IDA GROVE, Iowa, Jan. 24, 2017 — For more than 25 years, photographer Don Poggensee has frequently traveled from his home here in northwest Iowa to portray people in several Amish communities around the state. “I have met many fine Amish during that time,” Poggensee says. “They indeed are hard-working people, and truly care for their environment.”
He said he tries “to cover the four seasons with visits to several areas each year.” You’ll notice that most of his pictures are taken from a distance, thus respecting the usual request of the Amish people that they not be photographed at close range. They feel that would be immodest or vane. Many of them have come to recognize Poggensee, and they trust him because he complies with their request.
“We can learn many lessons from them,” says Poggensee, including “how they care for each other, how they live, that they make do without many of the trappings that we ‘English’ have and that they choose not to own.”
His latest round of photos here shows them going about their normal lives in winter.
One Amish youngster drives to school
Photographer Don Poggensee reports he thinks this Amish-owned horse was praying.
Don’t be late for school, kids.
Hitching up a sled.
There’s traffic everywhere, you know?
Returning home after church.
Winter fun in an Amish community.
Out for a winter walk.
You can write the photographer at donpog@netlc.net or comment here on his work by using the handy form below.
