Meet Evan Davies | Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Evan Davies and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Evan, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work-life balance has changed drastically over the course of this career. In the beginning, I was grinding nonstop, hustling to put my name out there. With late nights and early morning it seemed the best tactic was to consistently be out there, wether it was on social media or collaborating with other creatives. Over the course of the years, I learned about fatigue and burnout. This became a thing when I realized the drive just wasn’t as strong as it was in the beginning. I learned about rest and the impact it can have on us in many ways. This is why I am a big advocate for hobbies, something to take your mind somewhere else that draws passion without the pressure to monetize it. Being self-employed really doesn’t have boundaries like a traditional job, but I have learned (and still practice) to set boundaries.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The way I photograph and document weddings is the true way they should be captured; uninterrupted, watching the couple exist and enjoy their wedding. I believe it’s the photographer’s job to watch and observe the moments that exist without interruption to ‘get the shot’. This practice comes from a core of photojournalism and street photography, but the practice makes sense in the world of wedding photography. Balancing the practice of letting moments play out and photographing them to create beautiful and meaningful portraits of the bride and groom.

I’ve learned over time and through my background that this approach takes practice and empathy. It’s about watching people, reading the room, and channeling the emotions from the day. Your heart has to be in it and aware that what is happening only happens once. Not to put pressure on yourself, but trust your abilities as a photographer to capture these moments in a meaningful way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am an East-sider so excuse my one-sided recommendations 🙂

Eat: Dose, East side Bahn Mi, Little Hats, Ladybird Tacos, Flora + Fauna, Pharmacy, Frankie’s, Smith & Lintz
Drink: Schulman’s, Monday Night, Flora + Fauna, Bearded Iris, Yazoo Brewery, Urban Cowboy
Visit, we have a friend who owns a horse farm in Donelson, so we would go there for some horse time! I love the loop at Neely’s Bend as well, it’s a gorgeous hike.

I love walking around Germantown as well, you always see something new and there are plenty of places to stop for a drink or bite.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife Kazmira, is a true entrepreneur. She’s been my rock and my hype woman. Kazmira helps me see things with a new set of eyes. Giving me thoughts on my work and my work ethic. I wouldn’t be where I’m at without her help. She’s starting a mothers/postpartum support business in Nashville currently called Beheld and deserves all the hype!

Vivian Maier, a renowned photographer, is another significant inspiration to my work and my “why.” Her remarkable journey to becoming a celebrated street photographer after her passing is truly inspiring. Her unique eye for capturing the world and her artistic talent are inspiring to me. Despite never envisioning herself as a famous or successful street photographer, her film negatives were discovered in a storage unit and quickly gained global recognition. Her story serves as a powerful inspiration for my own work.

Website: https://www.evandaviesphoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evandavieswed/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@evandavies.weddingphotog