About

Photographer by lake at sunset

Bio

Portrait of Mark Peterson

I am a landscape, natural history, and global travel photographic artist from Ames, Iowa. My work is rooted in a life-long passion for wilderness, remote destinations, and the beauty of the natural world. My photographs explore the beauty of the natural landscape, the details of the natural world, and the icons that define cultures and locations. I have been photographing since age seven, and I registered my first photographic business with my state as a college sophomore at age 19.

For many years, I worked as a commercial and editorial photographer. My client list included such diverse organizations as Ames National Corporation, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Better Homes & Gardens Special Interest Media, Central Bank, Delta Dental of Iowa, Iowa Environmental Council, Iowa State University, Latrobe Brewing, People Inc., Surreal Beauty Magazine, The Farm Journal Foundation, think Marketability, and Visit Grand Junction. My work has appeared in books, magazines, national advertising campaigns, and corporate and non-profit annual reports. I have exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in art galleries and public spaces around the Midwest, and appear in private, corporate, and university collections in the U.S. and Europe.

Working with a carefully-developed digital printing process and meticulous attention to detail, I print my photographs in my own studio using archival pigment inks and the best-available fine art photographic papers. I mount, mat, and frame my finished photographs using archival materials to ensure longevity.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simpson College, and an MBA from The University of Iowa.

Art Community Involvement

I strive to remain involved in and to give back to the art community. Accordingly, I have been a sole juror or jury panelist for photography competitions such as the Iowa State Fair Photography Salon and the Silos and Smokestacks National Photo Contest. I have also juried for many camera club and university photography competitions. Likewise, I have juried non-photographic exhibitions for Octagon Center for the Arts and Iowa Arts Council. I’ve served on the Octagon Center for the Arts’ Board of Trustees (including terms as both Vice-President and President). I frequently present to photography and arts organizations on photography topics.

Instructional Photography Workshops

I have taught instructional photography workshops via my own workshop brand, Peterson Photo Workshops, since 2006, and I also produce and teach workshops for a variety of other organizations. Prior college-level teaching experience provides me with the instructional design knowledge to consistently create highly-regarded workshop events.

News!

I have been selected for the prestigious 2026 Artist-in-Residence program at Weir Farm National Historical Park near Wilton, Connecticut. Weir Farm NHP refers to itself as “The National Park for Art.” As such, it is a National Park dedicated to the history and pursuit of contemporary American art. The Park focuses on connecting people of all ages to art, nature, and conservation. I will reside and work in the Park for the entire month of August, 2026. The National Park Service issued this press release announcing Weir Farm NHP’s 2026 AIR program.