About the photographer

Tim's journey as a helicopter pilot is deeply interwoven with his formative years spent in a household that celebrated the art of photography. Growing up under the guidance of a father who was a distinguished photographer for Sports Illustrated, he was continuously immersed in a world where the split-second capture of dynamic moments defined success. The rhythmic whir of the darkroom's equipment—enlargers, film canisters, and chemical baths—became a familiar symphony in Tim's life, where the tangible process of transforming raw images into art ignited his creativity.

From a young age, Tim developed a keen eye for composition, light, and emotion, skills nurtured in that darkroom tucked away in their home. The interplay between brilliance and shadow taught him more than just the mechanics of photography; it instilled a profound appreciation for storytelling through images. Each frame he observed his father capture filled Tim with an understanding of timing and precision—qualities that would later prove invaluable in his aviation career.

As he honed his skills behind the lens, Tim's passion slowly shifted toward the skies. The intricacies of piloting a helicopter enthralled him, as did the unique perspectives it offered—lines and landscapes transformed from above. The same eye that once framed images of athletes in motion now sought out the breathtaking vistas that only flight could unveil.

Today, Tim's dual background in aviation and photography coalesces seamlessly, allowing him to capture the world from unparalleled viewpoints. His unique heritage informs his perspective, making him not just a skilled pilot but also a visual storyteller, able to translate the beauty of flight and the essence of life on the ground into compelling imagery.

A few places where some of my photos have been utilized:

  • Sports Illustrated - In 1993 at the Holyfield vs. Bowe fight at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas I was assisting my Father while he was on assignment. I was supposed to be reloading his cameras with film and organizing and packaging his spent film, but he occasionally allowed me to shoot my own pictures. On that day a man known now as “Fan Man” came out of the sky flying a paraglider and attempted to land in the boxing ring. I was in shock and mesmerized, caught starring at this bizarre scene. My Dad looked over at me and told me to start shooting. I picked up the camera and began quickly taking some photographs. A few days later when the magazine hit the shelves, I was elated to see that one of my photographs was published.

  • The Wall Herald Newspaper- While I was in college I got a job taking pictures for a local newspaper. My main focus was on high school sports. Back then I made a whopping $5 per published picture.

  • Headstone- A few years ago I received a message from someone who admired my work and I was asked if they could use one of my photos for a recently passed relatives gravestone. I was honored and I donated the photo of their choice. A few weeks later I received a wonderful and heartfelt thank you card with a check for $300.

  • Nikon in store advertisement and product brochure- My father, being sort of a Nikon ambassador was able to acquire a new camera for me prior to public release. Nikon needed photos from that camera for an advertising campaign. They approached my father and he told them that I had been using that equipment and that I would submit some pictures to them. They ended up using a portrait that I took of my three children for their sales marketing. One picture netted me $1,000. It was a great honor to see my children displayed in photography stores in poster size format and also in Nikon’s equipment brochure.

Tim’s Father, George Tiedemann at work

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