Kayli Dahl, staff
“We cannot thank him enough for his dedication and skill in providing us with these priceless memories,” SBHS instructor Shannah Dschaak said.
Community member Tim Potts has made a huge impact on numerous people. His illuminating grin shines on anyone who comes into contact with him. He spreads this joy through his passion for photography and life.
“I started taking pictures in college, and enjoyed it,” Potts said. “Then when my kids got involved in sports, I started taking more and more photos and then started sharing with their teammates. That is where it all got started some forty years ago.”
He was motivated to keep up-to-date equipment since he started taking senior and family photos. Photography started as a fun hobby, which resulted in a part-time job for Potts. He felt it was a way to keep families involved in their children’s sports.
“If I can put a smile on the face of a friend, family member or athlete with one of my pictures, that is what it is all about,” Potts said, “Photography is my passion and one of my favorite hobbies and I enjoy getting out and trying to capture that one perfect picture, maybe a touchdown catch, pinning an opponent or the coolest picture of my grandchildren.”
“As my athletic career continued to grow, I loved nothing more than to see the camera pointed towards me,” Jake Krog (11) said. “It gave me a better sense of motivation.”
Potts never fails to create happy moments in young athletes’ lives. He brings an uplifting spark to any conversation he is in. Anyone who meets Potts tends to be left with a positive impression from this inspiring individual.
“A huge jokester, Tim is such an easy person to talk to,” Ryan Heinert (11) said. “His knowledge about all the sports he shoots is insane. There’s always those people that when you talk to them you’re always smiling and you can go on and on. Tim Potts is one of those people.”
Holly Kopplin said, “During the football games, he gets right down there. He knows all the athletes. I think he likes having relationships with the high school kids and I think he finds joy in actually knowing them.”
Truly focusing on making one-on-one relationships with all individuals willing to stop and talk with him, Potts finds a way to encourage and lift everyone. He radiates a light from within himself.
“Tim Potts is a great person. He always cheers everybody up on the sidelines of any sport,” Tarver Zebroski (10) said.
Krog said he enjoys talking with Potts, because of how he is treated.
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“He acts as an equal whenever I talk to him,” Krog said, “never in a superior way, even though he’s miles ahead of me, but as a mentor should be with someone trying to learn.”
Bringing an uplifting outlook, Potts offers advice to students and athletes as well.
“It’s a great hobby and it’s a great way to get to know people and share your talents with people who don’t have the time to see their kids go to sporting events,” Potts said. “You don’t have to have the fanciest camera to take good pictures but it sure helps.”
Continually sharing a new perspective with any student or athlete engaging him in conversation, Potts can be seen in a multitude of places, teaching lessons and offering considered advice.
“I think that Tim Potts has taught me to always be friendly and nice to people,” Sebastian Giang (9) said. “The reason I say this is because Tim is such a friendly guy and has always been nice to me. Tim has also made me laugh and had me enjoy the random conversations I have had with him.”
Kaylee Hoesing (10) said, “Tim Potts has taught me how to properly take photos and has even taken some photos of me for football managing. He taught me to always try and get the shot, no matter what’s in the way.”
“Tim Potts has taught me to be proud of myself. In my sports, he is always there and cheering me on. He has told me that it is always okay to mess up because you can just try again,” Erin Shaw (11) said.
Adding his appreciation for this featured individual, Aidan Hedderman (12) said, “Tim Potts is a true blessing to Sturgis athletics. He shows up to take pictures of everyone, not just the stars or the varsity, but the JV, C, and freshmen teams.”
Regarding building relationships, Hedderman said, “Tim Potts has taught me how to be kind and caring. No matter the day, you will always see a smile on his face, see him cheering on Sturgis and giving kids an opportunity to capture moments in their event that they can look back on forever.”
Known for what he does outside of photography, Potts is also involved in his faith community.
“In 1982, I moved to Sturgis, joined the Grace Lutheran Church and started working with the youth portion. Now I have become an assisting minister and have done that for the past 25 years. I am strongly committed to the church,” Potts said.
It may be his faith that has inspired Potts to reach out and do more outside of his church.
“Tim Potts is truly the most pure-hearted person I’ve met and he continues to make huge impacts as a role model in the community,” Hedderman said.
Individuals become more when they are within a community, especially when they are willing to assist and help each other become greater.
“Tim Potts has shown me how being involved in my community is important,” Arina Haugen (9) said, adding that he “is always at church. Every time I see him at church he is always so friendly and involved. He helps wherever he can and loves to be a part of the church.”
However, the joy Potts finds from taking photos is only increasing. He finds countless amounts of inspiration in different areas.
“My favorite part of taking photographs is getting to know the people. Whether it is friends, family or athletes, getting to know them is my favorite part of my hobby,” Potts said. “Lately, taking pictures of athletes from around the Hills has been rewarding as I have got to know so many athletes from Sturgis as well as Spearfish, Belle Fourche and Lead-Deadwood, and consider many of them friends.”
Also being part of the local newspaper, Black Hills Pioneer, Potts’ photos and writing skills have been utilized.
“I was running for city council and was taking pictures but wanted to get paid for the pictures I took for advertisements but found out I couldn’t do that according to the city,” Potts said. “They hired me to take photos instead, so I could still get paid. I was looking for ways to make money and started in 2010. I worked for Meade County Times for years until it went out of business.”
Senior photos are also an important aspect of Potts’ contribution to the community. He looks for ways to change up settings, poses and to find the right angles.
Senior photos have been taken outdoors near Bear Butte, Lead, within Spearfish Canyon, up trees, near or on big rocks and at the old train station.
An individual who does an astounding amount for the community, Potts continues to exhibit positivity. Although not everyone may know him, it may be clear that everybody can all learn a thing or two from him about photography or
even how to become a better person.
