October 22, 2016

Meet Silverlake and Highland Park Photographer and Filmmaker: Evan Kaufmann

Local Stories

Image credit: Alex Maxwell Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Kaufmann.

Evan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My path to photography began with filmmaking. I was directing commercials early on in my career and realized I didn’t have the proper photography expertise to articulate my ideas and visions with my clients and crew. Shortly after this realization, I bought a SLR and began trail and error photography. I never took any classes but I spent numerous hours experimenting with different lenses, exposures, shutter speeds, framing, lighting setups, etc… This ultimately leads to a love of photography for me and a better understanding of the entire process for both still photography and filmmaking.

Has it been a smooth road?
My struggles usually pertain to accomplishing a client’s vision while maintaining my own sense of standards and style. It can be a tricky line to walk in general but once you throw in budget restraints and all other variables it can become overwhelming. The create process is never a smooth road from my experience and if it is, you’re probably not setting your goals high enough.

Have you ever felt like giving up?
There’s always the moments of darkness. There’s been times when I was so close to booking a big job and then it ultimately goes to a director or photographer who’s more well-known or has a more specific body of work to what the client wanted. And I get it. There’s a lot of money being spent on these projects so the client needs someone who’s done this time and time again… someone who’s “tried and true”. So, in that respect, it can be tricky to get your foot in that door, especially when you’re going up against some of the best in this industry. But consistency and persistence is definitely key. I’m now at a point where I’m booking a lot of the jobs I use to lose out on. But, at the end of the day, I’m honored to even be on the same roster or in the same pool as a lot of creatives I admire. It gives me the drive to expand my own portfolio and stay focused on my goals.

When all is said and done, the bigger picture is that I’m using my creativity and skill set to pay my bills and work with people I love. I always try to remind myself (even in the moments of darkness) that this is a blessing, not a curse.

Let’s change gears – is there any advice you’d like to give?
My advice would be to do as much work as possible and to learn all facets of the industry. Be a PA or a camera assistant or anything that will get you on set. Take photos of your friends, play with different mediums, lenses, cameras and lighting. Make as much content as possible with whatever resources you have. Even if it’s just you and a camera… go make something! Some of it will be great, some of it will be awful but it’ll always keep you moving forward and it’ll always make you better. And surround yourself with like minded people. All my best friends are in the industry and it’s so great to have people who understand the challenges and the goals you’re setting for yourself. You’ll make each other better.

Is there something you are particularly excited about or working towards?
It’ll sound a little contrived but I’m most excited for the challenging projects now. I’m right in the middle of one of the most challenging projects I’ve ever taken on and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see it all the way through and see where it’ll take me professionally. I can say without a doubt that these are the types of projects that define who you are as a creative and what you’re capable of– both professionally and personally.

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