We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Evelyn Freja a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Evelyn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

To be a successful photographer today, a blend of talent, relentless dedication, and resilience is essential! Passion alone isn’t enough– success demands consistent commitment, structured time management, and a deep dedication to honing one’s creative juices and craft. For me, photography isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about continuously pushing boundaries, exploring creative ideas, and constantly seeking new ways to tell stories through images. This journey requires much more than the initial spark of inspiration—it calls for a sustained effort to think, experiment, and engage with photography in everyday life.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance, especially when it comes to facing rejection or silence. As a photographer, you will likely hear “no” more often than “yes” in the beginning. Many emails will go unanswered, and pitches may be turned down without explanation. This can feel really crappy, particularly in a field where your work is so personal and tied to your identity. But the key is to not let these setbacks derail your focus or dampen your spirit. Instead, view each “no” as a stepping stone, an experience that brings you one step closer to the right “yes.” Every time you put yourself out there, you’re building a foundation of resilience. Eventually, someone will reply, an opportunity will come, and all the silence and rejection will have been worth it.

In my own experience, I’ve found that the “yes” moments are often preceded by stretches of time filled with “no” and “maybe.” When I was starting out, I often sent out portfolios, project ideas, or proposals to magazines, galleries, and potential clients, only to hear nothing back. It was disheartening at first, and I would sometimes second-guess my skills and choices. But after a while, I realized that success in photography isn’t an overnight journey; it’s a marathon of patience and persistence. I decided to stay consistent and kept reaching out, improving my portfolio, and refining my pitches.

Then, after what felt like a long waiting period, I finally received a response from a well-regarded publication. It was an opportunity to shoot a small assignment that led to more projects. That single “yes” opened the door to a series of opportunities, all of which wouldn’t have been possible if I had stopped trying after the initial rejections. This experience taught me that every unanswered email and every turned-down pitch wasn’t a reflection of my worth or talent. Instead, it was part of the process of finding the right people who valued and connected with my work.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a New York City-based photographer specializing in portraiture, where each day on the job is unique and full of surprises. My journey in photography began back in high school when I moved from Pennsylvania, where I was born to a military father and British mother, to then moving to New Zealand when I was 17. The unfamiliar landscape, with its breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture, sparked my passion for capturing moments. I began to take photos each day. I was so captivated by the quiet beauty of nature, and that sense of solitude and depth continues to influence my work today.

When I returned to the U.S., I decided to pursue photography professionally and moved to New York City to study both Photography and International Trade and Marketing. Today, I work with a variety of clients, from The New York Times to The History Channel and Teen Vogue. No two days are the same! One day I may be on the set of a television series, documenting behind-the-scenes moments with actors, and the next, I might find myself strolling through Central Park with a favorite author, capturing them in different settings. Though this career often seems glamorous (and I am incredibly grateful for these opportunities!), it’s also a rigorous career I deeply appreciate. I feel so fortunate to make a living doing what I love.

I joke that photography is less about taking pictures and more about problem-solving. The art of photography is, of course, about highlighting the subject, forming an intimate connection, and capturing something genuine. But on a technical level, it involves troubleshooting and adjusting to whatever the day brings—solving for lighting issues, backgrounds, and unexpected obstacles to make the shot perfect. This balance of creative and practical challenges keeps me on my toes and pushes me to keep refining my craft.

In my Brooklyn studio, I feel most at home, collaborating with an incredible team that typically includes an art director, editor, stylist, hair and makeup artist, and PR representatives. This collaborative process is, to me, a beautiful reflection of the energy that first drew me to photography. Each person brings their unique expertise, and together, we work to create something meaningful, drawing on each other’s strengths to tell a story through images. This team effort feels like the perfect blend of the quiet, contemplative photography that I fell in love with and the dynamic, creative energy of teamwork. Together, we craft images that reflect our shared vision and tell stories that inspire.

In the end, my work centers around the blend of problem-solving and the personal connection I strive to form with each subject. These moments of collaboration, unexpected challenges, and artistic growth are what keep me passionate and continually grateful to do what I do.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

I’m a big believer in being resourceful and scrappy, especially in a field as costly as photography. From the beginning, I was aware that cameras, lights, and gear would add up fast, not to mention software, editing tools, and the cost of film and processing (which are higher than ever now that film has made a comeback). To keep my startup costs manageable, I set a tight budget and made a conscious effort to work with what I had rather than splurge on the newest equipment.

Starting out, my camera and lenses were older and didn’t have all the latest features, but I found ways to maximize what they could do. I focused on honing my skills with these tools, learning every capability, and working around limitations. Some of my favorite images to this day were taken with that early equipment, reminding me that artistry and vision are more important than gear.

As my work evolved, I gradually phased out my older equipment, reinvesting earnings into better lenses, updated cameras, and additional lighting gear. This approach allowed me to build my business without taking on debt or relying on outside funding. I reached a point of financial independence by being mindful of costs and trusting in my creativity and skill to create strong images, even with limited resources.

Ultimately, my experience taught me that great photography doesn’t come from having the latest technology; it comes from the talent and passion behind the lens. Starting lean was a lesson in resourcefulness that I carry with me, and it shaped my approach to running a sustainable, independent photography business.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Early in my career, I emailed an editor at a major newspaper nearly 40 times. Each message was a friendly reminder: “Hi! It’s me again, Evelyn. I’d love to meet up, maybe grab coffee, and talk about future collaboration possibilities.”

Despite my persistence, I didn’t receive a single response. Nothing! But about a year later, they reached out and hired me. This experience taught me that putting consistent energy into your goals, even when it feels like no one’s listening, can eventually bring results. Resilience means staying patient, hopeful, and persistent, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.evelynfreja.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelynfreja/