The Delicate & Dreamy Work of Evie Shaffer

Interview with photographer Evie Shaffer

Sep 05, 2020

Afloat in a watercolor paradise, the knee-jerk reaction to the wonderfully simplistic—yet magically complex—work of photographer Evie Shaffer. Self-taught and self-motivated, the world and the work inspire Evie to try new techniques. She experiments (without inhibitions) to create effects that border on meditative. Clean, crisp, and delightfully modern, her work embraces the unexplored secrets of the commonplace.

Scroll down for the interview.

How did you get into photography? I started to really get into photography when my family and I started traveling the U.S. in an RV. All I had back then was an iPhone, but I really started to love capturing moods, memories, and nature in that way. Not too long after that, I bought my first DSLR.

What are your favorite subjects? The natural world and people - but in a more abstract, non-descriptive context. I photograph everything in-camera - I use Photoshop only for minor touchups.

What barriers did you overcome to become a photographer? The basic trial and error that comes from self-teaching yourself a craft. Also learning to accept myself as a photographer, which for some reason, tried to avoid for so long.

What equipment do you love? My Huion light pad. I love prime lenses - my 50mm and an 85mm are favorites. I also love my 24-105mm Sigma for its versatility. I usually can't shoot without my Manfrotto tripod with a swivel head that allows me to shoot easily from above.

What's some advice you can give other photographers? Be a self-starter and a self-teacher. Play. Be curious. Look at things in a new way - combine ideas to create something unique. Just enjoy the world around you and something will catch your eye that you just have to photograph.

What inspires you? My kids. They have been teaching me since they were babies. Nature. I love fine art in all forms. My background in graphic design influences a lot of my compositions.

What's next for you? I would love to invest more money in my equipment and create some fine art photoshoots that I've had in my mind for almost five years, but have lacked the budget. I can see that coming to fruition very soon, and it's very exciting.