Daily Inspiration: Meet DJ Evans

Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Evans.

Hi DJ Evans, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I found an interest in photography which led to my mom buying disposable cameras for me to practice. I’ve taken pictures of family, friends, places and even myself. I’ve found myself capturing moments while still in school, even inside the classrooms. I remember getting into trouble in middle school because I was taking pictures in class. My 7th-grade teacher, Mrs. Johnson wanted to take my camera away but I gave her my phone instead which led her to wanting to call my mom. She didn’t but that’s how attached I was to my camera. Finishing up senior year in high school, I picked photography back up and decided to take my talents to Jackson State University. In 2015, I officially took photography very seriously and started to find myself in photography. As I’m working on my craft as the years go by, I now mainly shoot with men. I mainly work with black men because photographers here mainly work with women but who’s catering to the men? Who’s capturing the essence, the beauty and the strength of the black man? I want to be the photographer in my hometown to showcase just that. The black man who’s comfortable in their sexuality and embracing their feminine energy is what I desire to capture. It’s okay to show emotions, share how you feel, and most importantly show love to your fellow brother. As I capture a moments in time of black men, I feel as though I’m healing myself through my art.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but it has been rewarding nonetheless. I felt overlooked and not as a desired creative to work with because I only shoot with men and my art has a vintage take to it. It was times where I wanted to change my whole style and work with women because that’s where the income and recognition is. I knew I wasn’t going to be happy but how else was I going to make ends meet as a creative? A 9-5 was never fulfilling me, I walked out of my job because I want to do create for the rest of my life and not be stuck in an office that’s not sharpening my skills as an artist. Being a creative from Mississippi, which house great creatives shouldn’t be overlooked. We have to go an extra mile just to be seen/heard about what we doing for a living.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer, stylist, muse, dancer, creative director and an online thrift store owner. I specialize and am known for creating an aesthetic in everything I do, from the way I dress to how I create and present my art to the world. I’m most proud of how my work has evolved over the time and the men I’ve worked with either feel more confident within themselves and seeing them have a desire to model brings me so much joy. I feel what sets me apart is my own style and how I curate my creative shoots.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The lesson I’ve learned during Covid is to always check in with yourself mentally, spiritually and emotionally. It’s important to have time to yourself and time to rest. This pandemic really shown me areas in my life that I need to water, change, let go and to have balance.

Contact Info:

• Email: evansphotography998@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/_evans.photography_
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/evansphotography
• Twitter: www.Twitter.com/djthepaparazzo

Image Credits:
1.) Devin Cousin (DevMaCCC) 2.) Elijah Price 3.) Quan Goliday 4.) Demarcus Oliver 5.) Tim Young 6.) Chris Johnston 7.) Christian Williams 8.) Don Jones