Tis the Season

What a busy year it has been for our family.  From a huge step forward for DeWitt Photos to an unexpected move to Colorado, we haven't always had a lot of time to slow down and appreciate the little things in life.

The holiday season is always a time of the year that we are bonded again as a family.  We spend time eating together, watching movies, shopping, but most of all, just laughing and enjoying the time we have.  From picking out our real Christmas tree today to taking a few minutes for a photo, I was reminded of the little things.

Don't get me wrong, life still happens-I still cuss trying to get the tree into the stand and I never get the lights just right.  Amidst it all nobody was on the computer, playing video games, or at work...we were a family.

From our not-as-busy home to yours, Merry Christmas!

- The DeWitt Family  

I see you...

For years I have admired the work of an Air Force photographer named Mike Kaplan.  We were stationed together at Barksdale Air Force Base until he retired and left the area.  I last saw him at his retirement but continued to follow his work as he took a position at the Academy  as a contractor.

I have been excited to run into him again and see more of the work that he is doing.  I was finally able to cross paths with him again last week and even bumped into him on the field at the AFA v BYU football game.

Little did I know that the hunter would be the hunted.  I received the two photos above from Mike today in an email.  Actually, these are the first photos i've had of myself taking pictures.  Now everyone else will have an idea of what I look like before uploading these to the website.

Thanks Mike!

New Perspective

I have to admit that despite being a boy, I am not the worlds biggest sports nut.  I used to have my favorite football team and religiously follow college basketball but life happened and some of that passion faded away.

Last weekend I had one of my first real tasks in my new office, and of course it would have to be covering a football game.  At first I was really excited because I would have field level and press box access, but I learned a few lessons from my first attempt at covering college sports.

First, I learned that I need to pay attention to the gear I am brining to the field.  I grabbed a camera and handful of lenses from work only to find out later at the game that the zoom lens I grabbed had a minor issue which caused me grief all night long.

Second, I learned that the sports writing I was used to doing was nothing compared to what I was supposed to do that evening.  To make matters worse, there wasn't a review process prior to filing the story, so I apologize to anyone who accidentally read it.

All in all it was a lot of fun and I look forward to the next game against BYU where I will be shooting and not writing.  I am excited about improving on both my writing and sports coverage during my stay here at the Academy.

Not today buddy!!

For the past few weeks I have been emailing "Edward" at edward_andrew101@ymail.com about his wedding. Initially he seemed on the up and up, of course hindsight makes me see some things I overlooked.

Well, he finally decides he needs to lock in the date with a deposit and I gave him my information. A few days later I receive an email saying that he needs to pay for some other vendors, and he asks if he can make the check out for more than the amount needed so I could help make the payments for him. I told him I was not comfortable with that idea because it is a common scam, but if he needed help he could send separate checks that I would deliver for him. I quickly caught on that the "wedding" was just a reason to send a check. At this point I also thought saying scam to a scammer would stop the tricks.

After a few days without response, I was surprised to see a package on my door, it was his check. Because I wasn't born yesterday, I called the individual listed on the check to confirm my assumption. No surprise, it was fraudulent, and they had received three more calls about other bad checks already that day.

I am insulted that these scams are so common and they still tried to pull it off on me. Atleast be more creative with your tricks, geez!!

To my new friend "Edward" you've got to do much better than that young man. PS - The photograph of your fake check is on the house, thank you for choosing DeWitt Photos.

For everyone else, don't think that these tired old scams have run their course. Bad people are still doing bad things, always do your homework! I was a success story, don't be their success!

For anyone interested in any of the information on the individual, I am including it below:

Bad guy: Edward Andrew email: edward_andrew101@ymail.com

Package was mailed from Honolulu, Hawaii, not Indiana. Check was from a New York firm, "Edward" claimed to be living in London, and he wanted me to transfer money to Trinidad.  As you can see they couldn't have made it any easier to see the scam coming unless they titled their emails "scam".

UPDATE:  I never let on to "Edward" that I found out about his plot or that I put his info on my website.  Since Monday he has continued to email and call asking me when I was going to wire transfer the money back to him.  Technically speaking that means I am scamming the scammer...it's great therapy actually!  We've effectively scammed each other out of some time, but I hope that's time that he doesn't have to scam someone else...that makes me the winner.  Sorry "Edward" you lose!

Party Time

Weddings and weather have a lot in common, neither are very predictable.

I never know if all of the bride's plans are going to crumble around her and turn her into the dreaded bridezilla.  I normally don't know what to expect from the wedding party and I certainly don't know what will happen at the reception with all of the guests.

Jeremy and Marie's wedding day started off well, but one thing led to another and our photo time before the ceremony was cut short - not my favorite scenario.  After the ceremony, the limo left without me which meant we also missed some after-ceremony photos.  At this point I wasn't sure what else would happen before the night was over.

Making up for the shaky start, the reception turned out to be a huge celebration.  And by celebration I mean a "drop it like it's hot" party, even the casino staff was dancing and having fun.  Did I mention the drinks were flowing...and flowing?!

The DJ and I were talking about the different styles of wedding receptions and I later thought about our discussion.  Why do couples have big receptions that turn into crazy parties?  Who cares!  They are celebrating a joyous moment in their life, a moment that should be fun. 

I say there is no better way to set the pace for their new life together than with family, friends, and some serious dance-floor shaking partying.  

Congrats Jeremy and Marie - celebrate your love with everything you've got!!

Old Friend

Military life definitely has its ups and downs - the biggest of which is moving away from friends and family.  Maintaining relationships has sometimes been hard with all of life's interruptions, but Angee is one friend that has stood the test of time.

One day she called to ask us to be a part of her special day.  There really wasn't anything to think about, where and when were the only things we needed to know.  My wife was one of the bridesmaids and I had the honor of being their photographer.

Despite the passing shower, they had a beautiful ceremony on an island in the park.   Although we didn't know Blake before meeting him at the rehearsal, one thing was for certain...he made her happy.  

Blake and Angee, from our hearts to yours, congratulations and may you be blessed with a lifetime of happiness!  -Chris & Jenn

Another Beginning

Every wedding I am fortunate enough to attend gives me another opportunity to become a part of something special. Earlier this month I was able to share the beginning of Cody and Christy's life together.

Christy is a teacher and i've learned a very important lesson about teachers, they are planners! Some brides go the extra mile and then you've got people like Christy, who are able to coordinate their ceremony months in advance and actually pull it off down to the letter. I know what you are thinking...bridezilla. That was not the case for this extremely well prepared bride, she was calm and collected from start to finish.

Enter the all-american, baseball-playing groom Cody. What a great guy! Had we lived near each other growing up, I am sure he would have been someone I would hang out with. He broke some molds with his genuine support for his planning princess. From the first time I met him to the reception, he was always cracking me up!

Together they are an amazing couple, good-looking, fun-loving and passionate about each other, they've got the world at their fingertips. Sometimes I think we all need to see the beginning of a life together to remember why we started our own. Thanks for the inspiration Cody and Christy!

Fallen Comrades

July 21, 2008, America lost six of its sons in a B-52 crash off the coast of Guam.  Five of the crew members were stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and the fifth was a member of Anderson Air Force Base, Guam.  

Amongst a standing room only crowd, I attended a memorial service held July, 25 to celebrate the lives of those who were lost.  Family and friends lined the front rows as various commanders spoke of the lost crew's passion for flying and their love of the country.

I couldn't help but notice the families reactions during the emotional ceremony.  Wives without husbands, children without fathers, friends standing alone, all dealing with the loss of their loved ones.  

What words can be said to comfort those that remain after their husbands, fathers, sons, family and friends paid the ultimate sacrifice?  What lesson can we learn from their lives?  Live with compassion, courage and conviction...love with all your heart and soul...never take life for granted.

Farewell crew of Raider 21...

Love's Story

I was emailing Ryan's mother about some engagement rings that I liked when the doorbell rang, Whitney recalled.  It was his parents, their faces told me something was wrong.  He's been shot but he's ok, they said.

From the beginning of Ryan's deployment, the two young lovers had talked about engagement and a future together.  Had things turned out like they wanted, they would have been married sometime in 2010, but life had other plans.

Ryan joined the Army in 2005 and was  being sent on his first deployment two years later.  His unit wasn't really sure where they were going but their training had prepared them and they were eager.  After waiting in Kuwait for orders on where they were headed, rumors started circulating amongst the soldiers that their commander soon confirmed...it was time to go into Iraq.

About a week later they finally arrived at their Combat Outpost.  Ryan spent his time pulling security details and helping to fortify their new-found home.  One day they were given an intelligence briefing of a possible attack.  The briefing didn't stop the typical duties and Ryan found himself up at 6 a.m. cleaning up around the outpost.

It all started later that day when a unit out on foot patrol was ambushed with small arms fire.  Ryan was on guard in a tower and could hear the calls coming in, he anxiously waited for his comrades to return.  Shortly after the foot patrol made it back Ryan was to be relieved, but they couldn't find his replacement.

Just then a loud noise and a cloud of smoke near the corner of a distant building...it was an RPG.  They called it in and tried to identify the location.  Activity on the streets had been unusual that day and they were scanning everywhere and everyone.  Shortly after the suspected attack, another tower opens fire.  It wasn't a short burst, they were continuing to engage the enemy, Ryan said, adding that at that point his tower wasn't able identify the target without exposing themselves to enemy fire.  

Ryan was joined in the tower by another soldier with the ability to return fire in the direction that the other tower was firing in.  Just shoot, Ryan told his partner who was reluctant to fire.  They argued over what to do when Ryan finally decides to stand up and identify a target so his companion would engage.  He points out the location and his partner begins to fire.

Ryan was knocked to the ground immediately.  Thinking he had been knocked down by his buddy, Ryan tries to roll over and stand up.  That's when he realized he couldn't move his right leg-he had been shot.  I felt it when it hit me, once my leg wouldn't move it registered that I had been shot, Ryan explained.  Immediately I thought, I'm shot, I'm shot - my mom is going to be upset.  Just then his sergeant makes his way into the tower and asks if Ryan had been hit, Roger sergeant, I'm sorry he replied.

In less than a week, Ryan was in back in America being treated for the wound to his abdomen and recovering from the exploratory surgery performed after the incident.  Shortly after, he was reunited with his family and with Whitney.

After I got shot, I knew if she was going to be there for me that, Whitney would be there for anything, he said, remembering his decision to propose sooner than later.   Ryan proposed in November of 2007 and the couple is scheduled to be married Jan. 3, 2009.

Ryan's brush with death gave him a new perspective on life. Don't wait, he said, if you want something go and get it.

Love's story is never the same, it changes with each new couple I meet.  Thank you to Ryan and Whitney for taking the time to share your story with me.

Graceful Groom

The photojournalist in me can't help but to be inspired by other people. From the time I first meet a couple to their wedding day, I am always interested in learning about them and trying to be more than just some "camera guy".

Braeden and Chrissy's Wedding was no exception. I was so pleased to get to know them, their family, and their friends that by the ceremony I really felt like I knew them. The little I thought I knew would soon change once we made our way to the reception.

Braeden is a pretty stocky guy that looks like he could handle himself well in any situation, but, as his brother put it later in his toast to the couple, truly has a heart of gold. Despite the rugged exterior and soft chewy center, Braeden showed me he had another trick up his sleeve...he can dance!

I'm not talking the old junior high one-two, i'm talking drop it like it's hot, shake what your momma gave you dance! I saw everything from an Irish jig to things that don't have names yet (and they probably shouldn't).

It was the perfect end to a beautiful day for the bride and groom. Young, full of life and happiness, and head over heels in love...what more can you ask for. Congrats guys!

Mr President

Throughout my career, i've had the pleasure of meeting many government leaders, but Sunday, June 1st, was the first time I had ever met an American president.  During a special service commemorating the 25th anniversary of Dr Fred and Mrs Leigh Lowery with the First Baptist Bossier Church, a surprise guest made his appearance.

Audience members looked on in disbelief as a security detail led the president into the sanctuary to congratulate the pastor and his wife on their accomplishment.  It didn't take long before the crowd realized this was not the actual president but a comedic presidential impersonator.  With such an uncanny resemblance and mannerisms that truly made you look twice, John Morgan had the crowd rolling with laughter.

Later,while sharing a table with the look-a-like president during a luncheon, I just couldn't help but look at him wonder how someone could have such a resemblance.  I guess I will have to continue and wait for my chance to meet a real Commander in Chief.

Just another weekend with Shann

It took me a week before I could even think about what happened to me during my weekend with Shann. When he told me he had four events in three days, I thought "that sounds like fun, sure I can help." Little did I know what I had signed up for.

From Friday morning until Monday morning when we woke up to head back to Louisiana, I had a whopping 10 hours of sleep. It all started with an overnight high school graduation party. From there we drove straight to Kansas City, to one of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen, for our first wedding of the weekend. We wrapped up the reception at 12:30 a.m. and hit the hotel for some quick shut-eye. We were both a bit taken back by the person checking us in, who explained that we were making his job difficult. If you are keeping track, we had not slept in two days at this point, so we did well by not killing the very un-friendly person.

Our first sleep netted us a much needed seven hours of shut-eye before driving to Springfield, Missouri, for our second wedding of the weekend. At this point we were operating on energy drinks and adrenaline, but we still pulled off some great shots of a very happy, young couple.

We were overwhelmed when we found out we had enough time for a pit-stop at the house to re-fuel with some real food before another late-night graduation party. Our bodies were beginning to wear from the torture of the weekend when we arrived to the very eager, new graduates. Their energy was infectious and it carried us into the morning when we headed home at 4 a.m.

I think I slept (or at least it sure felt like it) for about three hours before it was time to leave Branson and go back to Louisiana. For all of the physical stress, it was great to hang out with my buddy and help capture some memories for everyone involved.

I've come to expect that regardless of how little sleep I get, how much physical pain I end up in, or testing the legal limit of energy drinks I can legally consume, every time I go to Branson..."It's just another weekend with Shann." (He really appreciates that phrase)

Daddies Girl

You've seen it before, the crazy parent who will do whatever it takes to get a photo of their child at a school event. I've seen it before, but earlier this week I caught myself as that parent. Caylee graduated kindergarten and there wasn't a thing in the world that was going to keep me from getting shots of my baby.

Equipped with enough gear to cover a fashion shoot, I quickly realized that all of that gear didn't matter if there were other children and parents in the way. I managed to almost get the shots I would have wanted, sorry to the eight people I trampled trying to get to the stage. :)

I am so proud of my baby, now if I could just slow time down so I can enjoy these moments forever I would be eternally happy.

Reflections

From time to time I reflect on the events of my life. I wonder how I went from the middle of Illinois to traversing the globe. I wonder how in the world I ever decided rock climbing was something I would love to do. I think about the people I've met and the wonderful times we had. I think about how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family.

On Saturday, May 10, I physically reflected on the engine's nose cone of a B-25 Bomber. With it's roots back to the '40s, the B-25 I was flying in was making an appearance at the 2008 "Defenders of Liberty" airshow at Barksdale Air Force Base. What an incredible experience it was to get a bird's eye perspective of the airshow!

To be honest though, it was extremely hot sitting in the bombardiers station. Surrounded by glass, I felt like an ant under a magnifying glass. I couldn't imagine how cold it would have been up at high altitudes on bombing runs. I definitely have a new respect for anyone who ever ventured up to the nose during combat!

If you look closely at the photo you can vaguely make out my reflection from the nose of the aircraft. Can you see it?

Life happened...

Wow, what do you say when you've got a full time job, a growing business, and a family...life happens. I know the idea behind blogs is that you are supposed to make regular entries to keep people coming back. Well, life happened and now I finally have a few minutes to say something ... anything.



I've had a lot of fun with Kenneth and Kristin during their wedding journey. They were such a fun couple, I am so happy I was able to share their experience with them. I wish them both all the happiness in the world as they start their new lives together. Congrats to both of you!!!

Reunited

Three tanks of gas...$150
Sitting in traffic because of flooded roads....years off of my life due to frustration
Driving two days to reunite my mother with her FAVORITE SON (ME).....Priceless

Thats right, the family has gathered back in Illinois for an Easter reunion. Almost 15 years in the military has created large gaps in my mental scapbook. I met my 18 month old niece for the first time today, what an angel! We are all planning to spend time visiting, and most importantly, not having an agenda.

Keep your eyes peeled, I suspect that I will be taking plenty of family photos.....

Little Brother

We grew up in a little house, in a little town, in the middle of nowhere. Close in age, close in tastes, close in our bunk beds. We left that house, we left that town, we left that life. Age established differences, friends established differences, life established differences. We grew apart, we stayed together, we were blood.

I remember the day I said goodbye, he still seemed so young. I started life on my own and left him, alone. For the better, I'm sure, I wasn't a role model. I thought about him often. He seemed so focused, so committed. Why couldn't I be like that? I looked up to him.

We stayed in touch, we talked infrequently, we were never apart. Separated by miles, separated in our choices, separated by lifestyles. We visited, we laughed, we loved.

One day, I lost my way in life. I remember talking to him on the phone, he was giving me advice. It was supposed to be the other way around. I listened, I learned, I grew.

Life brought us back together, life had taken its toll, life went on. He had grown, he was wise, he was always there. We have children, we have wives, we have each other.

For years I have watched him mature, he had become a man. I was sometimes envious, he has accomplished so much. I was finally there when he received his doctorate, what an accomplishment. I watched him walk away.

He held his head high, he held his wife close, he had done it. There goes another chapter, there goes my friend...there goes my little brother.

Flyboys

Here's a great shot I took of a pilot and his son walking to the plane. I'm so lucky to have such great subjects to photograph.

pretty in pink

This is from a family shoot from a SWEET couple and their precious little girl. What great parents these two will be for the little one. It was so much fun to watch them dote all over her...it made us remember ours being that little.

sweet

This is a photo taken of one of our friends little boy! He actually poses for the camera at 4 years old! He needs to be a child model...in fact, his mom submitted this photo to Gap for some contest. Isn't he cute?

Sassy

What a fun shoot! Our sweet friend Telisha wanted to surprise her husband with some pictures of herself for Valentines day! She had to sneak out while her husband was at Kung Foo practice and still make it back in time to make him dinner! She got to laughing because we asked her what bad habit she had...she told us but we'll never tell! :) Her shots really show her sweet and sassy side!

Here he is

Here's my first-born. What a great kid! Smart, handsome, funny...I could go on and on!

My Valentine princess

I am lucky enough to be blessed with 2 great kids! Here is a Valentine picture of my baby girl. She gave these out to her friends at school! I'll post my favorite picture of my son soon!