If you’ve seen a national media story featuring Iowa, visited the Des Moines airport, picked up an Iowa magazine, visited the Iowa Road Trip Facebook page or Instagram page, or have seen any Iowa tourism website, you’ve likely appreciated seen his work. Meet Brian Abeling the “Iowa Road Trip” guy. He explains the stories behind Iowa’s most iconic shots.
Born in New York, Abeling lives in central Iowa and although it may seem like taking breathtaking Iowa photo is his full time job, he explains it’s just a hobby, but his organizational skill and dedication to finding the most perfect Iowa shots are 2nd to none. He explains his favorite Iowa moments, how far Iowa nice goes, and his incredibly detailed system that grew his Iowa Road Trip Facebook page to over 330,000 followers.
Capturing the “Unseen” Iowa
Abeling’s work is featured everywhere from the Des Moines airport to tourism magazines, but his favorite subjects often lie off the beaten path. He shared stories of shooting the Indianola Hot Air Balloon Festival from the sky and visiting Pella at 2:00 AM to capture tulips under the park lights—a time he says is perfectly safe and serene.
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The Power of a Photo
The impact of Abeling’s photography goes beyond “likes” on social media. He recounted a meeting at Mines of Spain where a couple admitted they drove an hour to see the park specifically because they saw his photo online. He also noted how his posts can breathe life into small businesses, sometimes causing local shops to sell out of items like giant pretzels or pastries.
Through his lens, Brian Abeling reminds us that Iowa’s beauty is often just a short road trip away.