Nielsen Studios Inc

American Faces –  #25

Matt Schnell is a multi-faceted creative guy – one of those rare types who seems to be a master at everything he does. He’s equally talented in graphic design as well in producing custom-made works of art for interior spaces. His graphic design business is Schnell Designs and his other business is Red Barn Creations. Over the years I have been amazed at Matt’s ability to make magic with complex digital graphic design then transition effortlessly to hand-building a custom office desk, or converting an old motorcycle into a work of art to be displayed in a Cowboy Jack’s restaurant. He’s a good guy, with a bit good ol’ boy in him. That wrought-iron personality shines through in his designs and his handmade works of art, and as he greets you with a firm handshake and a “howdy!” I know I’ve become a better photographer when Matt and I are on set together, and I have also become a more well-rounded creative through Matt’s relentless pursuit of top-level creative content. This photo shows Matt in his element: the Red Barn Creations Shop, where “man glitter” (sawdust) is made . Thank you, Matt, for being one of my American Faces. You are part of what makes the American story great – a talented guy who creates dang cool stuff!

Serve #35

There are some people you can just tell were made to serve and protect others. Sergeant Tim L. is one of those people. With his football player-sized frame, calm demeanor and warm smile, Sergeant Tim creates an atmosphere of peace whenever you’re around him. You just feel protected in his sphere. But this isn’t just about Tim being a good guy, or even a cop. It’s about a man who believes in making a difference. Tim’s also a coach for the North Community High School Polars football team in North Minneapolis, where he coaches both the offensive and defensive lines of this highly successful football program. Along with his big frame, Tim has a big heart for positively impacting those around him. It’s obvious as he talks about how much he cares for the boys on the football team. He knows being a positive role model for his players can influence them for years to come. When asked about his own influences, Tim spoke of men like his dad, his own high school and college football coaches, and many others who encouraged and helped form the man he is today. During our ride-along, Tim’s great big heart for people shined even brighter as he talked about the unsheltered people of our Metro Area. He serves with the Homeless Action Team that helps people find housing and work towards a more secure future for themselves. His passion for serving was genuine and contagious. I could see it, and I could hear it in every word he spoke. I could see why he was recently recognized as Officer of the Year.

Sergeant Lawrence thank you for making the world a safer place, but more than that, thank you for making it a better place by being who you are – on the job, and on the field of life. Thanks again for letting me ride along.

Story edited by Scott Whitman

Best wishes,

Shawn Nielsen
Mobile. 612.750.2593
Studio. 763.498.7375
Email: shawn@nielsen-studios.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsenstudios1
Web: http://nielsen-studios.com
Blog: https://nielsenstudios.wordpress.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nielsen.studios.inc/
            “Tell Your Story”      

American Faces – No. 15

Dimagio’s Pizza in Rogers, MN, is one of those small-town places that feels like it’s woven into the very fabric of the community. Dimagio’s sits on old Main Street, creating pizzas one at a time. Owner Shane Lane insists they still toss the pizza dough by hand and use only garden-fresh ingredients. He calls it, “making smiles by the slice.” Pizza maker, Christina B., was my willing subject on this visit, with a ready smile and practiced moves, deftly working and spinning the dough. It’s good to know people can still make a living creating our food by hand. So, if you’re hungry for pizza, call or drop in to your favorite local pizza place. Buy a slice or two, and keep the dough spinning, on your own Main Street, USA.

American Faces – No. 14

I think there are some people who may have been born 100 years too late. Elmer R. is one of those people. He is a local fur trapper with an old-world style and a witty sense of humor. Elmer spends his retirement years wandering the local woodlots in search of fur bearing animals. You’ll likely find him with one of his handmade hats, like the one fashioned from a skunk pelt, completing his old-time mountain man look.

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American Faces #13

A recent trip to Anoka yielded an unplanned meeting on the sidewalk with my subject Mark U.  He’s the owner and barber at Cowboy Mel’s in Anoka, MN. 

Mark taking a break outside his shop.

I was first captivated by his enormous (and enviable) beard, and then by the barbershop full of cowboy paraphernalia, skulls and classic barbershop chairs. This warm toned shop and Mark’s facial hair made for a wonderfully memorable shoot.

#minneapolis #minnesota #advertising #photography #perspective#captureminnesota #dynamic #creative #stateology #art #arts#captureminnesota #graphicdesign #great #faces #canon5dmarkıv#canon #canonglobal #man #minnymade #streetphotography #color#american #usa #Americanfaces #beard #fearthebeard

American Faces – No.10

A good day always involves a stop into a local coffee shop.    After our morning shoot, Scott Whitman and I stopped in to  Avant Garden in Anoka.  I could not have scripted a better scene to unfold: a young musician at the coffee bar playing his guitar. The problem: my camera was back in the car. I quickly jogged to the car and returned with camera in hand. I captured a quick photo with his back turned to me, then approached the friendly musician, Derek, and asked if I might take a few shots as he gave a casual impromptu performance for his coffee-drinking audience.

American Faces No. 10 is one of my favorite shots from this raw moment.

A behind the scenes shot taken while Derek played:

Serve #32

This Serve is written about my Grandpa, Clarence Bassett, who passed away at age 69 when I was just 15.

Clarence & Marie Bassett

Some of my story comes from the perspective of that 15-year-old me, but much also comes from my uncle Butch, the last living child of Clarence and my grandmother, Marie, who lived in Northeast Minneapolis.

I remember my Grandpa as a tall, slender man with dark hair. I remember he would often have a lit cigarette in hand, and a grin on his face when we talked. I remember he was always very particular in how the grass was mowed, and meticulous in the silversmithing he did as a hobby. I always thought he was sage-like and wise, without needing to use very many words. Even at the time, I knew his wisdom came from deep and difficult life experience. He was a soldier in World War II.

Grandpa Bassett was a Sergeant, Technician Fourth Grade, and had the military qualification of rifle expert. He was deployed overseas from spring of 1943 to November of 1945. He marched across Europe during the military campaigns of Northern France, Ardennes and Rhineland.

Grandpa was very quiet about his past – especially about his service in the Army fighting against the Germans. As the years went by I learned that he saw and encountered horrific things, difficult beyond what any young man should have to live through.

My Uncle Butch recalls that the only war stories Grandpa Bassett shared were that of Ardennes – The Battle of the Bulge. Grandpa told Butch about being extremely cold and wet, about fighting a battle from foxholes, and the non-stop rumbling of the Panzer tanks on the battlefield.

When I think about my Grandpa as a young man enduring so much, I am truly humbled and proud to have called him Grandpa. I’m even more humbled to have been given the dog tag you see in the photo above, which at one time hung around Grandpa’s neck. For him, in the midst of the fight, it was a constant reminder of where he was from. If his body was ever found on the battlefield, that dog tag would have helped him find his way home.

Grandpa was a part of the Rhineland Campaign that led to the ultimate surrender of Germany on May 8th, 1945. And being there for the end of the war, he helped liberate the concentration camps. He saw the bodies of the Jewish people in those camps stacked like garbage near fences, or dumped in shallow graves. The images of the horrible things Hitler had done greatly disturbed Grandpa for the rest of his life.

The price of war was incredibly heavy for the men who served in World War II. Most who went to war “wet behind the ears” came home hardened to the life and people around them. My Grandpa likely lost friends and had fellow infantrymen killed beside him. I imagine he struggled with the thought that he may not make it home alive as the Germans’ Panzer tanks rumbled toward his foxhole.

Life back on the homefront was hard for my Grandpa and his fellow soldiers. Many soldiers came back to the United States with battle scars. Some of those scars were obvious, but many were not. The wounded were often left to cope for themselves with battered hearts and minds. My grandpa was no different. He came back to American soil to resume his life in Northeast Minneapolis, had his own struggles and worked through them as best he could.

Grandma (Marie)

Like many young men, my Grandpa went off to war leaving a young family behind. Grandpa left his baby daughter, Sandy (my mother), and his pregnant wife at home.  Grandpa did not meet his son, Butch, until he returned from the war, when Butch was nearly two. He had one more son name Clarence five years after returning from Germany. And life marched forward for the Bassett family.

Sandy & Butch

Clarence Jr.

I knew Grandpa Bassett as a man who loved his six grandkids deeply, and who readily shared his home and a warm smile. He was a man who taught me about work ethic, and to keep my word. He was there for me through some really tough teen years (read Serve #6). I know that he is one of the men, along with my Dad (Serve #3), who shaped me to be the man I am today. I am truly glad that I had a chance to know my Grandpa.

Reflecting on all this, I realize we often don’t thank the people in our life enough for the impact that they’ve had on us. Maybe it’s because we’re embarrassed, or we think they won’t take it well. But some things should not be left unspoken.   

I know that if my Grandpa was still living I would want to tell him “thank you” for pouring into my life, and for serving our country with his life. I would also tell him he impacted my life, and who I am, beyond what my words can begin to say.

Through these words, and through the photo I’ve taken, what I really most want to say is, “Grandpa, I love you.”

Edited by:  Scott Whitman

Serve 31a – Kit (with Kelly on the left)

Serve 31b – Teewon

Sometimes when you journey through life you have the opportunity to meet people who embody the word compassion. But that word alone can’t describe the full personalities of Teewon and Kit of Living Well Disability Services. The deeply caring hearts of these two people is clear as they speak about the people that they support – individuals with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. Many of the people that Teewon and Kit support are not able to speak, walk, or take on daily tasks like eating without assistance. Yet day in and day out Teewon and Kit care for their most basic human needs with a gentle heart, a lending hand and encouraging words. When I spoke to these two incredible individuals their stories seemed inextricably linked. I knew that these two were really part of one Serve. Maybe because so much of what drives both of them creates one interwoven story. They each said something that really blew me away. Teewon said that he cares for the people because he feels called to be a “voice to the voiceless.”  Kit said that she believes she does this out of a firm belief that there really is no greater gift than to serve one another. As they shared their hearts and a few stories they smiled as they spoke of the people that they get to help walk through life. Teewon and Kit help give dignity and steadfast support to those that they care for.

I encourage each of you who reads this to say thank you to people like Kit and Teewon who serve others.

Best wishes,

Shawn Nielsen
Mobile. 612.750.2593
Studio. 763.498.7375
Email: shawn@nielsen-studios.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsenstudios1
Web: http://nielsen-studios.com
Blog: https://nielsenstudios.wordpress.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nielsen.studios.inc/
“Tell Your Story”

 Serve #30

This “Serve” started with Eric S. of Rachel Contracting driving up in a large bulldozer at a Minneapolis, Minnesota construction site. Needless to say my inner child was enthralled at the site of a massive, metal earth mover that was closing in on the site of the photoshoot. Eric’s story was no less awesome than the bulldozer. Eric served in the Army National Guard as a heavy equipment operator in both Bosnia and Afghanistan where he helped to rebuild roads and explode ordinances and/or IEDs (improvised explosive devices) in previously war torn areas. Out of Eric’s desire to serve, he found a sense of belonging which helped to define his reason for serving which was, as he said, ”to bring freedom to others. ”Eric’s military service helped to bring safety to communities where burried explosives might take the lives of loved ones. He also built roads to safely move troops into areas that were potentially unreachable. Those very roads are now used by communities full of people whose lives continue to be positively impacted by Eric and many other military personnel.

The leadership qualities that Eric learned are what helps him in his job for Rachel Contracting; he enjoys mentoring others and doing an honest days work. Eric is worthy of honor for his service to others around this globe. I was blessed to shake his hand and say “thank you” for your service, as we closed our time.

When men and women just like Eric engage in the act of service such as this, you get a glimpse into what valor really means

Thank you Eric!

Best wishes,

Shawn Nielsen
Mobile. 612.750.2593
Studio. 763.498.7375
Email: shawn@nielsen-studios.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsenstudios1
Web: http://nielsen-studios.com
Blog: https://nielsenstudios.wordpress.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nielsen.studios.inc/
“Tell Your Story“      

Serve No. 27

Tradition draws my family and me to Oakwood Cemetery in Rockford, Minnesota every year for the annual Memorial Day celebration.  This year, 2017, was no different; Memorial Day is also the day that a good share of the town of Rockford lines Bridge Street for a small town parade that concludes in the cemetery.  It was during this parade that Randy E. caught my eye.  I noticed his hat had the Purple Heart symbol on it, I also noticed a little dog poking its fuzzy head out from Randy’s jacket.  I knew I had to approach him to see if he would be willing to be my subject. I could see in Randy’s caring eyes, his proudly worn hat, and a wonderfully trimmed grey haired mustache that he would be a great subject for Serve #27.

Rockford, MN

I asked Randy why he served.  He said without hesitation that it was his duty to his country.  I then asked him about the Purple Heart award and he shared that he was wounded in combat while being a part of the infantry.   He also shared that he has residual effects of Agent Orange as well as working through PTSD which still affects him to this day.  The little dog that I mentioned before helps him work through the hard times that PTSD brings on.

     I am always blown away by people who have served in the United States Armed Forces in times of war.  I am especially impacted by those that have been awarded the Purple Heart.  I think what touches me the most is that these individuals’ lives brushed death in a battle and in some foreign country when they were young adults.  I am honored to be in the presence of a Veteran like Randy as I knew I was standing in the presence of a great man who served his country well. He sacrificed for our freedom, and the freedom of others.  There is amazing power in that last sentence that is easily looked over.  So I want to say it again.  Randy sacrificed for our freedom and the freedom of others.

Thank you Randy!

Give thanks to someone who served today.  They are all around us!

Best wishes,

Shawn Nielsen
Mobile. 612.750.2593
Studio. 763.498.7375
Email: shawn@nielsen-studios.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsenstudios1
Web: http://nielsen-studios.com
Blog: https://nielsenstudios.wordpress.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nielsen.studios.inc/
“Tell Your Story”

Serve#25

I have tried to figure out how to best write this Serve and I must say that I have been totally stumped. The reason, I think, is I did not want to point out the difficulties that are found on the Nett Lake Ojibwe Reservation, near Nett Lake, MN. As I thought about it more, I realized that nowhere in the world is there a people group without difficulties. So without dwelling on the difficulties, I choose to dwell on the hope and light Kevin and Natasha Land along with three children bring to the people of Nett Lake. I met the Lands in 2016 while on a mission trip with my church NorthRidge Fellowship. I was blown away by how they live out being a light and hope for the men, women, and children of Nett Lake on a day to day basis as they live and make their home on the reservation and serve in the local church. The story does not stop there; Kevin and Natasha are bus drivers if needed, life counselors, Vacation Bible School teachers, worship leaders, but more than that they are friends to the Nett Lake Ojibwe. As I spent time with Kevin and Natasha I knew they were woven into the lives of the people by how they spoke of the community. The love for the people of Nett Lake is in the DNA of this wonderful couple and their children; it is seen in their actions, and heard their words. Kevin and Natasha are people to admire for their dedication and ministry approach to the Ojibwe/native culture.

When I meet people like the Lands I am humbled. Not humbled by their greatness, but humbled by their humbleness and their willingness to serve out of a free flowing heart.

May we all add a more hope and a more light to this world which needs it! Thank you Kevin and Natasha.

Best wishes,

Shawn Nielsen

Mobile. 612.750.2593

Studio. 763.498.7375

Email: shawn@nielsen-studios.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsenstudios1

Web: http://nielsen-studios.com

Blog: https://nielsenstudios.wordpress.com/

Instagram

            “Tell Your Story”

~ Serve #24 ~

Guest post by Aimee Libby

“Kids these days…”

That’s a familiar phrase we often hear with not-so-great connotations. Well, I’d like to tell you about a particular “kid” who’s breaking the stereotype of this younger generation.

Meet Rayanne.

Rayanne always has a smile on her face. She’s a high school student. She loves music. She loves people. She has a quiet, servant’s heart. How do I know Rayanne, you ask? It’s an interesting story, actually.

A little over a year ago, I was helping put on our annual Ogni Voce special needs choir performance in conjunction with the STMA Stallions Special Olympics team. Rayanne showed up that chilly winter night with several other students who were told they’d receive extra credit for choir class if they stopped in to hang out and sing with our Special Olympics group. Seemed like an easy way to get extra credit, right? Later that night, as Head of Delegation for our STMA Stallions Special Olympics team, I received an email from Rayanne saying how much fun she had with our group. She wanted to know what else our group did and how she could get involved. There was a lot going on and I hadn’t really even met Rayanne that evening, so I couldn’t put a face with a name. Honestly, my first thought upon reading her email was, “Sure, we’ll see how this plays out – probably another teen who’s ‘interested’ but never follows through”. By noon the next day, Rayanne had submitted all of the necessary paperwork and completed the required online certification to become a volunteer coach with our STMA Stallions Special Olympics team. She was at the next team practice with a big smile on her face, ready to assist wherever needed.

Now, some of you are probably reading this and are thinking, “Hmmm, so…big deal. A kid came to something for extra credit – what makes them ‘so great’ for doing that?” What makes Rayanne so great and such an asset to our group is this: She’s always there. She shows up week in and week out. She shows up at all of our team’s competitions and tournaments. She shows up at all of our social/community events. She even checks in regularly with me so she can make sure to align her work schedule with our team’s calendar. She connects with me ahead of events/outings to see where I need her to help out. She eagerly shows up bright and early on a Saturday morning, hours before any other teenager would rollout of bed, so she can support and cheer on an athlete one-on-one for a competition. She’s something that so many people in our day and age, both kids and adults, lack – she’s consistent.

Not only is Rayanne consistent with our group, she continually demonstrates her dedication and heart for our Stallions athletes outside of what is truly expected. Shortly after getting involved with our team, Rayanne started volunteering regularly in the special education classroom at STMA High School where many of our Stallions athletes attend. The high school special education staff adores her and are so impressed by her genuine desire to meet each kid where they’re at. Rayanne is constantly seeking out ways to include and embrace the athletes within the school setting. Anytime I stop in at STMA High School and see Rayanne in the halls or at a school pepfest, she’s hanging out with a Stallions athlete…as friends, not because she has to. There’s no obligation beyond weekly practices for our Stallions coaches, but that doesn’t matter to Rayanne. Her heart shines through the most in settings outside of our regularly scheduled team practices.

By now, it’s probably pretty obvious that I’m a “fan” of Rayanne, but, I have kind of a unique perspective on all of this above and beyond what I’ve shared already. Yes, I’m the Head of Delegation for the Stallions Special Olympics group, and volunteers like Rayanne are invaluable to our team – we wouldn’t exist without them. But, I’m also a parent of an almost-13-year-old Stallions athlete. This perspective is the one that’s the most important in my opinion. I can honestly say, seeing Rayanne with our Stallions athletes puts a lump in my throat and makes my eyes “sweat”. In a world that typically views people’s value and worth by how great their abilities are, Rayanne sees each one of our kids as the unique, joy-filled, perfect individual God designed them to be. She doesn’t get caught up in the often-unpronounceable name of a certain syndrome or disability an athlete may be afflicted with. Nope. All she sees is a person…with personality, incredible abilities, and with so much love and joy to give. That’s all any parent wants. For their child to be seen, valued and loved. Rayanne does that effortlessly, and in the process, blesses so many families within the community.

Athletes and Coaches

In a world of constant change and uncertainty, our athletes who thrive on routine find comfort and security in knowing they’ll see Rayanne’s smiling face any time they show up to a STMA Stallions event. And that makes all the difference in the world. Her consistency across the board shows athletes and parents alike that she’s the real deal. As the old saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words”. This couldn’t be truer of Rayanne. Her quiet demeanor may not be flashy and scream out to others, but her actions are seen and heard loud and clear.

Rayanne, you’re a one-of-a-kind world changer. Thank you for serving our group in this way. We’re forever grateful for your heart to serve, and that you came out in search of some “extra credit” that brisk winter night.

Thanks for being consistent. No matter what.

Best wishes,

Shawn Nielsen

Mobile. 612.750.2593

Studio. 763.498.7375

Email: shawn@nielsen-studios.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsenstudios1

Web: http://nielsen-studios.com

Blog: https://nielsenstudios.wordpress.com/

            “Tell Your Story”

Serve #23

Serve #23 is about a young man named Landon. I’ve known Landon since he was an eight years old and now he’s the ripe old age of seventeen (almost 18). He was a regular cast member along with my daughter, of a local musical theater group, Front Porch Musical Theater. Landon always been a wonderfully polite young man with a chivalrous demeanor; qualities I don’t see often in today’s youth. My story isn’t about that though. It is about his decision to become a part of the Army National Guard, for which he currently holds the rank of Private E2. He is making this decision to prove to himself what he is made of as well as to have the opportunity to figure out how he is supposed to impact the world. Once Landon finishes basic training and additional educational requirements he desires to gain employment in the law enforcement field at the local level, transitioning to a higher government and/or intelligence level, continuing to serve throughout his life.

As we spoke he shared that he also wants to be a role model for others. If a seventeen year old musical theater student can join the army, so can they. He added that whether or not you are joining the ranks of the armed forces or not, there is not a valid excuse for not going after something. His words were, “You are what you allow yourself to be”. Landon also inserted one last encouragement by saying “People need to know that they must work hard for their future”.

Landon I salute your service and am very excited to see what he future holds for you.  May we all follow your lead!

Best wishes,

Shawn Nielsen

Mobile. 612.750.2593

Studio. 763.498.7375

Email: shawn@nielsen-studios.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsenstudios1

Web: http://nielsen-studios.com

Blog: https://nielsenstudios.wordpress.com/

            “Tell Your Story”

Serve #22

I met Tracey Tischler just under a decade ago when I needed a makeup stylist for a high level executive photoshoot.  My original stylist who was booked backed out the day of the shoot with no warning.  Tracey stepped right into the role that morning like we had worked together for many years.  Needless to say I was impressed by her ability to mold into any situation, and talk to anyone no matter their status or job role.  She has a great rapport with nearly all of humanity (I think even if they spoke another language she would still make them feel comfortable).  I think what has brought me to write this “Serve” about Tracey is her ability to talk to anyone, better said her ability to be an encourager.  I have seen her encouragement played out as she gracefully applies makeup to a mother and daughter preparing them for a photoshoot.  The amazing part was watching Tracey apply her art to a little girl who was fighting a battle against Leukemia as well navigating life with the struggles of being a child with Down’s Syndrome.  Tracey gave time to the pair as well as loving words of encouragement.  To Tracey this mom and daughter were royalty, and it was her role, maybe even her honor to care for them.  Tracey much like all of us has a story that defines who she is, but that story does not hinder what she has to offer the world; ENCOURAGEMENT!

I think a lesson we can glean from Tracey is to be a person of encouragement to a world that desperately needs some.

Best wishes,

Shawn Nielsen

Mobile. 612.750.2593

Studio. 763.498.7375

Email: shawn@nielsen-studios.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsenstudios1

Web: http://nielsen-studios.com

Blog: https://nielsenstudios.wordpress.com/

            “Tell Your Story”

Sometimes you just need to do a test on a set concept!