Landscape Photography - Photography in the Driftless Region
The Driftless region, located in the Upper Midwest of the United States, is a truly unique and breathtaking area to explore through the lens of a camera. With its rolling hills, winding rivers, and picturesque farmlands, the Driftless region offers endless opportunities for photographers to capture stunning landscapes and candid moments.
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.
A New Chapter: Life and Photography
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.
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.
48 Hour Flash Sale
48 Hour Flash Sale
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.
Photography At Palisades Kepler
Imagine a Christmas Eve day in Iowa on which the temperature reached the mid-fifties and all of your shopping and Christmas preparation is done. That's precisely the situation I found myself in a couple of days ago so my daughter and I decided it was a perfect time to visit Palisades Kepler State Park for some photography and a hike. I packed up the Canon camera, a couple of lenses, and my Manfrotto tripod and we hit the road around midday.
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.
20 Percent Off Landscape Prints For Sale
20% Off Landscape and Wall Art Prints Coupon Code HOLIDAY20
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.