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Tim Largent

@mittenlove_67

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📍Michigan Photographer

“The sun doesn’t care whether the grass appreciates its rays…it just keeps shining.”

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This is my “Why.”

In 2006, I was going through a difficult time in my life and needed an outlet…somewhere I could escape for a while. Most weekends, I found myself in the Garment District in downtown Los Angeles, photographing the homeless population that seemed to grow larger every time I went. I never seemed to see the same person twice. Each weekend brought different faces, different stories I knew nothing about. This photograph still hits me in the feels. Every now and then, I find myself wondering about this man. How is he doing? Where did life take him? Is he okay? Is he happy? I asked if I could take his photograph, and he allowed me to. The first frame was dark—just a blank stare into my lens. Then I asked him if he could “smile” for me. Without hesitation, he gave me one of the most beautiful smiles I had ever seen and honestly, that’s where the regret comes in. I was ashamed of myself afterward. I had asked a man whose life I knew absolutely nothing about to smile for my camera. I didn’t know what he had been through, what he had lost, or what he was carrying that day. I was so focused on capturing a moment that I didn’t take the time to know the person behind the moment. I wish I had. I wish I had sat down with him. Bought him a meal. Asked his name. Asked about his life. Just listened. I don’t know what became of the man with the beautiful smile. But nearly twenty years later, I still think about him. Maybe that’s part of my “Why.” Photography taught me that a photograph can capture a face, a smile, a moment, but sometimes the person behind the photograph deserves more than just being captured.

They deserve to be seen! 🖤 taken in Los Angeles, California by @mittenlove_67

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2 months ago

This photo is dedicated to Lisa MacDonald, whose love for her daughter never stopped.
After losing her 19-year-old daughter, Emily, and Emily’s boyfriend, Kory Ernster, to a rip current at South Haven’s South Beach in 2022, Lisa fought to bring lifeguards back to the beach.
As I look at this child sitting in the lifeguard chair at sunset, I think about the lives that may be protected because she refused to let their story be forgotten.
A beautiful reminder that love can leave a lasting legacy and that sometimes the greatest act of remembrance is helping keep others safe. ♥️🫂
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#neverforget
#SouthHavenBeach
#SouthHavenMichigan
#BeachSafety
#LifeguardsSaveLives taken in South Haven Lighthouse by @mittenlove_67

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5 months ago

Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan
Amidst the vibrant sea of tulips, I met someone who truly stood out. A beautiful soul named Jordan, who also happened to be homeless.

Our conversation began with a smile: “Has anyone ever told you that you look like Kurt Cobain?” He laughed and said, “I get that a lot.” I asked if I could take a few photos of him, and he kindly agreed. As we talked, he introduced himself as Jordan. There was a bit of a slur in his speech, and for a moment our conversation felt like an old “Who’s on First?” routine…funny and lighthearted.

After snapping a few pictures, I sat next to him and showed him the shots, along with some tulip photos I had taken earlier. He asked if he could take pictures of the screen with his phone, but since he had no service, I offered to send them later. I also offered him some money, but he gently declined. I’d like to think that sharing time and conversation was what really mattered to him in that moment. I know it meant a lot to me.

Later that day, I stopped at a red light and noticed Jordan had moved to a bench in a small park, surrounded by tulips and swaying greenery. The breeze was soft the kind that makes you want to close your eyes and just be. I snapped one last photo as the light turned green.

Thank you, Jordan, Kurt Cobain lookalike and unexpected teacher for the reminder that human connection costs nothing, and kindness means everything. Until we meet again.

Please, be kind.

TRL2025’ taken in Holland, Michigan by @mittenlove_67

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a year ago

The Sandhill Crane mating dance…or just a little peacocking for attention?! Either way, someone’s showing off, and the Canadian geese have front-row seats, but I’m not so sure about the one with the backstage p(ass). 🙈🙉🙊
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#naturephotography
#naturelover
#sandhillcrane
#birdsphotography
#wildlifephotography taken in Hamilton, Michigan by @mittenlove_67

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5 hours ago

Big Red, autumn leaves 🍂 🍁🍃 taken in Holland State Park, Holland, MI by @mittenlove_67

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2 days ago

Hello, October 🫂🍁🍂
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#lighthouses
#fallvibes🍁
#octobervibes
#michiganphotographer
#puremichigan taken in Holland State Park, Holland, MI by @mittenlove_67

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3 days ago

Home isn’t always a place. Sometimes it’s a feeling, a moment, or someone who makes your heart feel anchored, no matter where life takes you.

Home Is You ♥️
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#home
#holland
#puremichigan
#michiganphotographer
#macatawa taken in Macatawa Bay by @mittenlove_67

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4 days ago

A hidden fall gem tucked away off Ottawa Beach Road, across from Anchorage Marina & Yacht Club. Michigan’s most beautiful places are hiding in plain sight. 🍁🍂
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#PureMichigan
#HiddenGems
#MichiganAutumn
#FallColors
#HollandMichigan taken in Ottawa Beach, Holland, by @mittenlove_67

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6 days ago

Chasing fall colors in my own backyard. 🍁🍂 Sometimes the most beautiful views are the ones right in front of us. A little autumn magic ♥️✨, Pure Michigan 🩵🤍
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#puremichigan
#michiganphotographer
#autumn
#lighthousesofinstagram
#mistateparks taken in Holland State Park, Holland, MI by @mittenlove_67

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6 days ago

When the world feels like it’s falling apart, sometimes all we need is to find our way back to the little things. A time when a playground was an adventure, our imagination had no limits, and happiness didn’t cost a thing.
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#imagination
#adventure
#joy
#playground
#beachlife taken in South Haven, Michigan by @mittenlove_67

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6 days ago

As the sun slowly sets, the playground comes alive with laughter, little adventures, and memories being made…sometimes life’s most beautiful moments are the simplest ones.

Pure Michigan 🩵🤍
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#silhouette
#sunsets
#goldenhour
#family
#memories taken in South Haven Lighthouse by @mittenlove_67

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7 days ago

October Pumpkin Skies
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#pumpkinseason
#october
#michiganphotographer
#puremichigan
#sunset taken in South Haven Lake Michigan by @mittenlove_67

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7 days ago