I have a strict rule about my portraits. I only take photographs of people I love or like.

Utu does many things, including raising sheep and making yarn, but I know her as one of the people who runs the food co-op in our small town and makes shopping there fun.

Some people bring you down; other people lift you. Ute is one of the latter. Our society is a wash in grumpy and angry people full of complaint.

Ute Bischoff works hard, is faithfully cheerful, has a great sense of humor, and always has a story to tell. She is one whose smile triggers other smiles; she treats everyone well and always seems happy to see us.

In our world, people like Ute make a difference. They remind us of the sound energy of people who work hard, help others, and live apart from the hatred and grievance that fills the airwaves. I was happy to take her portrait – which always makes me feel good – and grateful that she let me do it.

People like this are rarely recognized in our culture. If you are not spewing hatred, making millions, or shooting someone, you can count on being ignored by what is called our mainstream media. Maria and Ute love to talk sheep, among other things.

You don’t need to be famous or influential to matter. People like Ute make the country great, not the blowhards in Washington. She’s now in my exclusive club – portraits of good people I like. I might do a show with those photos one day.