Today we’d like to introduce you to Evyn Dean
Hi Evyn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started photography in college at my alma mater, UNC Charlotte. I knew that I wanted to be a sports photographer and I knew that I wanted to work for the Carolina Panthers one day. I hadn’t even picked up a camera at this point, so I was entering this field of work blind, yet more determined than ever. When I entered college as a Freshman, I wanted to get involved with our athletics as fast as I could, to ensure that I was reaching the max benefits and connections that the University had to offer. I was reaching out to anyone and everyone that had something to do with Charlotte athletics. Fortunately, with some amazing bosses who believe in giving students opportunities, I was able to begin working in sports. I started in the social media department until I was ready to pick up a camera. From there, it has been a ride.
Along with my passion for photography, my passion for sports has always been huge. I grew up as an athlete, always competitive-minded. Now shooting sports, I will say I’m just as competitive and compassionate. It can be hard to not let emotions get involved in the work. Something a lot of people outside of sports don’t realize is when a team loses, the jobs of the staff don’t end. There are emotional wins and there are emotional losses. But no matter the outcome, I am always reminded by my Lord and Saviour of the outpouring of thankfulness I feel that I can live out my wildest dreams.
My camera took me to many places in college such as Frisco, Texas to shoot our men’s and women’s basketball conference tournament, and Clemson University where I was able to shoot Charlotte men’s baseball beat out Clemson at their own hosted regional. Through a Charlotte connection, Gabby Hutter, I was connected with Chanelle Smith-Walker (Former Panthers Team Photographer). Chanelle took me in as a GameDay Photo Editor for the 2023-2024 season and provided me with an ample amount of photo opportunities. I owe a lot to her openness to taking such young creatives in under her belt and helping them flourish. I now still attend to game day photo editing duties, as well as freelance for the Carolina Panthers. There is so much I want to accomplish in sports and I’m so excited for what the future holds.
Aside from sports, I recently began my own lifestyle photo business, Evyn Dean Photography, where I offer Weddings, Engagements, Proposals, Senior Portraits, and a whole lot more. This is a new area of photography that I entered to push myself, grow my portfolio, and ultimately build a name for myself in a new horizon. I started this business just this Summer after I graduated this past May. I love that I can show my personality and own editing style to this business. It is such an empowering feeling to start something of my own and see the reactions to capturing such precious moments for clients.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I feel like any path has it’s obstacles. I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by so many supportive people in my life from co-workers, bosses, family and friends. One thing about the creative community is it’s small, especially in sports. You could be connected with another photographer from a team across the country, yet have a conversation with them through Instagram Dm’s, and it feels like you’ve known them forever. They know exactly what you’re going through while it’s such a niche area of work, and they are constantly hyping you up.
I love that my area of work is widely shared with how much social media is used these days. I love seeing other’s work and I also love sharing mine. It’s always so motivating to see creatives always raising the bar, because oh my gosh there really are creative geniuses out there.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Evyn Dean Photography ?
So since I work in two different areas of photo, I have them separated on social media, as well as two different websites. It helps me stay organized as well as appeal to specific audiences. For Instagram, you can find my lifestyle work at @evyndeanphotos, and my website https://www.evyndeanphotography.com/. If you’re looking for my sports work, I share those photos on my personal Instagram account @evyndean_ and my portfolio https://www.behance.net/evyndean.
I set apart from others because of my true passion for the art of photography. Being creative has always been my personality. I grew up as a painter, and it furthered my career of creating. I want to share my passions with the world. I want to create for myself as well as create for others.
I love that my field of work brings me closer to more people than I ever would have without a camera. I love creating relationships and I truly care about the relationships I’m building. My clients aren’t just clients. They are human beings experiencing the best times of their lives whether it’s playing in the NFL, or getting married to the love of their life. They are human beings, that want these moments captured, and I can’t wait to help them with this.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Whether you’re in sports or looking to get into weddings, I can’t express enough about the worth of connections. Reach out to anyone and everyone, respectfully. You’re not a bother, you’re young and trying to learn. As am I, always. And those people you’re reaching out to, were, or are in the same position as you. Build those connections genuinely, so you can live those dreams genuinely.
Pricing:
- My pricing information for weddings and lifestyle sessions can be found on my website https://www.evyndeanphotography.com/. For other inquiries or questions you can reach me through my website or email evyndeanphotos@gmail.com
- Freelance sport rates vary and depend on organization policies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evyndeanphotography.com/ and https://www.behance.net/evyndean
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evyndeanphotos/ and https://www.instagram.com/evyndean_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evyndeanphotos
