25th Avera Race Against Breast Cancer

Evans is proud to be a sponsor of the 25th Avera Race Against Breast Cancer May 11, 2013.  It's a cause that is so near and dear to our hearts.  All of the proceeds stay local to help people get the treatment and support they need. Join us in supporting this wonderful event that brings together so many families, friends, neighbors, and cancer survivors to enhance cancer care right here in our community. 

Palm Springs XXV

I had an epic time with some of the World's leading photographers in Palm Springs last month.  The Society of XXV is a select group of 25 top photographers from around the world who gather together to share the latest, cutting edge ideas to raise the level of our craft.   Each member of this phenomenal group brings their own, unique style and ridiculously amazing talent and expertise.  What a mind-blowing explosion of creativity jam packed with the some of the most insanely brilliant speakers--all teaching and sharing freely, elevating each of us. So humbling to be part of this.  Bringing it all back for you!  More AWESOME coming your way!!!

Get Ready for The Big Grape: Next Generation

Evans is so happy to continue our sponsorship of Avera Children's Big Grape. What a great way to give back to our amazing community.  We've been so blessed to photograph more inspirational "little grapes" for Avera Children's Hospital.  Get your tickets now for this year's Big Grape: Next Generation which benefits pediatric needs in our area. There will be fine wines poured by some of the nation's top wine suppliers, delicious gourmet food, fabulous music, and fantastic silent auction items. Join us in supporting this great cause for these courageous children.  Stay tuned for more of these sweet little blessings that capture our hearts!

Hot Custom Smart Phone App!

Everyone is going crazy for Evans' hot custom apps created exclusively for you!!! What a fun, rad way to share your amazing pics!!! Get your IPHONE or Android APP when you are a 2014 REP at Evans. Get in on awesome and sign up HERE. http://tinyurl.com/2014Rep

Evans Corporate/Business Photography Featured on KELO TV

From the perfect clothing selection, to professional analysis of face and body type, Evans has the best tools and techniques to impress your target audience. When it truly matters, trust Rod's expertise to create the perfect corporate headshots for your business. Nothing but the best for our clients!

Rockin' SYNC Seniors

Wow, I just had the honor of speaking on the main stage at the 2013 Senior and Youth National Conference in beautiful St. Pete Beach Florida.  Hundreds packed the spectacular TradeWinds Resort for this incredible, high energy event!  What an awesome weekend featuring industry leaders and forward thinkers from across the nation sharing cutting edge ideas for professional photographers.  It was amazing sharing with so many old and new friends.  So many fun, new, exciting things in store for our fabulous clients!

BAC Photographic Competition and Exhibit

I was honored to judge and share a brief lighting and photography lesson for the Brookings Art Council's 33rd Annual Photography Exhibit.  It was awesome to see the incredible photographic art showcased at the exhibit, which was open to all South Dakota photographers 14 year of age and older. Congratulations to all of the winners and thanks to the Brookings Art Council and executive director Heather Kallhoff for putting on this great event, which encourages and celebrates South Dakota photographers.

Attention Class of 2014

Evans is super excited to announce we're now accepting Senior Model applications for the Class of 2014. So many FUN and FABULOUS things are in the works! We are looking for all personality and model types who are excited about promoting Evans. Test shoots begin soon. Get amazing world-class photographs, the experience of a lifetime, plus many extra, fun benefits exclusive to Evans Models! Get in on this great opportunity to represent Evans. Apply now...space is limited! Click here for application and more details..2014 REP APPLICATION

Thank You Veterans

We honor all of our Veterans and Troops. Freedom isn't free and we thank you for your sacrifice and service. God Bless America and our Troops!

Avera McKennan Foundation

Great to see some of the inspiring people we've been blessed to meet through our Avera photoshoots in the Foundation's annual report. Amazing people who touch our hearts!

Love their quote "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." -Winston Churchill

Buckle Photoshoot

Awesome photoshoot for our friends at the Buckle! If you want the best clothing for your fall photoshoot go see the Buckle's style experts. Call ahead and they will even have outfits ready for your personalized fitting (605)361-2045.  Check out our website and facebook page for more great ideas and images.

Miss South Dakota: Calista Kirby

Such a fun photoshoot with the amazingly talented Miss South Dakota 2012 Calista Kirby.   Her platform is "Stay Well, Get Well, American Cancer Society."  She will be representing the state in the Miss America pageant in January.  Good Luck Calista!

Congratulations Skylar

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Skylar for winning our Cover Model contest.  Thank you everyone for voting for all of our incredible models! We love them ALL.

Senior Model Skate Party

Our senior model skate party was AWESOME!  We have the most amazing senior models at Evans and LOVE pampering them! The Evans photobooth was ROCKIN with laughter. Who can resist the crazy glasses, big hats, and funky accessories? What a blast photographing our models and their friends jamming on the skate floor, enjoying delicious sweet treats, great contests, and cool prizes. We topped it all off with awesome make-up artists and glamorous headshots for all!

Photographing Celebrities for Charity

Here's some photos from a phenomenal week I had with some of the World's leading photographers. The Society of XXV is a group of 25 of the finest photographers from all over the world who gather to share cutting edge ideas to raise the level of our craft. It was amazing to not only spend the week with this unbelievably talented group, but to be able to give back by partnering with celebrities for a Give Kids the World charity event.  Below is a canvas portrait I took of singer, dancer, voice-actor, entertainer, and founding member of 'N Sync, Chris Kirkpatrick in his home.  What an honor to photograph this not only incredibly talented, but also incredibly kind and generous man.  Thanks to Canon for sponsoring the event, helping so many deserving children and their families.

Featured In Professional Photographer Magazine

Wow, we were so honored to have our studio featured in last months Professional Photographers Magazine article on Stunning Studio Redesigns. We have a blast infusing creativity, fun, uniqueness and love into everything we do---including our studio! It makes us so energized and happy to go to work every day :)

Avera Race Against Breast Cancer

Evans is proud to be a sponsor of the 24th Annual Avera Race Against Breast Cancer May 12th, 2012. Join us in supporting this event that brings together so many families, friends, neighbors, and cancer survivors to enhance cancer care right here in our community. All of the proceeds stay local to help people get the treatment and support they need.

The inspiring 2011/2012 Avera Think Pink ladies!

Little Miracle~Christopher

____________ A rollercoaster ride; that’s how Nadia describes her life since giving birth to her son Christopher, who was welcomed three weeks premature and with multiple health issues. Almost one year and 100 surgeries later, the ride hasn’t ended. Thankfully, the care givers at Avera Children’s Hospital have been sitting alongside little Christopher, who’s also proven to be more than willing to hop on board and hold on tight. Although he still suffers from the congenital defect that affected his cranial development, Christopher has weathered numerous procedures and surgeries and is still known to frequent the halls of Avera Children’s for regular appointments. Today, he’s overcoming obstacles and developmental delays but is slowly gaining weight despite having problems with his airway, esophagus and digestive system. He’s referred to as “little miracle” by his mother, who continues to be amazed of his progress and is forever grateful for the life saving care he receives yet today.

Miss Congeniality~Kaitlynn

____________ A winning attitude and warm heart earned young Kaitlynn the title of Miss Congeniality at a local Snow Queen contest in December of 2011. After suffering life-threatening injuries from a roll-over car accident, her recovery has proven to be one competition after another. Thankfully, her team of care givers at Avera Children’s Hospital gave her a chance to win… and lead a normal life. Her challenge began in 2011 when a serious automobile accident landed her in the emergency room at their local hospital. Numerous broken bones and a punctured lung appeared to be her main obstacles. Even though a surgery to repair a broken leg seemed successful, Kaitlynn didn’t get on the road to recovery. Instead, she got on the road to Sioux Falls where a medical team at Avera Children’s Hospital awaited her arrival. During an exploratory surgery, Kaitlynn suffered two major strokes. The surgery also uncovered many additional life-threatening injuries. Her loving family sadly watched their daughter’s condition deteriorate. But they took her recovery one night at a time. Soon, Kaitlynn began to show signs of progress. The care givers at Avera Children’s continued to monitor her condition and worked to improve her swallowing and speaking skills. But she was improving. After months in the hospital, Kaitlynn still faces a long path to recovery. But she works hard during her rehabilitation and physical therapy; which have helped her heal and chase a dream of competing in a local beauty pageant. With her satin evening gown hanging in her hospital room as motivation, she gained enough strength to convince her care givers to discharge her for the night. She came back with the title of Miss Congeniality and received warm praises from her many supporters. Today, Kaitlynn continues to work on her speech skills and has a renewed hope for her future.

Braveheart~Kendon

In 2010, a simple case of sour stomach led a young family of six on a journey that would end with a new outlook on life. But with his loving parents Martha and Marti by his side, Kendon bravely faced his future; certainly not letting the need for a new organ slow his spirits down. After being admitted to Avera Children’s Hospital, the medical team worked quickly to save his life; ridding excess fluid from his heart and performing vital tests and scans. It was shortly after when he was officially diagnosed with a deadly heart condition and they began to treat his symptoms. But the disease was progressing very quickly. Soon, the word “heart transplant” was first brought up to the young parents. Kendon was put on the transplant waiting list and was fortunate to have received a healthy heart after a mere three months. Even though Kendon’s life has been altered by heavy medications with various side effects, he’s started school and is doing great. So much so that since receiving his new heart, the once-shy Kendon earned the nickname “Braveheart” for having a breakthrough both medically and socially. Today, Kendon continues to gain strength and has the talented team of care givers at Avera Children’s to credit for his life.

Love At First Sight~Piper

I'd love you to meet some of the amazing "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 brave stories. _____ Weighing a mere 14 ounces, baby Piper was not much bigger than a can of soda when she was born. But even though she was small, her spirit was big. Having spent time at Children’s Care Hospital & School, she was admitted to Avera Children’s Hospital for a complete evaluation in hopes to help her overcome the numerous obstacles and medical issues she suffered due to her prematurity. It would be a long road for Piper. But during this time, she managed to win over the hearts of a Sioux Falls family whose daughter was a volunteer at Children’s Care. It was love at first sight for the Blomker family; they understood and supported Piper in treating her medical conditions. For months, Piper received treatment at Avera Children’s, but eventually she went home -- to her new family; the Blomker’s obtained legal guardianship in 2009. For the next few years, Piper continued traveling down her long road to recovery, often facing frequent visits, treatments and appointments at Avera Children’s. The family continued to appreciate the care and support of Avera; from the chaplaincy services to the child life specialists, they are thankful for the love and care everyone has provided. Today, Piper is an active little girl with a bright future and even brighter smile.

Big Grape Reserve 2012

The Big Grape Reserve annual premier wine tasting and food event was a huge success! Once again all the tickets were sold out in advance to this exquisite night filled with fine wines, delicious cuisine, wonderful silent auction items, good music, and great conversation--all to benefit pediatric needs at Avera Children's Hospital. We are always so honored and blessed to be a sponsor of this fabulous event.

Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement does such a great job inspiring and educating students. We were happy to take these photos for them of State Board Chair Steve Kirby and State Board Vice Chair Judith Meierhenry.

CreARTive 2012

I was thrilled to be a judge at South Dakota's premiere youth art competition CreARTive 2012 at the Watertown Events Center. There were over 700 entries from high school students all around the state. I was so impressed by the talent, craftsmanship, creativity, and uniqueness of the pieces. The creative energy at the event was phenomenal. A huge shout out to Heather Kallhoff and everyone who helped make this amazing experience possible for South Dakota's young artists. What a great way to support and celebrate their talents!

Save the Date for The Big Grape Reserve

Save the date, April 13, 2012 for The Big Grape Reserve. We are so proud to again be a sponsor of this amazing event to benefit Avera Children's Hospital!