We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Evan Gonzales a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Evan, appreciate you joining us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
I had been working in retail and marketing but always had a passion for creative expression. I wanted to apply my skills in a way that allowed me to be closer to the music scene. In September 2023, I went to Las Vegas to see Travis Scott perform at the iHeartRadio Awards. It was my first time seeing my favorite artist from the very front row, and I captured photos and videos on my iPhone. Even though they weren’t my best work, they remain some of my favorite shots because of the memory. That moment changed everything—I realized this was what I wanted to do.
After that night, I couldn’t stop thinking about photographing concerts. But I wasn’t sure how to break into the industry. I spent the next few months researching, networking, and studying how others got access to shows. By January 2024, I decided to take the first real step and launched my photography page, @shotbyevang, on Instagram. This gave me a platform to showcase my work and connect with like-minded creatives. I started reaching out to publications, artists, and anyone who could help me get into a show as a photographer.
One night, I took a leap and went to a free show at a local club in Hollywood to shoot—just to get my foot in the door. I used that opportunity to create content, post recaps, and build my portfolio. That first show helped me grow my confidence and eventually led to more opportunities over time.
Since then, I’ve continued to grow, learning the ins and outs of concert photography while refining my style and approach. What started as a single night in Vegas has now turned into a full-fledged pursuit of capturing the energy and emotion of live music. And I’m just getting started.
Evan, 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?
My passion for photography began in high school when I took an AP photography class. That experience introduced me to both digital and film photography, giving me a strong foundation in the technical and creative aspects of using a camera. That was 10 years ago, and since then, I’ve continued honing my skills and turning that passion into a career.
I officially started as a freelance photographer, first networking within my own circle—friends, family, and anyone who needed creative work. As I gained experience, I began branching out, attending events and shows to connect with artists, industry professionals, and other creatives. I quickly realized that success in this field isn’t just about having technical skills; it’s about thinking outside the box and offering a unique perspective that makes my work stand out. Whether it’s capturing a moment from an unexpected angle or bringing fresh creative direction to a project, I always push myself to see things differently and deliver something special.
I offer a range of creative services, including photography, videography, photo and video editing (both mobile and desktop), creative direction, and storytelling. I work with artists, brands, and event organizers to capture high-energy, visually compelling content that enhances their image and connects with their audience. One of the biggest challenges in this industry is standing out, and I help my clients do exactly that—whether it’s through dynamic concert photography, cinematic recap videos, or creative visuals that bring their vision to life.
What sets me apart is my ability to adapt quickly, problem-solve on the fly, and truly understand the people I work with. I don’t just show up and take photos—I immerse myself in the experience, ensuring every shot captures the raw energy and emotion of the moment. I thrive on making the impossible happen, whether that means navigating last-minute shoot challenges or pushing creative boundaries to deliver something unexpected.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come in such a short time. A year ago, I was just a fan in the crowd with an iPhone, dreaming about being on the other side of the barricade. Now, I’m traveling, working with major artists, and turning my passion into a full-time pursuit. But this is just the beginning—I’m constantly evolving, expanding my network, and finding new ways to level up my craft. Next for me is updating my website, filling up my calendar with more concerts and shoots, and bringing some exciting ideas to life. I won’t reveal too much yet, but I can’t wait to watch it all play out.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
When I first started posting my work on social media, I quickly realized that just uploading photos into the void wouldn’t get the response I was hoping for. I needed to put my work in front of people who actually wanted to see it. That’s when I started networking more intentionally, especially with fans of the artists I was shooting. Instead of just posting my photos and hoping they’d take off, I began collaborating with fan pages, inviting them to co-post my content so their audience—who were already invested in that artist—could see my work. This not only helped me gain more visibility but also led to some real friendships with the people running these pages.
Beyond that, I made an effort to interact directly with fans in the comment sections of both my posts and other relevant pages. Engaging with people who were genuinely passionate about the artists I was photographing helped me build a community around my work. I also started posting more consistently and experimenting with different types of content. I realized that just posting photos wasn’t enough to keep engagement high, so I incorporated video recaps, edits, and behind-the-scenes content to make my page more dynamic.
For anyone looking to build their social media presence, my biggest advice is to be intentional. Don’t just post and hope for the best—find where your audience is and put your work in front of them. Engage with communities that align with your content, interact in comment sections, and experiment with different types of posts to see what resonates. You can absolutely generalize your content, but if you want to stand out, consider dialing into a niche, style, or specific industry that excites you. Showing passion and consistency will naturally attract like-minded people. Social media is a long game, but if you keep showing up, connecting with the right audience, and refining your approach, anything is possible.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist and creative is seeing the genuine reactions from the people for whom I create. I got into this industry to help bring ideas to life, to enhance visions, and to capture moments in a way that resonates. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about delivering a final product and witnessing that instant excitement, whether it’s a client seeing their photos for the first time or an artist reposting my work.
It’s the little things that remind me why I do this—seeing my name in a photo credit, watching a picture I took become someone’s profile photo, or noticing my shots being shared across fan pages. Each of those moments is a small but powerful reminder that what I create has an impact. Photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about capturing memories, emotions, and stories that people want to hold onto. Knowing that my work means something to others makes every late night editing, every crowded photo pit, and every moment behind the lens completely worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Shotbyevang.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: @shotbyevang
- Twitter: @shotbyevang
Image Credits
Evan Gonzales | @shotbyevang