Hi. I’m Joe. I’d love to create with you all.

I am a photographer devoted to capturing people as they really are, with dignity, depth, and humanity. My work moves across studio portraits, documentary stories, lifestyle shoots, and event coverage, always with a focus on mood, emotion, and the truth behind the surface. I aim to create images that feel intentional, grounded, and alive, showing real people in real moments.

My project with Anawim Housing, Project Des Moines, is one of my most meaningful bodies of work. In this series I photographed individuals who have experienced homelessness alongside community members who have not, using the same lighting, framing, and care for both. The project was built on the idea of equal treatment and equal respect. The goal was to challenge stigma and invite viewers to reconsider their assumptions. That commitment to authenticity and sensitivity continues to guide my work.

I am also continuing to build Greater, a series rooted in community and identity that highlights the people who shape our city. It focuses on their stories, their roles, and the shared humanity that connects us.

Whether I am photographing a quiet portrait, a lively event, or a documentary moment, my approach stays consistent. I prioritize respect, patience, and a search for truth. I manage all aspects of production, including planning, direction, lighting, shooting, postproduction, and final delivery, to ensure the images remain honest and impactful.

If you are looking for photography and video that blend craft, empathy, and storytelling, I would love to connect.

Clients

After School Arts Program | Anawim Housing | Ask Studios | Avenue Scholars | Ballet Des Moines | Casey’s General Store | Des Moines Public Library Foundation | dsm Magazine | Hanes | Iowa Stage Theater Company | ITA Group | Mackenzie Childs | Meals on Wheels | Niman Ranch | The Iowan Magazine | WineFest

Avenue Scholars | Fall 2025
Video Project

PROJECT DES MOINES

Anawim Housing

Project Des Moines is a partnership with Anawim Housing and photographer Joe Crimmings to help tell the story of our community. Anawim’s dedication to end homelessness and ensure the most vulnerable have a safe place to call home inspired Crimmings to create images around the idea of what homelessness looks like in Des Moines and work to end the stigma associated with it.

GREATER

A Celebration of Our Community

What makes you proud to call Greater Des Moines home? 
For me – it’s the people.

Greater is a celebration of the people who live, work and dream in Des Moines. Who make their families, neighborhoods and communities a better place. People finding ways to help others and lift each other up.

This collection of portraits serves as a starting point –an introduction to telling beautiful stories of all the different threads creating the mosaic fabric of our community. 

Each person photographed was nominated by someone else who recognized them as contributing to making our little slice of the world better. 

I invite you to follow along in the journey. This is an ongoing project that will be constantly evolving and growing. I welcome you to share your ideas of who makes your world a better place. Des Moines is only as great as our stories and our people. 

Event Photography

  • Niman ranch

    Hog Farmer Appreciation Weekend

    August 2025

  • ITA GROUP

    Convergence Conference

    July 2024

  • INNOVENTURE IOWA

    Innoventure Challenge

    December 2024