HI, I'M justin west. I CREATE BEAUTIFUL art and i love hippos

get to know the artist

Welcome to Happy Hogtor Photography!!

My name is Justin and I’m a professional photographer and traveler from Des Moines, Iowa.

My love for photography started at a young age, looking through my grandmother’s stereo photo viewer (antique VR picture goggles for the younger crowd 🤣.) While looking at Ansel Adams photos of Yosemite and Yellowstone and others of Europe and the Far East, I was inspired by the beauty of these destinations and awe-struck at the idea of capturing the memories and the emotions of an adventure. Ever since I’ve longed to capture more than just a view, I’ve endeavored to instill my passion for life into each photo.

The power of photography isn’t just the aesthetic experience of what one sees; it’s the emotional experience that the image conjures in a unique manner for every individual.

My travels have taken me far and wide but many of my favorite moments and photographs are from right outside my front door. I believe it’s just as important to find beauty in everyday life as it is to find on your most amazing adventures. I have a technical background in technology and digital printing which enables me to ensure all products are produced with the highest quality using archival paper and inks. I currently sell my fine art photography at fine art shows across the Midwest and in local Iowa art galleries, coffeehouses and at the state Capitol of Iowa gift shop. You’re invited to follow along and see my newest moments and photos.

My art business has been designated as a "Trusted Art Seller" with The Art Storefronts Organization, which means you can shop with confidence, and know that I stand behind the quality and value of my products.

Awards, recognition and exhibitions

Keep Iowa Beautiful 20th Anniversary Photo Contest:

First Place - Iowa Cities Category

Second Place - Robert D. Ray Best of Show

Polk County Heritage Gallery Greater Des Moines Exhibited XXVII

Voices of the Midwest

Passion, photography and art

trusted

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Trusted Art Seller

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WARNING: This merchant has removed information about their returns and exchanges policy. Please verify with them directly.

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Description from Merchant:

About the prints: We print exclusively on the highest quality photo paper available on the market. Its archiving ability exceeds one hundred years. All Photo Paper is acid free. For our Photo Prints, we do not use inkjet printers. Instead, we produce Chromogenic Prints, also known as Silver Halide Prints. Our Photo Prints are made using a digital image and developed using a chemical process. Silver Halide Photographic Prints are composed of three layers of gelatin, each containing an emulsion of silver halide (used as a light-sensitive material). The photo paper is exposed to light and in turn, the image is infused into the paper through a chemical process. The resulting Prints have more depth, more vibrant colors, more details in highlights and shadows, are sharper, and are less susceptible to fading/damage as seen with Inkjet Photographic Prints. Inkjet Photographic Prints involve a process of applying ink to just the surface of the paper!

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