Within the next few weeks, DeVries' photos of local residents, scenery and landmarks will be featured on the city of Wahpeton Web site. The project started before he joined the city council nearly two years ago, when he wanted to stockpile as many photos possible for promotional purposes.
"I thought, you know, we need to promote the town," he said. "I grew up here and I know what Wahpeton has to offer. I have a real interest in the town's success."
  
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"I'm a pretty visual person. Whether it be family or work or the city or whatever, I enjoy having that documentation," he said. "It's a way to preserve something."
His photography tends to capture extreme colors and the sentiment of small town living - one photo features children on the playground, another reveals a family gathering around the table for dinner framed by Christmas lights hanging from the rooftop. There's a bit of nostalgia in the images, too, and part of it results from DeVries' fond memories of his youth in Wahpeton. Many of his favorite spots, such as the Blue Horizon roller skating rink and Spies grocery store, have vanished.
"All the things I remember from being a kid aren't the same anymore, and I really wish I had pictures," he said. "I'm hoping what I'm doing now will be nice for the kids, too, someday."
DeVries takes a simplified approach to his work. As he's inspired by the quiet, everyday moments of life, his growing portfolio includes a vivid blue peacock at Chahinkapa Zoo, snow-covered trees in the park and Wahpeton's Homecoming Parade. Although he hasn't invested in expensive lighting equipment or other means, he enjoys framing each shot to give the viewer a different perspective. He referred to a quote by Henry David Thoreau - "It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."
"It's pretty much perfect for what I do," he said.
DeVries intends on expanding his portfolio by including other cities, such as Fargo and Minneapolis, in the future.
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