Evan Yu Describes What It Is Like To Work For The Knicks
To me, success in this field is leaving a legacy of compelling photos that will be shared for years to come.
1.) What made you choose to pursue a career in the photo industry?
I am currently a freelance photographer in the sports and live entertainment industry. I originally pursued this career as a way to stay involved with sports, but it quickly evolved into a deep passion for photography. As a kid, I dreamed of becoming a professional athlete, but at a fairly young age, I came to the realization that it wasn’t going to happen for me. And even though my original dream wasn’t going to come true, I still wanted to pursue other avenues that would allow me to stay immersed in sports. I initially considered a career as a sports agent or writer, so I studied journalism and sports management in college, but it just wasn’t for me. But once I picked up a camera, I realized photography would be a perfect way to stay connected with sports and turn another passion of mine into a career.
2.) Break it down for us. What does a day in your position look like?
As a freelancer, everyday is different. I really enjoy the unpredictability of this work, as well as the ability to retain most of the control over my own schedule. In sports and entertainment, the majority of my jobs happen at night, which is perfect for me, as I’m not a morning person. I multi-task by editing my work during breaks at games or events, which allows me to send images to the clients as close to real time as possible. Then when I return home, I review my full take one last time to make secondary selects, so that I can get the rest of the images to the client overnight.
In my eyes, success is when I see iconic sports photos from decades ago that are keeping those magical moments alive today.
3.) How do you define success in your field?
To me, success in this field is leaving a legacy of compelling photos that will be shared for years to come. Having the ability to capture moments that will last forever and evoke a range of emotions in a viewer is incredible. In my eyes, success is when I see iconic sports photos from decades ago that are keeping those magical moments alive today.
4.) What’s your endgame?
I’m someone who likes to go with the flow and not necessarily set strict goals for myself, so I haven’t given much thought to my endgame. I do know that I would love the opportunity to be a team photographer. I know I would really enjoy being able to document the story of a team as it unfolds throughout an entire season, and gain access to some of the important behind-the-scenes moments you don’t get to capture as a freelancer. So, Liverpool FC or the Mets, if you are reading this, reach out!
5.) What’s one resource that you wish you had right now?
I’m really focused right now on expanding my network. Throughout my time as a freelancer, it’s become evident that many opportunities in this industry, like so many others, come out of existing relationships. I also really love collaborating with others as it allows me to continuously pick up new tips and view things from a different perspective. I truly appreciate the work Free Juice is doing because the importance of having a network of people you trust and enjoy working with, or for, cannot be overstated.
Throughout my time as a freelancer, it’s become evident that many opportunities in this industry, like so many others, come out of existing relationships.
6.) What was your “aha” moment where you realized that you could actually work in the photo industry?
I can’t really say I’ve had one specific “aha” moment, as my career still feels relatively new to me. I didn’t buy my first camera until 2016 and was self-taught, so in my mind, I’m still constantly trying to prove to myself that I belong in this industry.
7.) What was something that you wish you would’ve known sooner?
I wish I had found my passion for photography earlier in my life. I took a digital photography course in high school, but to be honest, I hated it. I always appreciated great photos as a sports fan, but back then I didn’t really care about the mechanics of how they came to be. It wasn’t until I picked up a camera years later that I truly began to appreciate the craft and how much skill it takes. From that moment on, I knew that photography was what I wanted to do, so I dove right in and never looked back.
Photos courtesy of Evan Yu
Visit Evan Yu’s website at the link below: