American Faces #34 - Tim Kreps

If you were to look up the word generosity in the dictionary (or on Google) I’m pretty sure Tim Kreps’ face would pop up. I think that’s why I felt compelled to include Tim on the list of amazing people I’ve photographed for my American Faces series. Over the 20 years I have known Tim, I’ve seen a man who has freely given of his time, talent and treasure. He cares so deeply for his fellow man. You see it in his smile, you feel it in his handshake, or the big bear hug he’ll give you. Life just seems better, more vibrant and more, well, full of life when you’re around Tim. When I asked Tim why he is so generous he said, “The Lord has blessed me so much! How could I not help others?” Tim is currently battling pancreatic cancer, but that doesn’t discourage his giving heart, nor diminish his love for Jesus. I see him walking around at church greeting people, and with each one sharing a smile and a laugh. I know my life and my business has been profoundly and positively changed by Tim. A million thank-you’s would not be enough to express the depth of gratitude I have for how Tim has already poured into my life and the lives of countless others. So, from me and a whole bunch of others, Tim Kreps, “Thank you” — for showing us what it means to be a husband, father, follower of Jesus and a man of great generosity.

American Faces #33

Meet Dave, a long-time art teacher, who since his retirement has traveled and hunted all over the world. This American Faces (#33) is actually the sequel to #32 featuring taxidermy artist, Jeff S. Dave first met Jeff when he hired him for his taxidermy skills, and they quickly formed a friendship through their mutual enjoyment of the outdoors and hunting. But it was their shared backgrounds and passion for art that created a true connection between these two guys. During our time together, Dave expressed his appreciation and respect for Jeff’s abilities to create a life-like feel in the mounts that adorn the walls of his home in Minnesota.

Now, I know a picture of dead things on a wall, or even the hunter who took them, may not be appreciated by everyone. But I can say these are two great guys, and I know the places they hunt, and the remote communities to where they often travel, are positively impacted by them and other hunters like them. Tribes and local people groups receive the meat and hides, the local guides are well paid, and money for licenses is used to support wildlife conservation and habitat improvement.

To Dave and Jeff, I say “thank you” for being such willing subjects for these American Faces portraits, and for taking time to share some stories of your epic wildlife adventures!

American Faces #32

I was introduced to Jeff S. by Randy Hatanpa, who served as art director for me on this shoot (I also featured Randy in my previous AF post). Randy’s a longtime client who’s called on Jeff numerous times to create artistic masterpieces for his own collection.

Jeff is an artist whose creativity is not expressed in the more traditional confines of drawing, pottery or any other artistic medium that automatically comes to your mind. He creates his nearly magical art through the medium of taxidermy. Jeff has an incredible ability to make deer, elk or any number of other animals look so alive they seem they could come right off the wall or walk from their pedestal. He sculpts the underlying foam models to bring out details even the hunter, angler or wildlife enthusiast may not have noticed. The intricate detail of his work is stunning, from the texture of a nose, to the color of the eyes. The lifelike similarities across all of Jeff’s work can make you feel like you’re in a room where the animals are ready to roam the halls. I know some people reading this may not necessarily appreciate or approve of taxidermy or hunting. If that’s you, I encourage you to look past that for a moment, notice the beautiful details in those mounts and appreciate the talent of an artist.

Next up: Watch for my next American Faces profile, a “sequel” to this post, featuring one of Jeff’s hunter clients.