We recently connected with Evan Olbricht and have shared our conversation below.
Evan, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
For me, it’s all about constantly working on new projects and pushing the boundaries of my work. I think you should always be experimenting and trying new things, seeing what sticks, and not being afraid to step outside your comfort zone. If you’re doing the same thing every single day, burnout creeps in fast. Having side projects, whether that’s a personal shoot, a fitness challenge, or just exploring a new style, keeps that spark alive. Those projects might not always be for a client, but they recharge me and keep my creative energy flowing.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Through my brand, EvanOPhotography, I specialize in surf and lifestyle photography with a particular focus on in-water surf photography. There’s something special about being in the lineup, swimming alongside athletes and everyday surfers, and capturing those moments from a perspective you just can’t get on land.
Beyond photography, I also work as a creative marketing consultant for small businesses. I love helping entrepreneurs tell their story, reach the right audience, and grow without feeling like they have to play catch-up with every new trend. For me, it’s about building strategies that feel authentic and sustainable.
Another big part of what I do is running my YouTube channel. That’s where I share resources, tips, and behind-the-scenes looks into both photography and the business side of being a creative. My goal is to help other photographers and creators not only improve their craft but also build businesses they’re proud of.
What excites me most is the overlap between all of these areas. I’ve recently launched an eBook called The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Surf Photography Business, and I’m continuing to expand into more educational content for creatives. Long term, I want my work to inspire people to chase their passions while also giving them the tools to actually make it happen.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three things that have had the biggest impact on my journey are creativity, hard work, and passion.
Creativity is obvious, but it’s more than just having ideas. It’s about being willing to try things that might not work, and approaching challenges with fresh eyes. For anyone early in their journey, the best way to develop creativity is to create constantly. Don’t wait for the “perfect” idea. Just get out there, experiment, and learn from the process.
Hard work is what turns those ideas into something real. There’s no shortcut around putting in the hours, especially at the beginning. For me, that meant long days shooting, editing, and building relationships. My advice here: embrace the grind, but pair it with smart habits so you don’t burn out.
And finally, passion. Passion is what sustains you when things get tough. This work isn’t always glamorous, but if you truly love what you’re doing, you’ll find ways to push through. For those starting out, pay attention to what excites you, what you’d do even if you weren’t getting paid for it, and that’s usually where your passion lives, and it’s worth building your career around it.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
For me, it’s been a mix of mentors who have really helped me overcome challenges. Reaching out to professionals online has been huge. There’s so much you can learn just by asking questions and listening to people who’ve already walked the path. My old professors have also been really influential, giving me a foundation of both knowledge and encouragement that I still lean on today. And honestly, my friends have played a big role too. Having people around who support you, challenge you, and believe in what you’re doing makes all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evanophotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanophotographyy/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanolbricht/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EvanOlbricht
Image Credits
Evan Olbricht/EvanOPhotography
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