It's very possible to meet Justin Evans at least twice before you realize who he is. Not because he has a twin, but because depending on the day of the week he can present himself in a few different roles. A jack of all trades and a perfectionist, he not only is a capable artist and photographer, but also a fantastic pianist for a department store. If you aren’t careful (and sometimes even if you are) you are bound to receive at least one meme-based text message daily once you become close with him.
Drawn (pun intended) to art since childhood, he started illustrating at an early age, a passion, which transcended into photography while he was in high school. But being a perfectionist can sometimes have its downsides.
I had the chance to sit down with Justin of Justin Blake Photography to get inside of his process and share some of his work with the Black Bird community.
Evans: Drawing was very time consuming to me. When I picked up a camera, it made me realize how much more efficiently I could work as an artist. I started with film, but it wasn’t long before I purchased a digital camera and could take more risks without the expense of developing film.
Me: Describe your process?
Evans: I am constantly imagining the final image in my mind when I am shooting. Colors, textures, patterns, or shapes around my environment help guide my intuition and provide inspiration for technical elements such as composition and lighting. I try not to overshoot, and when I feel like I have the shot I want, I move on to the next thing. I trust my gut feeling a lot.
Me: What has been your most memorable shoot/event/piece?
Evans: Shooting the night sky while stargazing with my family at the beach in Florida. It was December and the sand was freezing, but an incredible moment to experience and capture.
Me: If you could change anything from your [life] path, what would it be?
Evans: I wish I had started sooner.
Me: What advice do you have for someone getting started in the field?
Evans: Don’t be consumed by fear. Take more risks. Don't overthink things. Just create.
Me: What’s next?
Evans: More portraits and weddings, but I am exploring more fine art photography.
Justin is based out of Atlanta, GA where he can be found shooting all over the city. To see more of Justin’s work or to inquire about booking, visit his website at www.justinblakephotography.com.
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