Fort Madison Iowa, Nauvoo Illinois Photographer: Devan Whitson Photography

I usually don’t get too emotional on the blog, but I recently had a conversation with a friend that kind of turned into one of those ah-ha moments.

Said friend told me “Anyone can be a photographer, they just need an expensive camera and photoshop.” At first I was appalled at what he had said and quite frankly very upset. I had just spent DAYS traveling and learning how to provide better photos and a better experience for my clients. I cannot even begin to tally the hours I have spent and intend to continue spending learning and growing as an artist-not even going to mention the financial part, just the time. I pour my heart and soul into my photographs.

Then I stopped and thought logically for a second. He was right. Anyone CAN be a photographer. But you know what they can’t be? ME

No one else can be me. My clients choose me for a reason. Each person sees the world differently. You could let 10 photographers loose with the same equipment, the same subjects and come out with 10 completely different images. My eye is constantly scanning for beautiful light, relationships between people, little details, the things you will NEVER want to forget. I want you to remember the moment you first saw your groom on our wedding day, how tiny your baby was at 5 days old and how much fun you had being the center of attention for your senior portraits.

I don’t know about you, but my photos are my most prized possessions. Sure, I have lots of gadgets, love clothing and pretty things for my home, but if I was stripped of everything I owned losing my photos is the only thing that would devastate me. I am sure many of you would agree.

I want to be there to capture these memories for you-through my point of view. You might not realize how beautiful the simplest moment in your life really is. This is why I am a photographer, why I do what I do.

Well, well, well. Another crazy year has come and gone. I just want to take a minute to stop and thank all of my awesome clients and friends for supporting my business. I am able to do what I love because of YOU! Also, seriously sorry for the lack of blogging. Should I make that my New Years resolution?

I will be out of the office January 4th-14th. My husband and I are spending three days in Atlanta, Georgia learning from amazing Liana Lehman. After that, I am headed to Nashville to Imaging USA-a BIG event. Continuing education is SO important to me and both of these conferences are going to be amazing. I will also be spending some time in Des Moines this winter for the Professional Photographers of Iowa Winter Convention.

Check out my booth at the Keokuk Bridal Show on January 31st. I may also be making an appearance at the Quincy Bridal show in February.

What is coming in 2010?

New Look

New Website

New Products

Kid’s Mini Sessions

2011 Senior Model Search

and more???

I have tons to wrap up before we take off, but I will be posting a year in review slide show, some highlights from our trip and tons more. Thanks again!

Check out the beautiful Miss Kaitlin. I love it when my seniors are up for anything. She had absolutely no problem posing out in the freezing cold. Stay warm everyone!