We recently had the chance to connect with Evan Moses and have shared our conversation below.
Evan, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Getting to shoot Sound & Fury Fest again was my biggest highlight of the summer. It was like a big-budget swords and sandals epic battle scene happening throughout both days. Watching the spectacle of high-energy band performances and massive mosh pits has always made me laugh in awe, and then feel proud about having the opportunity to document this wonderful festival with some of the best photographers in the hardcore punk scene. I want to give a shoutout to some of the media team this year, including Isa, Jose, Ray, Dan, Miguel, Shawn, and Oscar, for their dedication and amazing work from this year.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Evan Moses, and I’ve been involved in photographing events related to music, skateboarding, festivals, parties, and anything related to alternative/youth culture. I specialize in documenting human interactions that would be almost impossible to recreate while being present in the moment. I got my start shooting shows in the metal/punk/hardcore punk scenes when lockdown restrictions lifted. Since then, I started to expand my horizons by documenting skate jams with Babylon and F.A. Entertainment. I’m currently enrolled at Glendale Community College, studying both photography and Film/Television Production.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of the earliest moments that I felt a sense of power was when I began to get questions from younger photographers who are still in high school or just starting college, who fully look up to me. Specifically, they ask for advice on camera fundamentals, learning to network and acquire media passes to shoot bigger shows. Though I never look to feel better or superior to anyone else, I always consider myself to be a part of the community of other creatives and artists in photography. I love giving back to the local scene by giving advice and helpful tips, as well as shouting out younger photographers/videographers who are supportive and active in the hardcore punk scene overall.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
My biggest fear that has held me back in life is a change in my day-to-day schedule. Be it a new job, a new experience, or even learning a new skill or routine. Because I am on the autism spectrum, this has always been a challenge for me. For example, when I started going to Glendale College, I immediately wanted to give up and go straight into the workforce because of the severe anxiety I had about trying something new without giving it a chance. Now, I’m glad I’ve stayed the whole way due to having a better work ethic and study skills. In the context of photography, the biggest thing holding me back is not knowing how to charge for my skills, for say, photo shoots. I’m struggling to figure out how to advocate or sell myself in a business sense, and that is something I do need help with.
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. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I cherish every day is to never close off in the face of a unique vision or movement happening in subcultures and youth cultures. So, for example, I’ve been documenting a scene here in Southern California of bands reviving Myspace metalcore, deathcore, and screamo. Although this music has been around for more than 25 years, the cultural perspective is largely comprised of younger Gen-Z individuals within the 13-17 and 18-24 demographics. They dress like it’s the year 2001 with the baggy pants and chain wallets, and the scene fashion you might remember from back then. I bring this up because back then, people hated this stuff, and although it’s become more accepted, there is still pushback, which I just find dumb. It’s essentially people who are uptight and wrap their entire identity around the music they grew up on, dismissing the next generation of music listeners and bands who have only been around for a little over a year. To me, as a photographer, I am always pushing to help the next generation of bands and music fans without judgment. Even music I typically am not listening to on repeat, I’ll give it a try if I hear some wild hype or memes affiliated with the artist, to listen to it out of curiosity.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I was always an enthusiast in film, photography, and music my whole life. Doing something I never thought I would dream of, I carved that path myself, with encouragement and support from my mom, dad, and twin brother. My parents always followed my lead, in that if I chose a career path (in this case, photography) that I’m putting all my eggs in, then they will find ways to help encourage me, give me suggestions, or connect me with individuals that they know to help me out in the long run. Sometimes they will go to some of the shows I photograph and meet the people I know to help get them familiar with the scene I’m a part of. It’s been awesome to see something I’ve put so much time into for four years take off hugely by collaborating with bands, publications, and small businesses with my photowork is something I take pride in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://evanmoses1998.wixsite.com/emphotos
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emphotos98
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-moses-847551284
- Other: https://buymeacoffee.com/emphotos98
Image Credits
Evan Moses
