Meet Evan Zavitz | Photographer

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

Hi Evan, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
I’ve always had a leaning toward entrepreneurship. The natural independence, ability to call your own shots and personal growth that comes about from this lifestyle are factors that make the journey profoundly alluring. Every day, you are presented with the opportunity to learn and do more for yourself and those you serve.

When I reflect on some of my key insights thus far in my entrepreneurial journey I’m braced by the realization of how much I’ve learned already, and all that I have yet to discover. However, without hesitation, the most important lesson I’ve learned in my business is accepting discomfort and harnessing the potential growth that lies within.

I’ve been consistently gifted with unique opportunities through a combination of preparation, luck and the willingness to remain open to new experiences. Even when I might have lacked for skill, or accepted a client that didn’t appear to be the right fit at first, I was able to harness the experience and opportunity as a chance to learn and grow personally and professionally.

This mindset and allowance of risk has paid dividends in terms of what I’ve been able to achieve so far. While it doesn’t always work out, not daring to take risks and say yes to chance encounters and interesting propositions would surely have left me closed off and at a disadvantage. As I continue my journey, saying ‘yes’ more will definitely be a key factor for growth and success — you never know what doors it might open to you!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is a client focused photography service based in Tucson, Arizona. I create impactful images for people and brands focusing on commercial use, portraits and events. I love working with other entrepreneurs and professionals to accomplish their goals and craft images that present them or their business in the best light. I’ve had some great success and learned a lot working with a several local publication as well as the diverse and inspiring individuals whom I’ve been able to photograph for a variety of events and occasions.

Even though I’ve come a long way, I am constantly confronted by the challenges involved with growing a business. While I’m encouraged by what I’ve achieved so far, continuing to develop strong relationships in the industry remains a constant opportunity and challenge. I’ve taken this insight and changed how I see and interact with people day to day. I’ve trained my eye and mind to better spot potential business opportunities — striving to find new ways I can collaborate and ad value more frequently. I’m proud of my ability to find these types of opportunities in my business and quickly alter my tactics to take better advantage of the situations I find myself in.

Certainly not every day will be a victory. There are always times when I doubt myself and what I am doing but, pushing forward has consistently shown me that these dialogues and doubts are just checks to see if my intent is serious. I’ve been consistently surprised and pleased by clients who reach out or opportunities that emerge, knowing that the seeds of those outcomes were laid weeks or months earlier when I chose to keep doing the work. I also cannot overstate the importance of a professional support system. Being around other photographers and entrepreneurs who are experiencing the same thing as me gives me an opportunity to express myself and work towards solutions.

The part of this job that inspires me most is that all of those doubts and tribulations seem to fade when I get to work with a client and help them create something special. Whether it’s their first time taking a professional portrait, or they are looking to create an image that perfectly communicates their business to the world, seeing the smile on their face and knowing that I’ve been able to help them is unbeatable.

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 originally moved to Tucson to attend University and while my time as a student has come to a close, I’m intensely drawn to the the energy and culture of the Old Pueblo. Locals are fierce about this city and are unapologetic about the way things are done here. With a fantastic scene for arts and culture, not to mention being a UNESCO city of gastronomy, there’s plenty to love in the way of lifestyle and entertainment.

For me, a tour of Tucson is about tasting the local flavor. A walk or bike ride down our historic Fourth Avenue will inundate you with opportunities to find that special souvenir you’ve been waiting for. There’s an eclectic mix of pop culture brands, trendy thrift shops and desert southwest trinkets that you’ll have a hard time finding anywhere else. Del Sol, located midway through the street is a favorite of mine — they have some fantastic imports from Central and South America.

After a little shopping and sight-seeing, a stop downtown offers great little watering holes stuffed with personality. A must see is the Historic Hotel Congress. This hotel, built in 1918 is a hallmark of Tucson and always seems to have something interesting going on. There’s fantastic patio seating outside for live music several nights a week, and their kitchen and bar service is sure to please. When it comes to craft cocktails, I always seem to wander over the the Owl’s Club. Located in the Armory Park neighborhood and occupying a former funeral home, you’ll be treated to an extensive selection of craft drinks and an intimate atmosphere that encourages conversation.

For those seeking sights and adventure, Tucson graces us with breathtaking views of the Catalina Mountains, densely populated forests of Saguaro and endless opportunities to get out of town and into nature. Take a hike, a drive up scenic Mount Lemmon, or discover the cosmos during a star tour at Kitt Peak.

You won’t be able to see it all, so expect to come back!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I reflect on the beginnings of my interest in photography, I have to thank my father. As the family archivist, he peaked my interest in the technical side of photography early on. Whether it was our old school Sony videotape recorder or the generations of more sophisticated point and shoots that he brought on family trips, I was fascinated. Even though I wasn’t making images at the time, I was absorbed in the swell of ideas that the medium invokes — looking at the play between light and dark, the beauty of colors, the fine rendering of a well composed scene — especially the potential to share a story.

I also owe credit to my mother who demonstrated a work ethic like no other and fostered my more entrepreneurial desires. As a corporate professional, she often traveled for business — sometimes weeks at a time. As a young person, she provided an example of savvy and hard work. Along the way, she taught me many of the fundamentals of business and her philosophy on people and leadership. While I may not have grasped these educations at the time, looking back, the laid a foundation for my understanding of the world which still guides the way I operate and deal with people professionally and personally.

Website: lifeinrapture.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/life.in.rapture/