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They're beautiful: Landscape photos capture the beauty of nature at its finest. From the majestic mountains to the tranquil beaches, these photos allow us to experience the world in a way that we might not be able to in person.
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They're relaxing: There's something so soothing about piecing together a puzzle. It's a great way to unwind after a long day and de-stress. And what could be more relaxing than looking at a beautiful landscape while you do it?
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They're a challenge: Landscape puzzles can be quite challenging, especially if they have lots of similar colors or patterns. This makes them a great gift for puzzle enthusiasts who love a good challenge.
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They make great decor: Once you've finished your puzzle, you can display it as a work of art. Landscape puzzles make great wall decor, and they're a unique and personal touch to any room.
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They're a great conversation starter: A puzzle is a great ice breaker and conversation starter. Whether you're working on it with friends or family, or simply have it displayed in your home, it's sure to spark some interesting conversations.
So next time you're looking for a gift for the puzzle lover in your life, consider a landscape puzzle. Not only are they beautiful and relaxing, but they're also a great challenge and make for great decor.
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Are you looking to add some beautiful art to your walls? Consider choosing landscape photos from Craigmile Photography. Not only are these photos visually stunning, but they also have several benefits as wall art.
First and foremost, landscape photos are a great choice for bringing the beauty of nature into your home. These photos capture the breathtaking views of mountains, oceans, forests, and more, and allow you to enjoy these scenes even when you can't physically be there. Whether you want to feel like you're on a tropical beach or in the middle of a snowy mountain range, a landscape photo can transport you to these locations through its stunning imagery.
In addition to bringing the outdoors inside, landscape photos can also help to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere in your home. The peaceful and serene nature of these photos can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of tranquility. This makes them a great choice for hanging in areas of your home where you want to relax, such as a bedroom or living room.
Another benefit of landscape photos is that they are very versatile. They can be hung in any room of the house and will complement a wide range of decor styles. Whether you have a modern, minimalist aesthetic or a more traditional, classic look, landscape photos can fit in seamlessly with your decor.
So why choose Craigmile Photography for your landscape photo needs? Craigmile Photography is known for their stunning landscape photography, with photos that are carefully composed and beautifully captured. The photographer, Doug Craigmile, has a keen eye for detail and a talent for capturing the beauty of nature in his photos. When you choose a landscape photo from Craigmile Photography, you can be confident that you are getting a high-quality, beautifully crafted piece of art.
Overall, landscape photos are a great choice for adding beauty and tranquility to your home. And when you choose Craigmile Photography, you can trust that you are getting a top-notch, professionally crafted photo. So why wait? Start enjoying the beauty of nature in your home today by adding a landscape photo from Craigmile Photography to your walls.
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. Having a high-quality headshot can make a big difference in how you are perceived by potential clients, customers, and partners.
But why should you invest in a professional headshot session with a professional photographer? Here are a few reasons:
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A professional photographer knows how to capture your best angles and features. With years of experience and training, a professional photographer has the skills and expertise to bring out the best in you and create a headshot that showcases your unique personality.
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A professional headshot session allows you to get the perfect shot. During a professional headshot session, you'll have the opportunity to take multiple shots, try different poses and expressions, and review the results with your photographer. This allows you to find the perfect headshot that truly represents you.
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Professional lighting and equipment can make a big difference. A professional photographer has the right lighting and equipment to create a high-quality headshot that looks sharp and professional. This can be especially important for online use, where a low-quality headshot can make you look unprofessional.
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A professional headshot is a long-term investment. A high-quality headshot can be used for years to come and can be used in a variety of settings, such as your website, social media profiles, and business cards.
So if you're in need of a new headshot, or if it's been a while since you had one taken, consider investing in a professional headshot session with a professional photographer. It's a small investment that can have a big impact on your personal and professional brand.
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One of the key elements of successful long exposure landscape photography is composition. This refers to the way that the elements in the photograph
Bear Creek Iowa Water DropLong exposure of a trout stream running through the Driftless region in Iowa. Vibrant moss covered rocks and limestone cliffs really create a surreal landscape, one you'd never expect in Iowa unless you're familiar with it.
are arranged within the frame. A strong composition will have a clear subject, a balanced distribution of visual weight, and a sense of depth.
Lighting is also an important consideration in long exposure landscape photography. The quality and direction of light can greatly affect the mood and tone of an image. Soft, diffused light, such as that found on an overcast day, can create a peaceful atmosphere. In contrast, harsh, direct light, such as that found at noon on a sunny day, can create high contrast and drama.
Color is another important aspect of long exposure landscape photography. A photograph that has a harmonious color palette will be more visually appealing than one with a chaotic mix of colors. Paying attention to the colors present in the scene and how they interact with one another can help to create a more cohesive image.
When it comes to displaying long exposure landscape photographs as art, it is important to choose high quality prints. These can be made on a variety of media, such as fine art paper, canvas, or metal. Each has its own unique characteristics and will produce a different final result.
Ultimately, the decision of how to display a long exposure landscape photograph will depend on the personal preferences of the photographer and the intended audience. Whether it is hung in a home, office, or gallery, a well-crafted long exposure landscape photograph has the potential to be a beautiful and evocative piece of art.
]]>One of the benefits of hiking in the Midwest is the variety of landscapes that can be found within a relatively small area. From rolling hills and lush forests to sprawling prairies and sparkling lakes, there is no shortage of stunning locations to photograph.
Bear Creek Iowa Old BridgeNorth Bear Creek just before in conjoins with the south fork on a rainy day. This beautiful trout stream winds its way through Winneshiek County in northern Iowa.
As you hike through these diverse landscapes, keep an eye out for interesting subject matter to photograph. This could include everything from sweeping panoramic views to close-up shots of flowers and wildlife. In the fall, the Midwest is particularly beautiful, with the changing leaves providing a colorful backdrop for photos.
Hiking in the Midwest can also provide an opportunity to photograph more unique subjects, such as abandoned buildings or bridges. These structures can add a sense of history and mystery to your photographs and can be especially striking when set against the backdrop of a beautiful natural setting.
When it comes to actually taking photos, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, be sure to pack a good quality camera or smartphone camera. While the camera on your phone may be convenient, a dedicated camera will generally produce higher-quality images.
It can also be helpful to bring along a tripod or other stabilizing device, especially if you plan on taking long exposure shots or shooting in low-light conditions. This will help to ensure that your images are sharp and free of camera shake.
Finally, be mindful of your surroundings and follow Leave No Trace principles as you hike and photograph. This means respecting the natural environment and leaving it as you found it, rather than disturbing plants or wildlife or leaving trash behind.
By following these tips, you can enhance your hiking experience in the Midwest and capture beautiful, memorable photographs of your adventures
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One of the key features of the Driftless region that makes it a photography paradise is its diverse array of natural habitats. From the prairies and savannas of the western part of the region to the forests and wetlands of the east, the Driftless region is home to a wide range of plant and animal life that can be captured in photographs.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Driftless region is also home to a number of charming small towns and rural communities that offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture. Whether you're photographing the quaint main streets of these towns or the people who call the Driftless region home, there is no shortage of opportunities to capture authentic and heartfelt images.
If you're a photographer looking to capture the beauty and character of the Driftless region, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your trip:
- Plan your trip around the seasons: The Driftless region experiences all four seasons, and each season brings its own unique beauty to the region. For example, the fall is a particularly stunning time to visit, as the region is home to a wide range of deciduous trees that put on a spectacular show of color.
- Get up early: The early morning hours are often the best time to photograph the landscape, as the light is soft and diffuse and the air is generally calm. Plus, you'll beat the crowds and have the place to yourself.
- Explore off the beaten path: While the more popular tourist destinations in the Driftless region are certainly worth a visit, don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path and explore some of the less well-known areas of the region. You never know what hidden gems you might find.
- Make the most of your camera's features: Whether you're using a
DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone, be sure to familiarize yourself with all of your camera's features and settings. Experimenting with different exposures, focal lengths, and compositions will help you capture a wide range of unique and interesting photos.
Overall, the Driftless region is a photographer's dream, offering an endless array of breathtaking landscapes and charming small towns to explore and capture through the lens of a camera. So why wait? Start planning your trip to the Driftless region today and start capturing some truly stunning photographs.
]]>For those of you that are here to see the creative side of Craigmile Photography, thanks for being patient with me. I assure you, I have not lost my love nor my passion for seeking out the beauty of the earth. In fact, if anything, it is growing by leaps and bounds. To find out where I have been and what I have been up to, please keep reading.
Recently I embarked on a personal journey to find my biological family. I was adopted at birth and as I have gotten older, reaching 50 in March, my curiosity has grown regarding where I came from. I had to find my roots. I have temporarily moved from pursuing nature and light through photography to a satisfying pursuit of human nature. Through this process, I have indeed found and been in contact with two half-sisters, with whom I share a father, as well as my biological father himself.
As you can imagine, these discoveries have been life-changing as well as enlightening. Throughout the discovery and through conversation with family, new and old, I have also been experiencing emotions that I did not know existed. Emotions that have had to be dealt with before my creative side is able to reemerge. Being creative, being artistic through photography or any other medium, is an expression of emotion.
Over the last few weeks, the waves of emotion that I have been experiencing have been eroding away some of the hardenings that occur throughout life. Wave after wave, piece after piece, the walls of protection I have built up over the years have started to come down. As those walls come down and as I recognize these new emotions, the urge to create meaningful photographs is beginning to rage inside of me again. I have also been utilizing this time to learn more about light, contrast, colors, and emotions all of which come together in photography.
The next chapter is yet to be written, but as I turn the page I am overwhelmed with excitement for the future. I am looking forward to seeing and sharing and growing with you all through photography again. Over the next few weeks and months, I will be connected to my camera again and when that happens I am looking forward to evolving as an artist and individual. Thanks for being a part of my journey.
]]>All Craigmile Photography - Iowa Landscape Photos
Starting tomorrow September 3rd, for 48 hours you can save 10% off your entire order from our Iowa Landscape online gallery and print shop. I've recently added a bunch of new photos, all taken around eastern Iowa, that are available in a variety of sizes and on different products.
Use code FLASH48 at checkout to calculate and receive 10% off your order.
Above: Old trees are silhouetted against the rising sun. As the earth continues to rotate around the sun, these persistent old trees stand the passage of time. Lake Belva Deer, Keokuk Co. Iowa.
RollingFog fills in between the rolling hills and fields of soybeans as the sun begins it's ascent into the sky.
This Iowa landscape photo by Craigmile Photography is cropped and printed at a 2:1 ratio. Please double check the size your ordering as these aren't our normal print sizes.
Above: Fog fills the landscape of rolling hills and soybeans. Taken on an early September morning in rural Johnson Co. Iowa.
Creek at Geode State ParkLimited Edition Prints.
20x30 50 prints
24x36 50 prints
30x45 25 prints.
Each will be numbered and signed on the back of the print.
A late afternoon #socialdistancing in the spring of 2020. Taken at Geode State Park #Iowa
Above: A sturdy bridge spans a flowing creek near Lake Geode State Park in southeastern Iowa. I was particularly drawn to the way the light filtered through the canopy of leaves while the redbud continues to draw your eye.
For ordering help or for help choosing the right size print for your wall, check out our print ordering guide.
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Upon arrival, we soon realized that Palisades-Kepler is a gorgeous park, nestled along the Cedar River in Mt. Vernon, Iowa minutes from Cedar Rapids. The trails at the park lead through 840 acres of trees, up and down ravines and bluffs, along the river, and though we didn't see it on this occasion I'm sure an abundance of wildlife. This scenic state park is a favorite for many eastern Iowa portrait photographers, especially those in the Cedar Rapids area. All the chatter and shared images on one of the Facebook photography groups I'm a member of confirmed that during the fall season of 2019. Fall is the busiest time of year for many family and senior photographers.
We parked by the lodge, which unfortunately had been recently vandalized, and began our day walking down a moderately steep ravine that led to an area in the river that used to be a dam but has now deteriorated into hazardous rapids. After briefly exploring this rocky area in the river we ventured east along the river and found a ravine with a small frozen creek leading through the trees. The icy white creek stood out in stark contrast to the leave covered forest floor and as such, it grabbed our attention. It was here I found the first composition of the afternoon to photograph. Seen below, this photo is for sale in our Iowa landscape photography gallery. Available as a metal print or metal print on barn wood in the following sizes: 8x12, 12x18, 16x24, 24x36.
From there we ventured back to the trail along the river heading west until we saw a beach with waterfowl in the flowing river nearby. One of the birds in the river was much larger than the Canadian geese that were also nearby. It was there that I decided to put on my 70-200mm and tried to creep up as close as possible to get a shot. From a long distance, I couldn't identify the bird but it was obvious that it was not a goose. As I got closer I identified it as a swan and was able to capture a photo of it as it swam on the opposite side of the river.
We continued along the riverside trail past some ancient rock structures and back up one of the hills to an overlook. From this overlook, you could see upriver. A little out of breath from the climb up we gathered ourselves and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and warm weather before we decided to head back down the trail.
On our way back downriver, while heading back to our car, the light began to change as it was getting later in the day. We were back along the beach area and I noticed reflections on the calm water that I hadn't seen initially on our way through. The rock structures and the colors reflecting made an interesting Iowa landscape photo, my favorite of the day. This photo is available for sale in my Iowa landscape photography gallery and would look amazing printed on metal. Available as a metal print or metal print on barn wood in the following sizes: 8x12, 12x18, 16x24, 24x36.
The daylight was beginning to fade and the cold air was overcoming the warmth that we had throughout the afternoon so we decided to call it a day at Palisades Kepler. This is an Iowa state park that I will visit over and over again for photography and hiking. I also have this park listed as an option for family and senior photography sessions. It's a special park, as are many Iowa state parks, and I can't wait until I'm back there again.
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Seasons greetings from Craigmile Photography!
Continuing through Christmas day, if you use coupon code HOLIDAY20 during checkout, you'll receive 20% off your entire order.
- Metal landscape prints
- Metal prints on barnwood
- Canvas Prints
- Luster paper prints, matted ready to be framed. Frame not included.
Every landscape print that we have available in our online gallery qualify for 20% off. Once you've made your selections and start to check out, use coupon code HOLIDAY20 and 20% will be taken off before checking out. Happy holidays from Craigmile Photography.
1. Keith Nester. This guy wears many hats and he wears them all well. Keith and I met in 2010 and have stayed in touch regularly since then. Keith is not only a photographer, he works as a representative for one of, if not the top photo printing lab in the Midwest. In addition, Keith has written a book and created some viral inspirational videos all in the last year. Last and certainly not least, Keith is a husband and father of 3 wonderful kids.
Keith had a huge impact on me by inspiring me to start printing and selling my landscapes and wall art photography. He also provided guidance and friendship as I began the journey. I am looking forward, with great anticipation, to what 2020 brings to Keith.
2. Fototripper. Gavin Hardcastle is the guy behind or perhaps in front of the lens at the Fototripper YouTube Channel. Gavin takes you on photo journeys with other photographers giving guidance on his process that he uses in the field. The journeys are to some spectacular photogenic places around the world.
I've been inspired by his humor and the many guests or cohosts he brings on are always entertaining and educational.
3. Steve Mattheis. Based in Jackson Hole, WY. Steve shares his journeys into many national parks photographing spectacular wildlife along the way. Owls, elk, wolves, and other wildlife await you at Steve's down to earth YouTube Channel.
Steve is a down to earth yet award winning wildlife photographer. He inspires me to stay on my journey and provides insight while on beautiful locations, mostly in the western US.
4. Nick Page. Another inspiring and educational YouTuber, Nick shares beautiful photography and his process, from out in the field on shoots to processing and printing images. So much information to consume on Nick's channel.
Everytime I watch one of Nick's videos, his work amazes me and pushes me to keep learning and improving all aspects of my photography.
5. Jim Bigam. This is a late year addition to my top five. Jim is the founder of the Twitter hashtag #ArtAdventCalendar and an accomplished and successful artist. His website features his work as well as information on the advent calendar idea.
Winter can be a tough time on a photographer in the midwest. Jim's #ArtAdventCalendar on Twitter has me excited to share my work, for free across Twitter. This event is not a sales pitch or the hard sell that you typically find this time of year, it's simply artists sharing their work and making social media a little brighter during the holidays.
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First Impressions Matter
The more things change, the more they stay the same. It's almost a new decade, we're just couple of weeks from the year 2020, but first impressions mean as much today as they always have.
A strong first impression is the key to success. Like it or not, it is human nature to form opinions about people and organizations upon our first meeting of them. In today's world, first impressions often happen online or digitally. That means your company website, Facebook Page, or LinkedIn. Your headshot or online image is important because if it's unprofessional, you may not ever get a second chance and that has potential impact on your bottom line.
How you are perceived by others is key in building strong relationships with clients and employers. Whether you're a new business in Iowa, the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, or someone looking to get hired by either, your headshot will likely be your first impression on that person or entity that is seeking to fill a need. Your image should convey professionalism, strength, friendliness and confidence. Today's customer as well as employers are using the internet to find the right fit. If your image doesn't inspire confidence in others, potential clients and employers are simply going to move on the the next person or company in line until they find the right message of professionalism and authority.
If you're an organization with an online presence, do your images reflect your brand values? Do you present a professional and consistent image to your customers and competitors? Do your competitors images outshine your own?
If you're building your personal brand online the questions are similar. Is your LinkedIn profile professional? Does your online image convey confidence and friendliness? Are you losing to the next person in line?
First impressions really do matter, make yours count.
At Craigmile Photography, we'll use our expertise behind the camera to create images for you or your company that convey the right message for your brand. We offer professional headshot sessions for any size organization, from individuals to large groups. Whether your a job seeker or a company looking to gain an advantage versus your competitors, we'll work with you to make your first impression count.
Contact us at your convenience here or by phone (319)936-3933.
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20% Off Any Landscape / Fine Art Image
Use coupon code "HOLIDAY20" at checkout!
Between the holiday season kicking into full gear, Thanksgiving is two days away as I type this, and the launch of my new website, I wanted to create an offer that you can't refuse. From now through Christmas any image that's available in my Print Gallery is eligible for 20% off when you check out. Whether you pick out just one image or five images, when you checkout just put HOLIDAY20 in the coupon code box and you'll receive 20% off of your order.
