Meet Devon Stoebe: Fine Art Photographer

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

Hi Devon, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I am a person of routine. I start something, critique it each round on how I can make changes and then make it better for the next time. I do this naturally with all things, but when it comes to my business I believe it has been the true key to growing success in my business by getting returning clients again and again. I have a beginning, middle and end process from when a client inquires to when I complete and deliver their gallery creating a sense of trust so that they come back knowing exactly what to expect from me each and every time! I try to make it flow consistently with each and every client so that they feel valued, informed, and have a set expectation from beginning to end without ever feeling in the dark. I also like to make sure that everything I do eliminates as much work on their end as possible so it’s enjoyable and a true experience when they invest in my business. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Photographer here in Arizona. My motivation and sole focus in photography is connection, interaction, capturing love, happiness and joy within a family, a couple or newborns that are timeless and true to color. I love the typical posed, looking at the camera just as much as the next guy (and will make sure to capture this), but what I truly want to capture is interactions. Those moments when you are tickling, playing, snuggling, having small moments together that are huge when you can look back at them to instantly remind you of that very moment in time. I want a photo session to be enjoyable, for families to have fun, and kids getting to play a bit more so I incorporate a lot of set prompts to set this exact scene so families and couple’s don’t have to feel on the spot to figure out what to do on their own. This helps create a painless session for everyone and you leave your session feeling excited and relieved it went so well. What I hope sets me apart from others is I take my time during a session, I try to make sure my clients feel relaxed and calm and when I can tell there is tension I will intentionally take moments to give them a break when needed. I am detail oriented, I guide a lot, but at the same time will capture those in-between moments that are created from my guidance. I am never going to “make it”, as I will always be searching, and wanting to do more with my craft in photography. I have defiantly grown from when I started to now though, and have successfully grown my business farther then I ever envisioned and am so proud of where I have come. It is not easy, as we are our worst critic, social media is there to haunt us from our joy at times because others will always be farther along, but ways to overcome this is to recognize it and realize we are all on our own paths. Social media can be a blessing with the connections it brings, the amazing people I have had the honor to learn from, who help with questions and referrals creating a safe community. It is all about perspective and I feel once you look at the challenges you can see the value in the small victories and keep pushing forward. I mainly want people to know when they book me, I am truly there for them. I don’t look at them as a tick off the list, or as an income, but as a gift; it is a true honor to get to capture them and the intimate moments they are inviting me into. I get to tell their stories through the art of photography. I get to be in some of the most intimate moments of their weddings, get to hold and snuggle their newborn babies before friends and family, and get to share and create moments that even some family members won’t get to witness, and I do not nor will ever take that for granted.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
With the new world we live in we have been venturing all over the beautiful state of Arizona discovering gorgeous trails through the desert, the mountains and serene lakes and doing a whole lot less of going to places. If I had family coming to visit now a days we would for sure grab some take out from some of my favorite local places like Joyride Taco house, Postino’s delivery for some amazing bruschetta boards and wine. If we were to venture out side of the valley I would head over to Sedona, as it is always a must. The views are never ending, my must stops are Mariposa for a drink and incredible food, L’Auberge for a serene Creekside dinging or drinks and take in the most peaceful environment among the trees while listening to the water babbling through the rocks. Flagstaff is a new favorite as we have been able to find some beautiful hiking trails and hit up some local Breweries and enjoy the cooler weather.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I started my journey of photography with the idea to just captured my daughters as they grew with story I see unfolding each and every day through my eyes and perspective. I quickly learned though, that there is so much more that goes into the art of creating what I see, then just snapping it with my camera. I have not gotten where I am today alone, and forever will be grateful for the workshops held by Amy and Jordan Demos, the Hybrid Co. Workshop loaded with insanely talented photographers and Vendors in the industry, the mentorships with Savain Phann and the friendship created with her, working along side so many talented speakers like Stacey Foley who always makes me motivated when I am feeling in a rut, and all my local photographer friends such as Mackenzie Pudenz, Silvana Braggio, and those within the wedding industry. Without everyone working together we would never go as far, and leaning and supporting one another is a true gift.

Website: www.devonstoebephotography.com
Instagram: instagram.com/devonstoebephoto
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/devonstoebephotography/

Image Credits
Devon Stoebe Photography