not above a good “Dad Joke”.  This story is about a man named John W. who raises bees near his townhome in Monticello, MN.  John has a fair amount of silver and an amazing amount of passion when it comes to raising bees.  He knows what the color of honey is all about.  He knows all about the transformations bees make when the hives are filled with the buzzing bodies of these winged marvels and he understands the role of the queen.   

Maybe even more amazing than his wisdom is John’s desire to share the sweet outcome of his diligent care for his bees.  Honey!  Sharing love in a little jar brings great joy to John. He has shared small jars to the far north with the people of Nett Lake Reservation as well as neighbors in North Minneapolis who receive resources at Beacon of Hope where Good in the ‘Hood does a foodshelf and footcare.  John’s heart is a wonderfully giving one.  He uses the honey and the bees to talk about Creation, his Christian walk and journey through life thus far.  John’s life just like most of us has not been a straight linear path.  He has had jobs in various fields, lived in different places and battled cancer.  He remains a man with an engaging smile, calm demeanor (maybe the bees taught him to be calm;-) )  and stories of life that will keep you interested for hours.

I know I have not shared much about the inner workings of the hive, the flight patterns of worker bees or the palatable taste differences of seasonal honey.  There is much to read at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab or Wikipedia.  I know I have missed something that you might want to know to soothe your inner detective.   Needless to say my attention was all over the place as I photographed John and his friendly bees.  I stood in wonder at the bees; they are essential and make our world beautiful by pollinating flowers, trees and crops.  But maybe even more impressive, they are a great example of what working together can do.  They create something that positively impacts the world.

John shared something he heard at a retreat with his daughter years ago: “God’s grace and honey are both gifts from heaven. Can’t be earned, undeserved and free!  And sticky!  And sweet as well, honey”.

So here’s how I am ending this one.  Talk to someone about something that you know nothing about.  I mean really push yourself out of your comfort zone.  You might just meet a “bee guy” and then get to see a bee hive and stand in awe and wonder at our world;  especially tiny, flying ones that provide tasty honey that makes life sweeter.  Don’t forget to share your story with the other person though.  Other people need to hear that.  Humanity needs one another!!!

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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