We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney DeVoto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Whitney, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
With a high percentage of my photoshoots taking place in the great outdoors of Colorado and New Mexico, I gratefully and humbly acknowledge that these beautiful landscapes were once inhabited and stewarded by numerous Native American tribes. As my photography business continues to grow, it feels important to partner with an Indigenous-led advocacy nonprofit to contribute a percentage of my annual revenue. While I have a Denver-based organization in mind, if you as a reader are connected with a Native American advocacy organization, I’d love to learn more!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I had made the best move of my life to Colorado, yet was a few years into a business operations role with an organization whose work environment was steadily deteriorating my sense of “me” before I consciously understood what was happening. As I found research and awareness around toxic work environments (thanks, Brené Brown!) and reconnected with myself throughout the previously mentioned Humanity First program, I started making a list of things I knew to be authentically true to me. Number one on the list, “I love pictures – old and new.”

Since deciding to pursue photography full-time, I’ll candidly admit I’ve had plenty of “what the eff am I doing” moments, but even then, I’ve never been more sure it’s a path that’s true to me. James Clear recently shared a quote in his 3-2-1 newsletter by Vincent Van Gogh on pushing yourself: “I am always doing what I can’t do yet in order to learn how to do it.” This soooo, so deeply resonated with me. My photography journey gained momentum faster than I anticipated–which is both exciting/humbling and utterly nerve-wracking. As an over-thinker and avid advanced planner, it’s been a lesson in letting go of limiting self-beliefs and fears of not being good enough, and surprising myself at what I’m capable of, especially when I allow myself to trust myself.

My work spans both commercial photography (brand and architectural interiors) and daily/defining life moments photography. I take a documentary/lifestyle approach with a keen eye for capturing the heart and soul of your brand or space and the genuine emotions and humanness within your life adventures. I’ve had the absolute joy of shooting with brands such as Lawn Party and capturing the gorgeous work of Modern Homestead interiors. For non-commercial work, I capture meaningful life moments such as engagements and small weddings, daily family life (both humans and pets) and outdoor/travel adventures.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Nederland, Colorado, I am much more of a mountain gal than a city one—so my recommendation is to run for the hills! Some of my favorite spots to eat, drink and be merry in the Nederland/Peak to Peak area are Salto Coffee, Crosscut Pizza and Gold Dirt Distillery. And, with Ned nestled in the base of Indian Peak Wilderness, there’s plenty of adventures to be had… rent a mountain bike (or skis in the winter) from Tin Shed Sports, go for stunning hikes at Hessie Trailhead and Brainard Lake Recreation Area, or check out the nature-based educational adventures Wild Bear Nature Center has to offer for all ages!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am forever grateful to have studied under world-renowned Canadian photographer Dave Brosha. Not only is he a phenomenal, celebrated photographer, he’s a humble and genuinely great human being! His thoughtful mentorship expedited my career.

Colorado’s very own Ali Vagnini is another wildly talented photographer and beautiful soul I hold endless gratitude for. I’ve been a fangirl since I was introduced to Ali’s work and was downright giddy when she agreed to grab coffee. Ali’s willingness to share her time and insights meant the world in itself, but to then have such a badass, female photographer that I deeply admire also recommend me for several shoots?! Heart FULL. Ali’s impact on my career is invaluable.

I also can’t go without giving a shoutout to Boulder-based Taylor White Moffitt and her Humanity First, Embodied Leadership Training, through which I reconnected with myself and my love for photography. And to my husband, Douglas, for his bottomless wealth of fellow-photog technical knowledge.

Website: https://www.devotophoto.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devotophoto/

Other: Daily/defining life adventures:
www.whitdevotophoto.co
www.instagram.com/devotophoto.lifeadventures

Image Credits
Whitney DeVoto Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.