Devan Whitson Photography

Better late than never!

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Wed, 28 May 2008 03:56:00 +0000

This blog is no longer active. The (bigger & better!) Devan Whitson Photography Blog is now located at www.devanwhitsonphotography.com/blog.

Well, I just got everything running on the new blog and I am absolutely loving it! Those of you who have e-mail subscriptions will have to re-subscribe over at the new blog. The form to subscribe is located at the bottom of the page.

I will be leaving this one up just in case people want to go back and look at old posts. The link is in the blogroll at the top of the beautiful new one!

Please visit, check out all of the images and comment! I love hearing what you guys think!

Change your bookmarks to:

www.devanwhitsonphotography.com/blog

Neglected Blog!

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Tue, 27 May 2008 00:45:00 +0000

Wow, I have been totally neglecting the blog lately. Things have been crazy busy and I promise to keep it up a little more. I do have some good news though! My ALL NEW and IMPROVED blog will be launching TOMORROW!!! Hurray!!! I will post the link to share with everyone and it will also be connected to my website tomorrow. The senior page is also under construction and should be done very soon. The baby contest ends this week and voting starts on June 1st! I hope you all had a great weekend and a great Memorial Day. Here's a smile for ya!

Remodeling

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Mon, 12 May 2008 01:42:00 +0000

Not only are we remodeling our house (slowly but surely), but I am also remodeling the site. Things have been really busy lately, but I am taking the time to revamp some things and am adding a separate area of the site dedicated to senior portraits. Keep your eye out for the big changes and senior portrait specials! I will updating tomorrow with some recent sessions. I hope everyone had a great weekend!

What to do with that dress...

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Tue, 06 May 2008 23:50:00 +0000

I am looking for some seniors who would like to do something a little different. I know you've already had your senior pictures done and graduation is coming, but I need a little help for next year.

I am looking for models for urban prom dress sessions. All you have to do is bring some friends (and your prom dresses) and have fun. In return you will get some awesome shots to use on your Myspace and Facebook. Here are a few examples:

If you are interested, shoot me an e-mail or give me a call at 217-852-6622!

Mom & Me Special

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:16:00 +0000

I have been pretty busy over the past few weeks (shooting Carousel Preschool's class pictures and Fort Madison High School's Dinner Theater) and have a lot of updating to do! I just wanted to stop in and let everyone know about this offer. I will update on what's been going on later.

Mother's day is Sunday, May 11th.
Starting tomorrow until Saturday the 10th I will be offering Mom & Me mini sessions for only $10. You will receive at least 10 proofs to choose from in your private online gallery and 1 free 5x7 print of your choice with your order. These sessions are limited, so call me at 217-852-6622 or e-mail to reserve your spot.

Baby Contest sessions are also still available. You may combine the baby contest offer with the Mom & Me offer. This is a great way to save some money!

Parents of Fort Madison High School and Fort Madison Middle School showchoir members: proofs from the dinner theater performances are all available here. You have until May 30th to place your order. I am donating 10% of all proceeds to vocal boosters, so it's a win-win. Get some great pictures of your kids performing and support the arts!

Gotta run! Enjoy the rest of your week. Friday is almost here. :)

Save the planet!

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 01:18:00 +0000

In case you didn't know, tomorrow is Earth Day. I just wanted to share a few things that I do to help the environment.

The company that I purchase the packaging that I deliver my prints in uses recycled materials.

We have replaced our light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs to save energy.

I also use Shaklee cleaning products. They are chemical free, work great and actually save $$$.

These are just a few small steps, but every little bit helps. :)

Yay Spring!!!

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 06:58:00 +0000

I have spent the past 2 weeks spending time with my sister in law, Mary Jo, her husband, Justin and my niece, Olivia. They are leaving Sunday to move to England for at least 3 years. :( Total bummer. Mary Jo says she doesn't know who is going to do Olivia's pictures since I have been doing them since she was born. She might just have to fly me over there once or twice a year! ;) Jesse's other brother Spence and his wife Tristina also made it down for a visit, so I was very happy to see everyone.

Here's my sweet baby at 1 year old with Tristina's baby, Gwennie!

Stay tuned for more!

It's starting to warm up, so if the rain (and earthquakes) would stop I would be a happy camper. I have so much to be excited about this spring.

First of all, I got a brand new online proofing and ordering system that I absolutely love. It makes ordering a breeze!

I am sponsoring a co-ed softball team this summer, so look for people out and about with their Devan Whitson Photography T-shirts-pink of course!

If you haven't heard of The Chicken Lip Foundation, you definitely need to check them out. Every year they do a huge Community Basket Fundraiser in Burlington to raise money for various non-profit organizations in the area. This year I am donating a free session and $100 gift certificate to the Community Basket. The drawing is Sunday , May 18th at Community Field in Burlington, Iowa. Click here to buy tickets!

I have a very busy week next week with preschool shoots Monday and Tuesday and Fort Madison High School's Dinner Theater all weekend. I'm also excited to get some family sessions going for spring.

So not photography related, but we are getting a DISHWASHER!!! Hurray! Seriously, do I need to say more?

Don't forget-the baby contest ends May 31st! Make your appointment early to insure your slot. The $10 mini sessions are a limited time only offer.

Sorry this is such a long post! I just have so much going on that I'm excited about right now! I will try to post more often so I'm not writing a novel every time!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Just Jack

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:24:00 +0000

I shot this little guy's two year old pictures yesterday and he was so much fun! It was hard to choose because he is so cute, but here are some of my favorite shots.

That last one is pretty much my absolute favorite-love everything about it. The shirt, the jeans, his somber little expression. :) Too cute.

If you couldn't already tell, I'm really into square crops lately. They're just so fun and different.

The workshop was amazing last weekend. Despite my severe lack of navigation ability, I finally made it there and I feel like I walked away with more information than I ever have in such a short amount of time. It's hard to even explain. It made me a very happy photographer!!

Anyway, hope you all have an awesome weekend!

Gone for the weekend

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:14:00 +0000

Just wanted to drop by and let everyone know that I will be out of town from now until late Sunday evening at a photography workshop in Des Moines.

I am very excited to learn more awesome ways to make your pictures better. Can you tell I LOVE learning when it comes to photography?

I will return any e-mails or phone calls first thing Monday morning. Have a great weekend!

Why I'm excited

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:28:00 +0000

Spring is almost here!
The baby contest starts TOMORROW!! Don't forget to book your session.
I got an all new proofing an ordering system that is out of this world. Online ordering will now be a breeze for you guys!
I am going to a weekend workshop in Des Moines to learn more great stuff.
I'm almost done editing the wedding I'm working on.
I get to see Mary Jo, Justin and our niece, Olivia in a couple days.
We're going on a cruise in January 2010.

Just thought I'd share why I'm happy today! Have a good one.

Baby Contest Reminder

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:47:00 +0000

Don't forget, the baby contest starts on Tuesday, April 1st. It does run through May 31st, but I would recommend making your appointment as early as possible to guarantee the best possible time for your little one. April is already very busy! :) For more info, check out the original baby contest post.

Rockstar friends

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:23:00 +0000

I had an absolute blast this weekend, just getting out and shooting for fun!

Thanks so much to my friends for letting me shoot them! I have several more shoots lined up over the next few weeks and a workshop this coming weekend in Des Moines, so I hope to have lots more good stuff to show you. If you haven't already, head over to the right side of this blog and subscribe already!

Here are a few shots I pulled out of the hundreds that I shot. I have other work to do before I can finish editing them. I will definitely be posting more later this week. Seniors-Do you want pictures like these? I will be posting senior information with the next few weeks, so keep checking the blog. Thanks for stopping in! :)

Out & About

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 14:45:00 +0000

So I officially have some of the most gorgeous friends ever. I will be shooting a whole bunch of them this spring, so you'll see what I mean. Here's Megan! We shot these yesterday afternoon and had an absolute blast running around town. Seniors: keep an eye on these posts to see specials and to see what breaking out of the studio can do for your senior pictures!

Workin'

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 15:44:00 +0000

I'm working on finishing up editing a wedding right now, then off to shoot some friends this afternoon (hope it warms up!) Some good friends of mine brought their kids over on Tuesday for some pictures and I thought I'd share a few! Also, don't forget about the baby contest starting April 1st for a chance to win free pictures!

I got shot!

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:20:00 +0000

by [b]ecker (an awesome California wedding photographer) at WPPI last week. I am just downloading the shots, but I wanted to throw one up here!

Thanks [b]! I'm looking forward to the [b] school.

Happy Easter

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:36:00 +0000

Well, this has nothing to do with Easter, but I thought I'd wish you all a happy one anyway. Eat lots of chocolate for me!

Wendi just sent me our picture from the KISS photo booth at WPPI. It seriously had the best lighting I had ever seen in one of these things! If I ever get a studio I'm so getting one just for fun! KISS albums are amazing and one of my favorite on the market. These pictures make me wish I could go back to Vegas! We had an awesome time and I think you can tell from these shots.

I should have my head shot from [b]ecker on Tuesday, so keep your eye out for it!

2008 Baby Contest

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 04:07:00 +0000

I am all set for the 2008 baby contest! It's an awesome opportunity to save some money, show off your cutie and possibly win some prizes!
Click on the info to make it larger if you are having trouble reading it. (Blogger and I aren't getting along lately.)

Why I love kids

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:02:00 +0000

Star Wars according to a 3 year old. This is seriously SO cute!

I'm home!

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:05:00 +0000

Vegas was absolutely amazing! I learned so much and met some amazing people. It was totally inspiring. I can't wait to go back next year! I have a few pictures from there, but I'll post them later.

I'm totally exhausted, but I had to at least update!

Ashley & Blake's wedding was beautiful on Saturday. (I looooove pink!!) They are so adorable together. This is just a sneak peek!

Seriously gorgeous!

They were making me tear up!

The fun umbrellas the wedding party got to ward off the snow!

Getting it together

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:58:00 +0000

I'm just getting things wrapped up before the wedding this weekend and VEGAS!! I'm so excited! Here a shot from last night's session with Cruz. I've been shooting this little (well not little, he's only 6 1/2 months and huge) guy since he was about 2 weeks old. I just love watching the kids grow.
Here's your shot, Cruz!

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:01:00 +0000

I haven't blogged in awhile, so I thought I'd give an update. I've been really busy lately! Wedding season has started. I am second shooting with Wendi Riggens-Miller of Inspired Images by Wendi who is a wonderful wedding photographer. If you are getting married, check her out! Here is a shot from our wedding last weekend. I suggested trying this kind of pose after watching a little too much America's Next Top Model. The wedding party was amazing and up for anything. I will post a few more later.

I have a wedding to shoot in Burlington Saturday, then Wendi and I are off to Las Vegas for WPPI (a huge photography convention.) I am so excited to have the opportunity to go (thank you so much Wendi) and listen to great photographers speak. I am also getting my Shootsac!! It will be a huge help at all of the weddings this year.

It's starting to warm up a little bit and I am very excited. I will have information about senior portraits out in April and will also be offering portrait parties. They are a great way to get together with friends and get some wonderful pictures at the same time. Keep your eye on the blog and my website for updates!

Once upon a time...

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 04:29:00 +0000

Back in October I met up with a few other photographers in St. Louis to shoot some trash the dress sessions. We had an absolutely blast!! I was looking through the images tonight and thought I'd post some.

Spring is just around the corner...

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 23:58:00 +0000

I'm ready for winter to be over!! In hopes for warmer weather I am going to start accepting bookings for spring sessions. Book anytime now through April 31st and receive a free mini brag book with your paid session. The brag books are 3 1/2x5, spiral bound and include your favorite 20 images from your session. They're so cute and great for purses. I'll post some shots of one up soon so you can see just how adorable they are! These are normally free with a $200 print purchase, so it's a great deal!!

I am also looking for senior representatives. This is an awesome way to save money and possibly earn some cash just by getting your senior portraits taken! If you are a member of the class or 2009 contact me for more details.

Kids everywhere!

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 03:26:00 +0000

I've done 4 sessions in the past 2 days and now I have tons of editing to do!!
Thought I'd share some of my favorite shots from each.

This is my second shoot with Reid and I can't believe how big he's gotten. He is SO smart! Not even 2 yet and he can (almost) spell his name and is pretty close to being potty trained. Impressive, huh?

Doesn't this just make you smile?

Izabelle is 8 months old already and cuter than ever. She was so cooperative and loved being in the teacup. You're going to have such a hard time choosing, Brooke!

Alexa & Weston are cousins (way cute ones at that!)

I love crazy baby faces. Too cute!

Bryan & Klaire came by this afternoon and entertained me. Bryan was a wild man today! I wish I had his energy. Klaire loved taking pictures and was so good! Their moms are friends and wanted a few shots of them together. I absolutely love these!

Well, that's all for now! I have to finish editing these up so I can get them to the parents! Thanks for stopping by!

This is how...

devanwhitson@gmail.com (Devan Whitson) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:43:00 +0000

excited I was to spend time with some good friends this weekend!!! Jamie & Brent braved the cold weather and ran around town taking pics with me.