A snow-covered road curves along the edge of a river, with a single truck driving on it. Snow blankets the trees and hillside beside the road, and snow is falling.

A barn with warm interior lights on a snowy landscape during nighttime, with dark clouds in the sky and trees in the background.

Two people and a dog inside a camper van during sunset. One person is holding a drink, the other is sitting with the dog, and the scene is lit by a small table lamp.

A woman dressed in outdoor clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat, standing on a rocky trail in a forested area with tall pine trees, smiling and holding a dog leash with a small, curly-coated black dog beside her.

A man working on a large John Deere tractor engine, viewed from a low angle in black and white.

A person walking toward a small aircraft on snow with large ice formations in the background.

A woman in a white tank top and red pants stands beside an abstract colorful mural, wearing a black hat and looking to the left.

Two rescue workers in helmets and safety gear are looking down through a circular opening, with a clear blue sky and clouds above.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART DIRECTION STUDIO

Dowell Creative is an award-winning, family run photography studio nestled in Crystal Lake, IL. We specialize in visual storytelling through striking photography, cinematic drone work, and short films. We take the time to understand your business, uncover the story that matters, and build a creative strategy that actually connects. Whether we’re hiking into a shoot on location, documenting real moments on the job, dreaming up an over the top studio set, or crafting portrait sessions with style, our work blends vision with heart.We don’t just create content, we create imagery worth looking at.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER

A young boy sitting on a rug, smiling and looking up at a baseball in midair. Next to him, a brown dog is sitting on a bed, panting with tongue out, in front of a wall with a framed landscape painting.

LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Vivid visuals that capture the story behind life’s greatest adventures.

PORTFOLIO

A woman wearing red boxing gloves in a fighting stance with focused expression, illuminated by pink and purple lighting.

Images that emphasize authenticity and unique personalities.

PORTRAITS

PORTFOLIO

A dog with brown and white fur sitting on a white platform next to two green bowls against a plain white background.

STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY

Immersive and highly creative art direction and set design that takes your brands vision to the next level.

PORTFOLIO

Two workers wearing protective gear and helmets working on a metal pipe in a mining or industrial environment with sparks and steam.

INDUSTRIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Highlighting the work of skilled professionals who embrace the grit and determination it takes to get the job done.

PORTFOLIO

"Mindy and Chris are a joy to work with, very talented and excellent project management skills. We can definitely recommend Dowell & Co. and look forward to working with them again."

-Linda Galvin
International Marketing Manager, Portwest
"Chris and Mindy are true brand creatives, bringing creative vision to life in a way that always makes sense for the brand. It is always hard to choose between all of the ideas they have when it comes to the photoshoots. Collaborating with them is a joy; they've seamlessly become my trusted go-to partners!"

-Caryn Johnson
Principal , STARSHOT VENTURES LLC
"Chris is one of those creatives that is always there to ask the right questions and push a project to the next level. I’ve gotten the chance to work with Chris on multiple projects that included new to market products and each time he exceeded my expectations. His creativity and high standard of execution allow me to trust him as a collaborator and teammate when working through any project. He is meticulous in pre-production to ensure everything goes smoothly during production & post production. Chris is an incredible photographer and creative problem solver. He is an asset for any creative project and never misses a deadline. In short, Chris doesn’t miss."

-Alonna Morrison
Creative Principal, GUNNER®
“We got to work with Chris on a series of photoshoots that spanned five different farms and farmers’ markets around Colorado. He was flexible and all-around a pleasure to work with, from the quote and specification process through to the photo shoots, the final delivery, and all communication in between. The photos are absolutely gorgeous. Having a professional library of photos at the ready is so valuable and makes all the difference in website design, presentations, print collateral, and social media. I would recommend Chris to any business or non-profit and hope we get the chance to hire him again soon!”

-Sarah Highlen
Founder, Grapevine Local Food Marketing
“Chris Dowell was instrumental when I first launched the International Orchestra of Refugees by spearheading the development of the organization’s creative direction. His contributions to the larger mission were methodical and innovative. Our team benefited from both his creativity and business acumen. From partaking in international and domestic assignments to working on-site with our musicians, Chris was always willing to accept a challenge. I recommend Chris for any creative endeavor with the strongest possible enthusiasm.”

-Sebastian Agignoae
Board Chair, International Orchestra of Refugees
"Very happy with the professionalism and execution of our photoshoot with the team."

-Chris Van Hyfte
Marketing & Design Specialist, IFR by Portwest
“Chris and team are top-notch creatives with execution you can count on. Consummate professionals, it’s easy working with Chris and co. Because they know our market and are passionate about the outdoors. Chris is a true creative partner - and now a friend - who always brings good ideas to the table.”

-Joel Hodgdon
Marketing Director, Remington Ammunition
"Dowell & Co. went above and beyond in their services. Prior to the shoot, Chris and Mindy were both very attentive to our photography needs, provided a list of applications they thought would work for us, and patiently organized the shoot location that accommodated our needs and budget. The photography itself was phenomenal and represented our brand well. We had nothing short of an amazing experience with Dowell & Co."

-Tejal Sarbaugh
Creative Services Specialist, Tingley Rubber