Meet Echo Park Photographer and Film Producer: Alexis Evelyn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Evelyn.

Alexis, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in Colorado and spent most of my adolescent life spread throughout Colorado, Ohio, LA, and Guam.

Since I can remember I always found a way to get my hands on a camera. Being a child the most amazing people in your lives are your parents. You look up to them. My Father always pushing me to do my best and My mother being a photographer made me appreciate art from day one. And of course, through genetics, I got her creative mind and his determination. Being only 26 and having had the chance to capture and develop with film in our “in-house darkroom” is sadly unheard of today. But being in that dark room and having to use all your senses to create art pushed me to love photography even more. Though I don’t shoot on film anymore I carry that love with me.

Being my mother’s subject in her photography made me also wonder outside of photography. I began modeling at the age of 12 and have been ever since. By being on both sides it has helped me understand all aspects and what works or doesn’t for a model.

But it didn’t stop there. I wanted to explore more and try different methods of art.

From getting accepted to IMTA LA at age twelve I got my first acting agent Judy Savage at The Savage Agency. Living in LA for a Pilot Season I got to be on Gilmore Girls and during production, I realized that my true passion was being behind the scenes.

So in 2008 I was accepted at the Colorado Film school for post production. From there I wanted to try it all. From Cinematography/Editing/Directing/Writing and Acting.

Though my years at school I was able to get a job developing motion film in Denver. I was back to my senses and finding a deeper love. I was able to meet my mentor Mark Welch who has taught me most of what I know today in the film world.

Mark got me my first big girl job at Gaia Tv editing. I worked there for a few years until I realized I was ready.

I move out to Los Angeles May 2014 with the drive of my dreams. Being here for only two years so far and accomplishing more than I have ever imagined. I am now partners with two production companies in LA, The Readmond Company and Black tie Cinematics. I do everything from Producing to Editing and now an award winning editor.

It all feels like a dream. I know most people move out here to LA to pursue their dreams and I find it absolutely beautiful and possible. I know I wouldn’t be here if I never found that love for photography.

Any chance I get to pick up a camera I take it. And I cannot wait to shoot more and grow to become better.

Has it been a smooth road?
Like everything in life we are faced with challenges and that’s what makes a good story. I have faced many challenges from sexism to my own inner thoughts.

I’ve even been paid less than a colleague who didn’t know what he was doing and constantly asked me for help and I had to always pick up his slack. It’s frustrating but I was too young to understand that I needed to stand up for myself. Instead, I just left and started doing work for myself and it’s the reason I am here today. A blessing in disguise they would say.

But something I still struggle with today is beating myself down thinking my work could be better. I can do better. We all faced that. It’s just accepting that we learn through those obstacles that makes us, us.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next 5-10 years, I can see lots of big shifts. You can already see things shifting with cell phone coming out with high megapixel cameras and people learning composition just from studying Instagram. I am very impressed with what people come up with using their phones. All the new technology is exciting and I do see more photographers coming out of the cracks. This business is already beyond saturated but if you just focus on what you love and give your all then you will be rewarded with your determination.

What has been the primary challenge you’ve faced?
My biggest challenges over the years have been myself. I have turned down big jobs in the past because I thought I wasn’t good enough or had the experience to execute it. I was more worried about failing than trying something new. Finally, I realized that my insecurities of failing were failing me. Now I take on the challenges and push myself and what I have come to realize is, I can do anything I put my mind to and so can you.

What advice do you wish to give to those thinking about pursuing a path similar to yours?
I have a couple things…

Know your camera! As an artist, it’s easy to just play with buttons and point and shoot without learning the technical stuff. It took me 3 years to figure out my shutter is very important and why 150 out of 200 pictures are out of focus. I just thought I was terrible at focusing. haha

And second, learn to love Photoshop or Lightroom. Many photographers like to do everything in camera which is a blast, but it adds a whole new element to your work. To me, editing is my favorite part of the whole process. I don’t do many changes to the body, but that’s my choice. I focus on coloring. That is what makes your images yours. Find what works for you. I keep it simple. Pimple fixes, highlights, and color. You need to find your style so it’s your own personal watermark.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alexis-evelyn.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @alexisevelyn
• Other: www.blacktiecinematics.com

Image Credit:
Addison Jones Photography
Amanda Tuttle
Rachel Penner
Heather Hottman
Shelby Kemper
Roniit Alkayam
Victor Sabattini
Bryan Thorp
Charlotte Rubald