From the chaos of the mosh pit to the quiet intensity of a backstage portrait session, Donny Evans knows how to seize the moment. As a renowned music and celebrity photographer, Donny’s work has graced national publications and record label campaigns, offering a unique blend of storytelling and artistic flair. In this interview, he shares insights into his creative process, his favorite gear, and the unforgettable moments he’s captured through his lens.
Hey Donny, please give our readers a brief introduction of yourself.
Hey there – and thanks for having me! I'm Donny Evans, and I’m a nationally published music and celebrity portrait photographer who lives and breathes capturing the essence of talent. I love visual storytelling and portraying the raw, unfiltered moments both in live music scenes and intimate portrait settings.
How and when did you get into music photography?
You could say that my journey into music photography was a bit unconventional by traditional standards, haha! After high school, I sang and toured in a moderately successful band and then became a music publicist after college. This helped me build a strong network with industry professionals. I started photographing professionally for editorial in 2018, and was fortunate to have been mentored by some incredibly talented photographers along the way, like Koury Angelo, Ben Trivett, and Adam Elmakias. After realizing I had a knack for it, I decided to pursue photography full-time and the passion just snowballed from there.
With which camera(s) and lens(es) do you shoot?
I primarily shoot with the Sony A7iii for its extreme ISO range and low light capabilities. As for my glass – it’s Sigma all the way! I prefer using zoom lenses for concerts and festivals for their versatility. My go-tos are the Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 (Art), 24-70mm f2.8 (Art), and 120-300mm f2.8 (Sport).
How would you describe your photography & editing style?
I lean towards a dramatic, high-contrast editing style. I want my subject(s) to be tack sharp and beautifully separated from their surroundings. I love dynamic color grading and playing with shadows and lights to encapsulate the drama and emotion of the moment.
Your Instagram feed is an exciting mix of live music photos and portraits. How do you balance both, what do you enjoy more, and what is more challenging?
Balance is crucial. I schedule my shoots and editing times meticulously to ensure I give equal attention to both. Concert photography is a dopamine rush of sights and sounds where your subject is always on the move and the light is constantly changing. Portraiture is more intimate and allows for more creative control. Both have their unique challenges. I couldn't choose one over the other!
Who do you usually work for? Bands, labels, agencies, publications, etc.?
I've worked with a mix of artists, record labels, creative agencies, and music publications. Each collaboration brings its own set of rewards and challenges.
How do you prepare for a shoot?
Preparation is key! For live shows, I scout the venue beforehand to understand the lighting and staging. I’ll also introduce myself to security, the production crew, the stage manager, and the artist’s tour manager. For portraits, I’ll usually have a brief pre-shoot consultation with the artist to align on vision and style. On the day of, I always arrive early to set up, get the lay of the land, and troubleshoot any last-minute issues that may arise.
How do you price your work?
Sure! To arrive at a fair price, I’ll consider the palpable things like equipment, studio rental, and travel expenses -- and the often overlooked, such as the time required for editing and retouching, consultation time, and the myriad of insurances involved. My pricing is also dependent on the scope of the project, usage rights, and time invested. I offer packages that vary from quick editorial shoots to full-day sessions with post-processing included. For me, it’s about finding a balance that works for both parties while standing firm in my self-worth.
What was your favorite shoot and why?
Photographing Queens of the Stone Age was a dream come true! In my opinion, their third studio album ‘Songs for the Deaf’ is quite possibly one of the most seminal rock albums of the 21st century. The band’s energy, both on and off stage, are unmatched and made for some truly unforgettable images. Meeting and getting to know the guys on a personal level while snapping their portraits was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
What’s the picture you’re the most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of the first portrait I ever took. It’s a snapshot of Jeff Goldblum backstage at BottleRock Napa Valley. I had no idea what I was doing at the time – especially since I had only owned a camera 72 hours prior to the shoot. Talk about anxiety overload!
Once backstage, I extended my hand to Jeff and introduced myself. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jeff! My name is Donny Evans,” to which he exclaimed, “My God, of course!” I found his response both endearing and hilarious since he clearly had no idea who I was, haha! I just remember his charm and cool demeanor instantly setting my mind and nerves at ease.
With Jeff, what you see is what you get! He has this authenticity about him that’s hard to describe and for others to replicate – and despite being a complete novice at that time, I’m proud that I was able to capture that authenticity firsthand. It reminds me why I love what I do.
What can musicians expect when working with you? And what do you expect in return?
Expect a collaborative experience, where your vision meets my lens. I value trust, openness and creativity, and in return, I expect you to come ready to play—bring your passion, your individuality, and your willingness to push artistic boundaries.
What’s the best workflow hack you discovered?
For editing, I’d suggest presetting your tonal curves first, then make any necessary adjustments to the exposure and dynamic range of your images individually. This has been a game-changer for me as it ensures consistency across a series of images.
Is there anything you wish you had known earlier?
Trust the process! Starting out, I was impatient to see results. Learning that growth takes time and experience has been invaluable.
If you could provide an image for a headline of your choice, what would the headline be?
‘Framing Fame: Donny Evans on Shooting Legends and Rocking the Portrait Game’
Is there anything else you would want to say?
Never stop believing in yourself. Stay the course and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You miss every shot you don’t take!