EP 88 - Building a Luxury Wedding Photography Brand with Chris J. Evans
Hi friends! On this episode of Summer School, I sat down with the one and only Chris J. Evans - a photographer whose career has spanned everything from fashion shoots to luxury weddings around the world.
How He Got Started
Chris didn’t set out to be a wedding photographer. He actually came from the fashion world and kind of stumbled into weddings after shooting a friend’s. From there, he discovered a whole new love for storytelling and human connection - which became the foundation of his now global brand of “editorial weddings.”
Extroverts, Introverts, and Finding Your Flow
We talked about how personality plays a role in your style. Chris calls himself a “hopeless extrovert,” and it totally shows in his work - he thrives off the energy of a crowd. But we also dove into how introverts can create something just as powerful in their own, quieter way. At the end of the day, he says your work will always reflect who you are, and that’s the magic of it.
Why In-Person Networking Still Matters
Even in a digital world, Chris swears by the power of real-life connections. From industry dinners to just showing up with intention, he’s built a career off of nurturing relationships that feel more like friendships. And that’s what’s helped him grow a brand that reaches far beyond his home base.
From Burnout to Boutique Luxury
Chris got super real about the burnout that came from shooting high-volume weddings in Maui. The pandemic gave him space to reflect, and he made a massive shift - trading quantity for quality and focusing on a handful of luxury weddings each year. It’s been a game-changer for his creative energy and his business.
The Systems That Keep Him Sane
He’s built a dream workflow, thanks to outsourcing culling and editing so he can focus on the stuff only he can do. Chris shares a few systems that have helped him scale while staying hands-on where it matters most.
Giving Back to the Industry
Chris also has a big heart for education. He’s created an amazing series called “Mastering the Art of” to help photographers refine their craft and break into the luxury space. It’s not just about pretty pictures - it’s about building a brand with depth and vision.
What He Loves About Luxury Weddings
Yes, the budgets are big - but for Chris, it’s more than that. It’s the ease his clients have, the beauty of the spaces he gets to shoot in, and the intentionality behind every detail. It’s an elevated experience, and he thrives in it.
His Best Advice?
Trends come and go. The photographers who stand out are the ones who stay true to their voice. Chris encourages everyone to build a brand around what you love - not what the algorithm or the industry says you should do.
This was such a good one, and I’m so grateful to Chris for sharing his wisdom with us. If you’re feeling inspired, go give him a follow and check out his education series. And remember: success doesn’t come from blending in - it comes from showing up as you. Catch you next time!
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Connect with Chris:
Instagram: @chrisjevansphoto
Website: chrisjevans.com
Shop: Education + Merch
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