Behind the Lens: Exclusive Interview with New York Photographer Evelyn Freja

“I recently had a photoshoot of two famous actors in their hotel room, promoting a movie that recently came out. I was supposed to have 30 minutes with them, but they were incredibly rude to my photo assistant and me and ended up leaving after just 3 minutes. I had only managed to get a handful of photos and ended up crying in the hotel bathroom while my assistant helped pack up.”

In Part 2 of our exclusive interview with New York photographer Evelyn Freja, we delve deeper into her journey, exploring the experiences and philosophies that shape her artistic vision. Evelyn opens up about the challenges of working in a highly competitive industry, her approach to capturing genuine moments, and the surprising lessons she’s learned along the way.

Part 1 of Our Exclusive Interview with Evelyn Freja

From memorable photoshoots with high-profile clients to candid insights on navigating rejection, Evelyn shares what it takes to thrive as a full-time artist in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Her passion, resilience, and authenticity shine through as she reflects on the creative process and the beauty of connecting with her subjects.

Photograph by Evelyn Freja — © Evelyn Freja

How do you continue to grow and develop as a photographer, even after achieving success?

I am surrounded by photographer friends who constantly lift me up and inspire me. I’m also really lucky because my partner of eleven years is a photographer (we met in photo school), and he is a constant source of inspiration and motivation both inside and outside of photography.

Of all the photos you’ve taken, which one is your favorite?

My favorite photographs come not so much from the final product as from the experience. I’ve had shoots where the final photographs weren’t the best, but the time spent with the subject was incredibly joyful. Those experiences translate through to the final photograph.

Can you describe a particularly memorable or challenging shoot and how you handled it?

I recently had a photoshoot of two famous actors in their hotel room, promoting a movie that recently came out. I was supposed to have 30 minutes with them, but they were incredibly rude to my photo assistant and me and ended up leaving after just 3 minutes. I had only managed to get a handful of photos and ended up crying in the hotel bathroom while my assistant helped pack up. It was disheartening, but at the same time, it was a valuable learning experience—not to take things personally or internalize unspoken criticism. At the end of the day, I am so grateful to be able to take photos for a living in New York City.

It takes less than a second to capture a photo, but how much time and effort go into preparing for the perfect shot?

I’ve spent weeks, sometimes months, leading up to shoots, meticulously planning every detail: from lighting to colors to mood to poses. I can obsess over the smallest details, but I’ve also learned that no matter how much planning goes into photoshoots, something will probably almost always go wrong. Photography is as much about planning the shot as it is about staying flexible with any issues that may arise.

What is your philosophy when it comes to capturing the essence of a moment or a subject?

It’s important that I never put too much of myself in my photos. I want the essence of the subject to shine through as the main focal point, but I also understand that having your photo taken isn’t always enjoyable. It’s all about making the subject feel comfortable and at ease while still letting them be the focus.

Is it expensive to pursue photography, and how long did it take you to achieve financial success in this field? What lessons did you learn along the way?

It’s easy to get overly focused on having brand-new equipment, fancy lenses, and expensive lights, but the reality is that photographers don’t need all that. I’ve taken some of my favorite photos on a cheap, beat-up second-hand camera. Photography can be an expensive industry, but when you’re starting out, it’s good to remember that you don’t need high-end equipment to create beautiful art.

Was it difficult to become a full-time photographer, and what risks, challenges, or setbacks have you faced in your career?

The hardest part of being a full-time artist is getting used to rejection and being ignored. It’s natural to want to throw in the towel and quit when you’ve reached out to forty or fifty art directors and editors and only two of them get back to you, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Just keep going, and tune out any negative internal dialogue.

Part 3 is Coming Soon!

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Behind the Lens: Exclusive Interview with New York Photographer Evelyn Freja | Part 2

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