About
Welcome to my lens on downtown Des Moines. I’m Sommer Walton — photographer, writer, and artist — and this is where I share the faces, stories, and rhythms of the city I love.
This site is a living portrait of downtown Des Moines — not the skyline, but the soul. Through photos and words, I capture the people who give this place its heartbeat: the baristas pulling early morning espresso, the skaters gliding through Western Gateway, the artists, small business owners, street musicians, city workers, and everyone in between.
I created this space because I believe that every person has a story, and every corner of our city has a pulse worth noticing. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a newcomer, or just passing through, my hope is that these images and narratives help you see Des Moines with fresh eyes — full of character, grit, and warmth.
This is downtown Des Moines as I experience it: up close, curious, and alive.
Thanks for being here.
—Sommer
