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

Self-portrait, Evelyn Freja — Self-portrait © Evelyn Freja

In the third part of our exclusive interview with New York photographer Evelyn Freja, we delve deeper into the intricacies of her craft and the philosophy that drives her work. Evelyn shares her thoughts on the competitive nature of the photography industry, the importance of business acumen, and the ethical considerations she takes into account when capturing her subjects.

She also discusses the collaborative process with her partner and the impact of digital technology and social media on modern photography. Join us as we explore the mind of a photographer who is not only passionate about her art but also dedicated to inspiring the next generation of creatives.

Part 2 of Our Exclusive Interview with Evelyn Freja

With so many photographers capturing stunning images worldwide, do you ever feel the pressure of competition?

Being competitive is often seen as a negative attribute but actually, it can be very inspiring and rewarding to see what everyone else is doing and how they’re doing it. With art and photography, most everything has already been “done”. That’s very freeing.

How do you ensure that your work stands out in such a saturated industry?

There is a certain kind of freedom that comes with accepting that we are one tiny, miniscule part of this world– that there are a thousand other photographers living and working in New York City, taking photographs alongside you.

Photography by Evelyn Freja — © Evelyn Freja

How do you manage the business side of photography, such as marketing, client relations, and portfolio management?

You can be the best, most creative photographer out there, but if you can’t manage the business side of photography, it will be a very difficult, uphill battle. I have spreadsheets. Lots of spreadsheets. Ones dedicated to paying assistants and spreadsheets keeping track of invoices and spreadsheets relating to taxes. It’s the very unglamorous side to taking photos but it’s a big part of running a business and staying organized.

What ethical considerations do you take into account when photographing people, wildlife, or sensitive subjects?

On each shoot, before I take out my camera, I always chat with the subject first. No matter if it is a full day shoot or we only have ten minutes, I want to be sensitive to who they are, their background and where they are coming from.

Have you ever collaborated with other artists or photographers, and how did that experience influence your work?

I collaborate with my partner who is also a photographer. Some days, he’ll assist me on shoots, other days I’ll assist him. It’s a beautiful thing where you can watch your partner grow and thrive and support them– all while watching each other create photos!

Can you share any projects you’re currently working on?

The past few years, I’ve spent photographing a local women’s sports team in New York City. I’ve gotten to know the players, each one coming from different nations and backgrounds, and am excited to explore the role of changing culture and sport and women the rest of the year before hopefully finding this project a good home online or in print.

In your view, how has the field of photography evolved with the rise of digital technology and social media?

Digital technology and social media play a huge role in photography nowadays. When photography first was introduced to the world, it was an uncommon practice reserved for the wealthy upper class. Now, anyone can take photos. Technology and knowledge are at the tips of our fingers, it’s a really exciting time to be alive. I can be scrolling on social media and come across a photographer living in Argentina making portraits of her village there. It’s an amazing feat to be able to drop into different photographers’ lives and work from all across the corners of the world.

Who are your favorite photographers?

Naturally, I’m a huge fan of the classics: the Avedons of the world and the Shermans. But I’m also inspired by the photographers who are in my life: my friends and colleagues who are consistently pushing the boundaries of photography and art.

What do you hope people feel or think when they see your photographs?

Beautiful truths. I hope people see the subjects I’ve photographed in their raw form, whatever that may be.

What legacy do you hope to leave in the world of photography?

I hope to inspire and uplift the next generation of photographers, and the next, and the next. Who knows, though? There’s a big wide world out there with an endless supply of amazing photographers and artists.

Stories

Behind the Lens: Exclusive Interview with New York Photographer Evelyn Freja | Part 3

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