American Faces #53

American Faces No. 53

Scott Regan is one of the most talented creatives I have ever met. He’s a cinematographer with an extraordinary ability to weave a story together with the deft use of video. His infectious smile and engaging personality make you feel welcome on set even, if you’re a still photographer;-). It was Scott’s welcoming demeanor that blew me away a handful of years ago. I was on a shoot for 3M Safety doing still photography for Spot Communications while Scott was creating video content. Scott Regan’s storytelling mixes heartfelt, breathtaking compositions – with his hand-held camera on the ground, and from the height of his expertly piloted drone (he’s a licensed drone operator). This guy is comfortable on just about any set, whether it’s his compassionate interactions with a home healthcare organization client, or it’s kicking through pastures with a dairy farmer in Missouri with my other company, AgriLife Studios, co-owned with Scott Whitman.

Scott Regan’s ability to adapt to just about any situation is captivating to watch, and it’s been a blessing to have him as part of the team when projects need a multi-media content approach. Scott Regan has driven me to become a better photographer. I am a blessed man to have met him, and to have the opportunity to work alongside such a great creative storyteller!

Check out this link to see work we have done together:

https://www.nielsen-studios.com/video

American Faces #52

American Faces No. 52

As I have created each story in the American Faces series I find myself humbled by having the opportunity to briefly share my fellow humans' stories. Melinda Taylor’s story has left me in awe, and even more humbled. This woman has endured so much pain and the hurting and battered souls that are in every single one of our communities. The stories of her past would take your breath away, but that past prepared her to lead many others on a road to greater hope and healing. Women, men and children who have been hurt by the brutal hands and words of another have been led by Melinda to an exodus that returned wholeness and hope for their future. Melinda’s own exodus was started by others years ago at Berean Baptist Church in Minneapolis. The love of others and the love of Christ helped Melinda on a path to a safe place that she could begin to rebuild her life. The path was not easy, but it created a resolve in this woman that has touched so many.

I asked her what she would say to another person who is in a relationship that is physically and emotionally abusive. She said; “You can get out and there is hope. No matter where you are at”.

As I end Melinda’s story, I want each of you to know there is hope, that your past is behind you and the future is yours to behold. Live for the tomorrows!

If you are in a dangerous place and need help here is Melinda’s info:

Melinda Taylor

952.240.7949

melindaedina@aol.com

American Faces #51

American Faces No. 51

Seven decades on this planet have led Rob Watlov down many different paths. Automotive sales, teaching, college, and adventures in the outdoors are just a few. In the first part of this century Rob suffered a heart attack while on an adventure in Canada. It was certainly a wake up call for Rob. The experience caused him to lean even more into his Creator. Rob is a Christian with a heart for his fellow man that’s just about as big as the outdoor world he loves. He knows that simply experiencing the great outdoors has a special way of drawing each of us closer to the Creator. That’s what led him to become the founder of Legacy Fishing Retreat Ministries.

Rob has seen that people’s hearts are genuinely changed, even transformed, when they experience the wonder of the outdoors, completing a part of them they often didn’t know was missing. Rob’s focus on the hearts of people and his Christian walk came to clarity when he was 55. Rob’s personal history included some tough bumps and bruises, like most of us. That however didn’t disqualify him from starting Legacy Fishing Retreat Ministries. If anything, it became the catalyst for the impact this organization would make. Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, other organizations and many individual families have been impacted by Rob and the others who share their love of the outdoors and make Legacy Fishing Retreat Ministries all that it is.

Rob ended our time together saying, “Be ready to be more than what you thought you would be” because "God knows the plan He has for You, a plan for good, not for evil, for a future and a hope; to those who truly seek Him." (Jeremiah 29:11)