Craig Hilts

Prairie Fire Photography was originally born out of my passion for what I see as some of nature’s most beautiful creations in the form of lightning and thunderstorms. I began taking photos to catch those fleeting moments in time. The split second nature of lightning or the intensity of the setting sun is such a brief moment and I enjoy preserving these scenes and emotions for others to share. This is nature’s artwork. Nature has created the masterpiece — I have simply caught the moment.

How do you define craft?

Craft is a way for all of us to express our inner voice or our true self. It is a way for us to share our stories with others, whatever the medium we choose to use.

What inspires you?

The true beauty of nature. None of my work is Photoshopped or digitally manipulated — this is all natural. My love of photography stems from the love of going out and seeing the true beauty of nature that is all around us but very rarely seen.

Where did you learn your medium?

I’m a completely self taught photographer. I have spent the last 17 years learning and honing my craft — not only the art of photography, but the skills needed to forecast storms and finding the best opportunities to see amazing natural phenomena and getting myself to the right place at the right time.