Justin Tedford grew up in Harrison County, Iowa, in the heart of the Loess Hills — a landscape of rolling ridges and quiet prairies that shaped his earliest sense of wonder. Much of his childhood was spent on his grandparents’ farm, exploring the hills, wandering gravel roads, and discovering the beauty tucked into ordinary corners of rural life. Those early experiences became the foundation of how he sees the world today: with curiosity, patience, and an appreciation for the details most people pass by.

Photography wasn’t supposed to become a lifelong pursuit. It started as a high school class Justin took for an “easy A.” But the moment he looked through a camera and realized he could preserve a fleeting sliver of time — not just as a record, but as a story — everything changed. That accidental beginning turned into a lifelong passion and a creative calling.

Today, Justin is a fine art and commercial photographer based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His work exists at the intersection of art and storytelling — where crafted light, thoughtful design, and human connection converge. Deeply influenced by his Midwestern roots, he draws inspiration from the landscapes, people, and rhythms of the region, using photography as a way to honor the overlooked and elevate the ordinary.

At the heart of Justin’s philosophy is a belief that photography is not just about what is seen, but about how we see. He approaches each image as an act of observation — a way to slow down and notice the stories hidden in plain sight. Whether it’s a forgotten storefront on a backroad, a fleeting gesture between two people, or the subtle play of light across an open field, his work celebrates the quiet moments that define place, memory, and identity. He believes the spaces we inhabit shape the stories we tell, and the more closely we pay attention to our surroundings, the more deeply we understand ourselves.

Each project begins with collaboration. Whether he’s developing a brand narrative or creating art for exhibition, Justin works closely with clients to translate ideas into compelling visual stories that resonate. His fine art sensibility brings depth and atmosphere to commercial projects, while his technical precision ensures every image reflects authenticity and purpose.

Beyond his photographic work, Justin is also a dedicated photo educator and senior staff writer for Fstoppers. Through teaching and writing, he shares his knowledge of the creative process, storytelling, and visual language, helping photographers deepen their craft and approach image-making with greater intention and clarity.

Rooted in story, driven by craft, and guided by collaboration — Justin’s photography transforms fleeting moments into meaningful visual experiences.

In Case We Haven’t Met Yet…

Spontaneous road trips are a way of life. If there’s a backroad he hasn’t explored yet, chances are he’s already planning a detour.

Coffee is his creative fuel. “Too much” is a concept he refuses to acknowledge.

He believes stories are everywhere. Even the most ordinary scene holds potential — if you’re willing to stop, look closer, and listen.