American Faces - #31

I met Craig L. at a recent photoshoot in Dayton, Minnesota. Our brief conversation led to Craig talking about his service to our country as a Marine in the late 1970’s. I could see there was a sense of pride in his eyes as he spoke of his service. Likewise, when he mentioned his son who is currently serving, I could tell this man, this father of a soldier was proud of the path his son has taken. Craig’s life may not be easy, but this man is worthy of our appreciation. He served our country, but maybe more than that is he is our neighbor. When you meet the “Craigs” of our world say thank you, shake their hand, and maybe even buy them a cup of coffee.

American Faces #30

This story begins back in 1996. That’s when I first met Randy Hatanpa. At the time, Randy was the creative director at an agency in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and I was at a studio just down the road. We’ve worked on many projects together and have had countless conversations over the years since, and in that time found we share a common love for the outdoors. But more recently I discovered that Randy harbors a near fanatical passion for Muskie fishing, and making custom lures.

I also learned that Randy shares this obsession with his son, Corey, and together they make and sell artisan-quality muskie lures under the banner Gen1:20 Lures. When I visited their shop to shoot this photo, Corey broke into a big smile and told me about the careful work that goes into each lure, from the individual resin casting, to the detailed custom painting, and even the multiple layers of clear epoxy finish that make each one a work of art. Randy and Corey’s deep bond, and the love they have for their work and each other, is evident as they talk about their lures, and the elusive fish those lures are made to entice. Their eyes light up when they talk about their time together on the water and share photos of the monster fish they’ve caught. Those lures may be meant for muskies, but clearly they’ve also reeled father and son closer together.

So, twenty-plus years later, life’s taken some interesting turns, but Randy and I still do the occasional photo project together, and we still talk about the outdoors. But now we also talk about our kids, the memories we’re making and the legacies we want to leave them. It seems Randy can still find new and creative ways to inspire me.

American Faces #29

The wide-eyed wonderment of an almost 2 year old girl named Eden easily earned its place as an American Faces candidate. First, because I am her grandpa and second, because she is totally honest in her every reaction to the world around her and that soothes the soul. For me, these past months have not been easy ones. My dad passed away in August which leaves a huge hole to fill; maybe that hole really isn’t meant to be filled. I am okay with that. Maybe the wide-eyed joy as a little girl marvels at a tiny acorn that fell from a giant oak tree is what makes moving forward easier. I see unfettered smiles and an innocence in life that warms my heart. She hasn’t known heartbreak, struggle, or loss as you the reader has. She only knows love; the love of her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a myriad of others who are wonderfully woven into her life. That wonderment in her eyes is what fuels a grandparent to sit and play with beads in a bowl by the hour, or sit down beside her and touch the newly treasured acorns from the day’s adventure.

Live today with a bit more wide-eyed wonderment. We all need it!