Name:

 Phil Evans

Star Sign:

 Capricorn. The good side – I’m supposed to be reliable, determined, ambitious, careful, prudent, disciplined, hard working and persevering. And the not so good – I can be rigid, over exacting, pessimistic, way too conventional and miserly. I’ll let those who know me well judge for themselves! 

Married: 

for 20 years with two children – Andy 18 & Vicky 15.

Food heaven:

 Chocolate – any kind will do, just as long as it’s in plentiful supply: I have the enviable ability to eat it in large amounts and not put on an ounce. 

Food hell:

 Fish – any kind with shells or scales, I hate the lot.

Favourite TV:

 Friends.

Favourite Film:

 The Die Hard Movies. My wife says I have the same hair and I’m just as cantankerous at times (but unfortunately that’s all I have in common with Bruce Willis)!

Favourite Music: 

Snow Patrol – especially Chasing Cars.

Favourite Car: 

A TR6. I used to own a red one but sold it many years ago to fund a wedding and a new house. I do love my 1994 Jaguar XJ6 Sovereign that I keep in the garage and only bring our on dry sunny days.  

Favourite Place:

 My studio (my wife says I’d live there given half the chance – and a regular delivery at mealtimes! Egypt was inspiring, especially the Nile and the temple at Karnack – it’s even better than it looks on TV.

How long have you been a photographer?

I started photographing weddings over 20 years ago.

What sparked your interest in photography?

Being badgered by a work colleague into joining the local camera club when I was 17 years old. It opened a whole new world of gadgets and I discovered an artistic side that I didn’t know I had. 

What did you do before you became a professional photographer?

I was a draughtsman for a local manufacturing company in Andover. Definitely not designed to become an engineer, it was simply the opportunity of an apprenticeship when I left school that drew me in. I’m afraid I didn’t enjoy it – just got comfortable with the social side and the regular income.

What camera do you use and why?

    
I use the Canon 1D marks 2&3 because I feel it gives me better colour than the Nikon equivalent, but it’s purely a personal thing and I don’t get hung up on the Canon V Nikon debate – it’s the craftsman that makes the difference rather than the tool. The reason I chose the 1D is because of its watertight seals, so I can confidently use it in wet weather without fear of damage.

What do you enjoy most about being a photographer?

I get a real kick when I’ve created a great image. I enjoy being able to produce a real photograph from a picture that previously only existed in my head. I also like the social side of my photography. I think of myself almost as a professional wedding guest, and enjoy mixing with people from a wide range of backgrounds. When my clients see their finished images, you just can’t beat the buzz from their reactions. I’m also keen on fine art photography, which I do for my own pleasure in my ’spare’ time and look for textures, patterns and a contemporary feel.

How would you describe your style?

As a wedding photographer, my style is informal and fun. I just love the idea of capturing the passion and romance in my images, and people’s expressions – often without them realising.

Who inspires you?   

Photographers such as Yervant, Martin Schembri and Jerry Ghonis have all inspired my wedding photography. I like the style and the energy in Yervant’s images and the cutting edge fashion feel of Jerry Ghonis. I really enjoy street photography, and consider Martin Schembri to be a master in this field with some of his stylish, almost 50s retro wedding images.