Since it has been a while since I have posted any fresh photography, I thought it would be a good time to drop in and let you know what is going on and where I've been. However, before we get to that, I am still actively working in photography and currently booking sessions for summer and fall. If you're starting to think ahead to your next family portrait session or if you're a high school senior in Eastern Iowa that would like to book a photo session, the time to secure your spot is now.

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.

Bridal Veil Falls - Pikes PeakThis is a popular spot for visitors to Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor, Iowa. Bridal Veil Falls drops into the Mississippi River which is visible from the point this photo was taken if you were to rotate 180 degrees.

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.