We were lucky to catch up with Stan Evans recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Stan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
https://stanevansphoto.com/GALLERIES/FREEDOM-OF-THE-ROAD/thumbs
FREEDOM OF THE ROAD an empowering photo and video concept that encapsulates the spirit of exploration, adventure, and education for Black drivers. –
Historically, the freedom to travel has played a significant role in the fight for civil rights and equality. Black Americans have faced numerous challenges and restrictions when it comes to mobility, making the pursuit of exploration and adventure on the open road particularly meaningful.
This concept promotes the idea of Black drivers reclaiming their freedom and embracing the opportunities that come with traveling and experiencing new places. It encourages Black individuals to embark on road trips, explore different regions, and immerse themselves in diverse cultures, landscapes, and communities.
In recent years, the automotive industry as a whole has been moving towards a more inclusive approach, recognizing the diversity of drivers and acknowledging that style and sophistication are not
limited by race or gender.
Stan , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a photographer that has a deep passion for portrait, lifestyle, athletic, and motorized imagery. More creatively, I’m a unique problem solver through imagery. Clients come to me with a story they want to tell, and on my own projects, I often have a narrative I’m trying to communicate. I see photography as a bit of a language, and I’m trying to get people to understand what I’m saying.
I’ve moved into directing as it allows me to tell a more complete story, adding moving images and sound. Also, I just started a podcast called Social Studies Show (www.socialstudiesshow.com) that explores the relationship between advertising and activism. It has been enlightening crossing the country meeting with people at companies, various ad agencies, and engaging how they are going about marketing with accountability, multiculturalism, and environmentalism in mind.
I think being a minority, and raised as an army brat, gives me a unique perspective. As a kid, I quickly learned to view the world from a lot of different perspectives, not only to survive, but also thrive. Within that spectrum, a camera gives the ability to ask questions of personalities and observe culture instead of judging. Rather than just taking a picture of someone, I often try to put myself in that person’s shoes. How do they see themselves? How do they want to be portrayed? Am I seeing something about them that perhaps they don’t even see themselves? Bringing those aspects front and center is the beauty of photography.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I think mentorship and seeking mentors are the best resources for impact and growth. One to one relationships of passing along knowledge and sharing experience helps avoid a lot of roadblocks and brings about an accelerated learning. As creatives, having a foundation gives a jumping off point for new generations to take things further.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
A Curious Mind – The Secret to a Bigger Life by Brian Grazer
This book was rally pivotal in being empathetic and learning to talk to anyone. It focuses a lot on understanding different perspectives and channeling that curiosity to make something bigger.
Contact Info:
- Website: stanevansphoto.com
- Instagram: @stanevansphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stanevansphoto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-evans-3519526/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMXgWGu4rxZ9cElCMk28EZQ
- Other: Vimeo – https://vimeo.com/stanevansphoto Tiktok – https://www.tiktok.com/@stanevansphoto
Image Credits
1. Fera Winter Fashion 2. Future is Female Project 3. Max Hazan – Custom Bike Builder 4. Alfa Romeo 5. Kid Cudi 6. The Smith Family 7 Ducati Panigale 8. Dual Dimensions All photos by Stan Evans