Willie Buckets is proof you can be a photographer without a traditional camera. The IT technician and Instagram enthusiast takes all of his photographs with his smartphone. Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Willie travels the state as part of his technician job and snaps photos on the road.
For his My Modern Midwest series, Willie found inspiration by simply looking up. He captured ten amazing shots across Iowa and Kansas City looking up at bridges, buildings, trees and simply the sky. See what his series below and catch more of his photography on Instagram @williampbuckets.
801 Grand aka the “Principal Building” in Des Moines, Iowa. The tallest building from Chicago to Omaha and from Minneapolis to Tulsa. Snapped this shot while walking by this past summer.
Snapped moments before the gun sounded at this past year’s Bix 7 Mile Championships in Davenport, Iowa. With over 20,000 participants weaving through the streets of Davenport, this is a wildly unique race that needs to be experienced in person!
Christopher Bond Bridge in Kansas City, MO. Snapped while riding passenger this past September, this instantly recognizable bridge was perfect for a look up!
Taken at Cedar Lake in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Hands down my favorite place to shoot, I consider it my “home turf”. Hidden in the middle of town, I often find myself astounded that I’m the only one there!
One of the more recognizable statues/works of art in Iowa, the “5 Seasons Tree” is a 61 foot steel monument that’s been located in the heart of downtown Cedar Rapids since 1996. I always take a snap when I’m biking/walking by!
The Crown Center in Kansas City, MO. I was absolutely enamored with this building photography wise, it was located across the street from my hotel this past September and I stopped by for several shots every time I walked by it. Love the lines.
Looking up from the pine forest located at the Indian Creek Nature Trail in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Just a short drive from downtown, the Nature Center & Trail are a wonderful escape from a busy day.
Storm clouds forming over Sand Lake in Iowa City, Iowa just moments before a wedding this past September. Although they put a scare in the bride and groom, they were able to exchange their vows before the rain hit!
Taken from Palisades Park just outside Mt. Vernon, Iowa just as the leaves started to turn a few weeks ago. A wonderful place for photo-hunting/exploring. Fascinated by the idea of shooting “nature look-ups” so much that I’m trying to get the #naturelookup hashtag going!
Stunning – and I mean stunning – artwork located in the lobby of the Crown Plaza Sheraton in Kansas City. Similar to the Crown Center across the street, I was enamored. Must have taken a hundred pictures. A true marvel to look at.