BSNC shareholder and owner of Oksuk Productions, Devan Otton was born and raised in Nome, Alaska. The son of Darrin and Sherry Otton, he has family ties to Shishmaref and Unalakleet and grew up with three older sisters. A graduate of Nome-Beltz High School, he attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks, completed the BSNC Internship in 2019 and the Nome Eskimo Community Internship in 2020–2021, and now works as a Computer Network Technician for Norton Sound Health Corporation.
Otton’s creative journey began when his parents gifted him a drone, sparking his passion for videography. Completely self-taught, he immersed himself in the work of online creators and developed a distinctive artistic style inspired by their work. His love for photography was first nurtured in his high school yearbook class with his favorite teacher, Mrs. Snell, where he learned to move beyond “point and shoot” and discovered how lighting, shutter speed, and composition could transform an image into art.
Otton’s first drone film was submitted to the Alappaa Film Festival, and his photography has earned recognition in numerous photo contests, including first place in the Iditarod Fine Arts Show (2024), second in the BSNC Photo Contest for scenery (2024), selection for the Nome Arts Council Calendar (2024), second in the Alaska Magazine photo competition (2025), and first in the BSNC Photo Contest “Our Youth, Our Future” category (2025). His ability to capture the spirit of the region—its landscapes, people, and traditions—has resonated deeply with his community. Most recently, he has captured striking images of BSNC employees in both Anchorage and Nome.
Otton deepened his skills through film photography, starting with disposable cameras before investing in his own. The limitations of film taught him patience, technique, and intentionality. His advice to aspiring creators: keep practicing what you love and your hard work will pay off. Looking ahead, he is excited to film more basketball highlights for the Nome Nanooks and will continue telling stories through his lens. To view his work or to contact Devan, please visit oksukproduction.com.