Little Footprints, Big Heart~Tegan

When little Tegan was welcomed into the world, she may have had little footprints, but she definitely had a big heart! Despite efforts to stop premature labor, she was born weighing only 3 pounds, 15 ounces and was quickly taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Avera. For the next month, her parents stayed by her side as she learned how to eat, breathe and regulate body temperature. The caring staff at Avera provided comfort and reassurance during the emotional time. Today, Tegan is living a full and healthy life and the family still feels blessed to have had the support of the awesome NICU team during their stay. Despite being one of the most frightening times in their lives, they made several life-long friends with their caregivers and are forever grateful to those who support the NICU.

Sweetest Thing~Eve

With a story of sheer determination, it’s the power of care and compassion that continues to shine bright on spirited Eve. The three-year-old toddler accidentally swallowed acid while living in an orphanage in Liberia. Despite limited resources and access to advanced health care, Eve survived only to rebound with deadly esophageal issues years later. But with the love and concern of one young couple from Iowa who had started a non-profit organization in Liberia, Eve was taken to the United States where she received state-of-the-art care. Although her condition was far more bleak than initially expected, she continues to undergo surgeries to dilate her esophagus and the family remains optimistic for her future. Today, Eve is consistently growing and even looks forward to “surgery days” because of the special attention she receives from everyone at Avera Children’s Hospital.

Winning Smile~Wyatt

Before Wyatt could even celebrate his first birthday, he had already displayed strength and courage during a month-long battle with an infection. Initially diagnosed with meningitis, Wyatt received a blood transfusion and was discharged. Shortly after, he was back in the hospital and diagnosed with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) which began a month long stint of hospital stays and discharges. During this time, he experienced swelling of the brain and blood infections but remained a happy-go-lucky little boy and would even flash an occasional smile at the nurses! Despite concerns about loss of hearing and impaired learning, Wyatt has gone on to make a full recovery thanks to the great care he received at Avera Children’s Hospital. 

Little Blessing~Lauryn

I'd love you to meet some of the precious "Little Grapes"  that I've been honored to photograph for Avera Children's. They are each so special and they truly touch my heart. I am so blessed to photograph these inspirational children and their families to help tell their courageous stories.



Young Lauryn is a true miracle. After surviving a deadly motor vehicle collision in 2013, three-year-old Lauryn suffered severe injuries which included multiple contusions to the head and numerous broken bones. The caregivers at Avera quickly went into action and were able to save her young life even though the fate of the others, including her mother Sara, were not as fortunate. With the loving help of her grandparents, Lauryn is making the long journey to recovery. They credit the amazing staff at Avera for her positive outcome and felt like they were part of the family. Today, Lauryn is a true little gem and still holds a special place in the hearts of those who cared for her.

The Big Grape: Sweet Sixteen

The Big Grape premier wine and food tasting event is celebrating 16 years of benefiting the lives of children and families in our community!   Evans is proud to be part of the amazing sponsors again this year helping Avera Children's Hospital.  Save the date April 10th and get your tickets today at TheBigGrape.org !

The Boomer List: Sioux Falls Gallery Opening

The opening night celebration for our gallery art exhibit of AARP's The Boomer List: Sioux Falls at the Washington Pavilion was phenomenal. Award-winning author and Vietnam veteran Tim O'Brien was special guest speaker.  Congratulations to all of the honorees.  Thank you for your positive contributions to our community.  Come and enjoy our art exhibit at the Washington Pavilion through June 21st!

Gallery Premiere Countdown

So excited for the opening night premiere of our portrait exhibit The Boomer List: Sioux Falls with AARP at the Washington Pavilion!   Here's some behind the scenes sneak peaks.

Celebrate Heroes~Avera Race Against Breast Cancer

Evans is pleased to again be a sponsor of the Avera Race which benefits women in our area with the most advanced technology and compassionate care available in their fight against breast cancer. It's always such an honor to meet and photograph the Avera Think Pink Ladies, each with their own personal story of courage and strength.  If you want to join us in helping make a difference for our community register for the May 9th Race at AveraRaceSiouxFalls.org .

The Boomer List: Sioux Falls

As seen on television last night, AARP Sioux Falls, Evans Gallery, KELOLAND TV, and the Washington Pavilion proudly present The Boomer List: Sioux Falls to honor and celebrate remarkable Boomers who have had a positive impact on our community.  http://www.keloland.com/custompages/theboomerlistsiouxfalls/

To learn more about this inspiring project see the news feature on KELO and read about it from AARP . We invite you to visit The Boomer List: Sioux Falls, photographic portrait exhibit at the Washington Pavilion open to the public beginning March 21. 

Seniors + Youth National Conference

The 2015 SYNC Conference in Florida was spectacular!  Awesome to see so many wonderful people having fun, learning, and sharing new ideas.  Thanks for all the great feedback from my program/speaking.  So honored to be part of this fabulous event!

Speaking at Imaging USA

Looking forward Speaking at Imaging USA, the largest photography expo in North America. Thousands of people from around the world will be descending upon Nashville Feb. 1-3, 2015 for this not to be missed event.  Such an honor to teach along with some of the biggest names in the photographic industry. Hope to see you there!

Evans Elite 2016 Senior Model Search

Evans is super excited to be accepting Elite Senior Model applications for the Class of 2016!  Have the experience of a lifetime getting stunning, world-class images that tell the story of you! Plus enjoy the fame and many extra, fun benefits exclusive to Evans Elite Models! Positive people, achievers, and beautiful spirits are encouraged to apply.  Get in on this great opportunity to represent Evans now because space is limited! Apply online here Evans Elite 2016 Model Application

Speaking at SYNC 2015

I've got some awesome events coming up starting with my upcoming workshop/presentation at the 2015 Senior + Youth National Conference at the gorgeous Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in sunny Destin Florida.  Can't wait SYNC Rocks!

XXV Ireland

I had a phenomenal time in Ireland with the world renowned Society of XXV, a select group of 25 top photographers from all over the world. We gathered at the breathtaking Powerscourt Hotel Resort. This enchanting, Palladian-style estate is one of the most scenic and historic estates in the country. This was the perfect venue for the photographers in this phenomenal group to share cutting edge ideas, extraordinary insights, creativity, and powerful inspiration, elevating all of us and raising the level of our craft. It's so humbling to be a part of this insanely brilliant group of photographers, each with their own expertise and perspective from around the globe. Thank you Padraic and Sonia for being such gracious hosts. My mind jam packed with incredible ideas. So excited to bring it all back to you, our awesome clients!

McCrossan Presents Survivor's Holly Hoffman

McCrossan Boys Ranch benefit auction featuring Survivor Nicaragua's Holly Hoffman was a huge success. We've been privileged to photograph Holly and her wonderful family many times and they are truly beautiful inside and out. Holly is a wonderful speaker and true inspiration. Thanks to Holly and everyone who came out supporting McCrossan Boys Ranch, providing "New Hope for a Better Life".

Awesome Earlybird Sale!

June is a great time for Stunning Senior Pictures from Evans and now it's even better with our Earlybird Sale! Everything is beautifully green, the flowers are gorgeous, and it's not too hot out yet. Love, love, love your Senior pictures with nothing but the Best from Evans! You'd better call today though, there's not many times left!

Junior Achievement

So happy to help out this great group from Junior Achievement. They do such a great job inspiring and preparing young people to succeed. Thank you for all you do for the youth in our community.

The Big Grape: Next Generation

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this year's Big Grape. We are so blessed to be a sponsor of this premier event benefitting Avera Children's Hospital.

Ignite The Fight~2014 Avera Race Against Breast Cancer

Evans is so proud to again be a sponsor of the Avera Race Against Breast Cancer. We know firsthand how important this wonderful event is for our community. Join all of us at Evans in the fight against breast cancer! Sign up today for the Avera Race Against Breast Cancer 5.10.14 AveraRaceSiouxFalls.org.

Avera Foundation Photos

Some of the sweet, brave kids and inspiring, inspirational ladies we've been privileged to photograph in the latest Avera Foundation Newsletter~Love them all!

Links To Literacy

We had a wonderful time at the Links to Literacy Premier Wine Event at Callaways. Links to Literacy is a great scholarship to support kids and reading.  We are so honored to help support this terrific program benefiting at-risk youth.  Excel Achievement Center is such a fantastic resource for our community.

Class of 2015 Elite Senior Model Search

You've always dreamed about how amazing you want your senior portraits to be. Well, now is the time to make that dream a reality. Evans is super excited to be accepting Elite Senior Model applications for the Class of 2015. Positive people, achievers, and beautiful spirits are encouraged to apply. Test shoots are already underway. Have the experience of a lifetime getting stunning, world-class images that tell the story of you! Plus enjoy the fame and many extra, fun benefits exclusive to Evans Elite Models! Get in on this great opportunity to represent Evans now because space is limited! Apply online here 2015 Elite Model Application

Thank You Veterans!

Here's a look back at one of the South Dakota Honor Flights I was privileged to photograph. It begins with the actual music performed by the El Riad Shrine Chanters who graciously sang for the veterans' send off. God Bless America and all of our troops!

Avera Pink Ladies Fighting Strong!

We always love meeting and photographing the courageous and inspirational Avera Think Pink Ladies! According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime. Like so many, we at Evans have been personally touched by this disease and want to help raise awareness and fight for a cure!

Pearls Of Wisdom

Had the extreme pleasure of photographing the dynamic and inspirational corporate trainer Lisa Gunderson/Pearls of Wisdom. After 14 years in banking she found her niche as a phenomenal corporate trainer, speaker, and coach.  Her passion, enthusiasm, and vast knowledge have made her a sought-after speaker for top businesses.  Putting clients first and exceeding their expectations, that's what it's all about!