Behind the Scenes

We often hear how much viewers appreciate the beautiful images of America's Heartland. It is truly of the best things about the show. Here's my chance to introduce you to the two guys who capture most of that great footage.

Brad White (that's him there with the black t-shirt on) is a veteran photojournalist who has traveled to more countries than I dare begin to count. This photo is myself, Brad and Corky Cooprider at the Kansas State Fair. Corky was our guide/chaperone/historian for our season one segment. After 12 state fairs, she knows her way around the grounds. (Just stay out of her way when she's driving the golf cart). If Brad were looking at that photo, he would likely say, "Too much headroom. Zoom in!"

Brad's right hand man is a guy named Steve Riggs. He started shooting segments for America's Heartland in season two and is responsible for most of the video in season three. Steve and I often laugh about all of the corners of this great country that we've seen! Look for Steve's attention to detail in upcoming segments about abandoned grain elevators in Buffalo, New York, crop-dusting in Mississippi and the Hoover Dam.

That's Steve there cradling his baby ('er camera) at the "Geographic Center of the USA." It seems some of our best adventures on the road for this show happen in Kansas. The geographic center is located a few miles from the small town of Lebanon.

(A clarification is in order for you geography buffs. This is the center of the LOWER 48 STATES. Factoring in Alaska and Hawaii puts it in Butte County, South Dakota. There are websites dedicated to both if you are interested.)

But enough about geographic centers and state fairs. If you are impressed with the images you see in America's Heartland you are not alone, and these are the guys to thank.