We recently had the chance to connect with Chris J. Evans and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Chris J., we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My day starts in the stillness of 5 a.m., when the world is quiet and I can hear myself think. I head straight to the kitchen and pour a cup of coffee nothing fancy, just strong and honest. That first sip is like a grounding ritual, a moment to check in with myself before the day begins.
Then it’s time to move.
I hit the gym for an hour, no distractions, just me, the weights, and the work. It’s not just about staying in shape; it’s where I sharpen my focus, clear my head, and remind myself what discipline feels like. Every rep is a reset. Every drop of sweat is forward motion.
After the workout, I shift gears fast into father mode. I get the kids ready and take them to school. Those mornings together are sacred. We talk, we laugh, sometimes we just drive blasting pop songs. It’s a reminder of why I do all this, to show up fully, for them and for myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Chris J. Evans, a luxury wedding and editorial photographer, speaker, and creative entrepreneur. I help bold, intentional brands and couples tell their stories through powerful imagery rooted in truth, beauty, and emotion. My philosophy is simple: seek the truth, reveal the beauty.
My path wasn’t linear. I grew up in a family of artists in Laguna Beach, chasing dreams of becoming a pro surfer and a rockstar before life took me in a different direction. A near-death surfing accident shifted everything, and that’s when photography found me. Since then, I’ve built a global brand that blends editorial style with deep human connection, capturing extraordinary people in unforgettable places around the world.
Today, in addition to photography, I’m passionate about helping other creatives elevate their brands into the luxury space with authenticity and purpose. I’m currently writing a book and developing a masterclass to guide others in transforming their businesses from mainstream to masterpiece.
Everything I do is driven by gratitude, storytelling, and legacy. Whether I’m behind the camera or speaking to a room full of entrepreneurs, I aim to create work and experiences that last far beyond the moment.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has already served its purpose and is no longer needed is the version of me that sought approval from people who were never meant to understand me. For a long time, I shaped my choices, my voice, and even my vision to fit expectations that didn’t align with who I truly am. I chased validation from people who were never invested in my growth, only in their comfort.
That version of me helped me survive, helped me learn, helped me stay safe in the early stages. But I have outgrown it. I no longer need to prove my worth to anyone who isn’t walking beside me, building something meaningful, or speaking truth into my life. My value is not up for debate. It is not determined by applause or opinions.
Letting go of that part of me has been one of the most freeing decisions of my life. It made space for something deeper confidence rooted in clarity, not comparison. I do not need to be seen by everyone. I just need to be seen by the right ones
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wounds of my life came from chasing love, approval, and identity in places that could never truly offer them. The sting of rejection, the weight of failure, the silence after giving my all and still not being enough, those moments cut deep. I lost pieces of myself trying to fit in, to be seen, to matter. A near-death surfing accident forced everything into focus. It was the breaking that began the becoming. Each wound taught me where not to seek worth, and in that space, I began to rebuild from truth, not illusion, from purpose, not performance.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is truly who I am! I’m just energetic and passionate.
I am a man of style, grace, and gratitude. What you see is not a performance, it’s a reflection of a life built on presence, discipline, and purpose. I live in three suits: a swimsuit for beach and gym, a wetsuit for when I return to the ocean that shaped me, and a work suit for when I step into the world to lead, create, and connect.
Each suit represents a version of me that is fully alive, fully present, and fully aligned.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply, what lives in my bones is that gratitude, kindness, and belief in others are not soft virtues. They are the real power. Most people chase status, hustle for validation, or guard their success like it’s scarce. But that is not the way.
Gratitude shifts perspective. Kindness opens doors. And believing in others creates a ripple that changes everything.
I’ve learned that competition happens at the bottom, where fear and scarcity live. But at the top, we collaborate. We share, uplift, and build together. Because real success isn’t about being the best alone, it’s about rising with those around you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.chrisjevans.com
- Instagram: @chrisjevansphoto
- Other: https://Www.chrisjevanseducation.com
