bECOME ONE WITHIN THE SCENE
As a Wisconsin landscape photographer, each photograph I capture is a symphony of nature's beauty.
The rustling leaves, the trickle of a nearby stream, the whispering winds all contribute to the harmonious experience.
To quote John Denver:
“I don’t want to just entertain people, I want to touch them”
My intention goes beyond merely showcasing beautiful sights; it’s about inspiring emotions and creating a connection that resonates within the viewer.
When you look at my photography, I want you to immerse yourself in that moment, to breathe in the fresh air, and to feel the warmth of the sun on your shoulder.
DRAKE FLEEGE
ARTIST & PHOTOGRAPHER
EARLY INFLUENCERS
(Not who you might imagine)
John Denver and John Muir are more than familiar names in the world of nature to me—they’re guiding lights that breathe life into my landscape photography.
Their deep love for the natural world echoes in my own heart and shapes the way I see, feel, and capture the places around us.
When I look through the viewfinder, it feels as though I’m tuning into nature’s own symphony—each element of the scene an instrument adding its voice to a larger, living harmony.
Just as John Muir’s devotion to preserving wild places and John Denver’s melodies honoring the land continue to inspire me, I try to carry a bit of their spirit into every photograph.
My work is an invitation to connect with nature in a way that feels personal and deeply felt—much like the songs and stories that drift through the great outdoors.
SELF-TAUGHT IN NATURE'S CLASSROOM
In the early ’70s, while stationed with the Navy in the sun‑washed expanse of the California Mojave Desert, I discovered my love for capturing the land.
What began as a way to pass the time quickly became something deeper—a way of seeing.
The towering Sierra Nevada Mountains rose in the distance, their rugged silhouettes catching the light in ways that stirred something inside me.
That breathtaking backdrop ignited my creative spirit and set me on the path I still follow today.
As I moved on from military life, my interest in both landscape photography and the natural world only grew.
With a natural science degree behind me, I spent years on the road in my sales career, constantly noticing scenes that would have made beautiful photographs.
Even then, I was always framing moments in my mind.
A conversation in Denali became the turning point.
On Friday, October 13, 2006, I moved on from my previous career and followed the path I’d been drawn to for so long - and became a full‑time landscape photographer.
Now, I invite you to come along with me and explore the remarkable landscapes of Wisconsin and the places beyond that continue to inspire my work..
"WHERE IMAGES INSPIRE"
Rather than simply documenting what lies before me, my goad is to create art that invites you to step into the scene yourself.
Each photograph is more than an image—it’s an opportunity to pause, breathe, and feel the essence of each scene.
Imagine standing at the edge of a quiet lake, a gentle breeze brushing past as the colors of a sunset ripple across the water.
Those small, often overlooked details—shadows shifting with the light, the textures of the landscape, the emotion held in a single moment—are what I work to capture.
When you explore my photography, you’ll notice its “musical composition.”
Just as a melody can stay with you long after it’s played, my images are meant to evoke feelings that linger.
Whether it’s the calm of a winter morning or the vibrant energy of an autumn forest, each piece is created to awaken your senses.
Let my art bring warmth and meaning into your space.
Bring home not just a piece of Wisconsin, but a connection to its spirit—one that offers reflection, peace, and inspiration.
Your journey into the heart of each scene begins the moment you look closer..
YOUR PRINT
THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF MY VISION
As an artist, I value the freedom to shape the images that come to life in my mind the moment I press the shutter.
From the instant I step into a scene, every decision is intentional.
These choices become the foundation of a strong print..
Achieving the best possible image through thoughtful composition and solid technical choices is what sets the stage for truly beautiful imagery.
While post‑processing helps refine and enhance my vision, it’s the initial capture—the moment in the field—that forms the heart of the artwork.
What makes my prints especially meaningful is that I personally handle every step myself.
From creating the image to personally printing and hand‑signing each piece, I make sure the final print reflects the care and intention behind it.
When you bring home a print from Powder Hill Photography, you’re not just purchasing a photograph—you’re investing in a piece of my creative journey and the way I see the natural world.
POWDER HILL PHOTOGRAPHY
"Where Images Inspire"
"The Power of Imagination
Makes us Infinite"
~ John Muir
A QUIET INVITATION
WHAT IS THE ARTIST'S JOURNEY?
You’re invited into the stories behind my work—where images rise from the landscape and find their emotional connection through the quiet moments that shape them.
You won’t find discounts, promotions, or urgency here—just an honest look into the heart of my process.
Join The Artist’s Journey for an intimate view of my photography, the stories behind each image, and the reflective moments captured at the shutter’s release.
JOIN THE ARTIST'S JOURNEY
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How Often will you see this?
Approximately 5-6 times each year.
"In every walk with nature
one receives far more than he seeks."
~ John Muir
Thought for the Day
"If you do what you can do,
and I do what I can do,
together, we can make a difference.”
~ John Denver
