MARC EVANS INTERVIEW
Few photographers capture the essence of femininity with the same depth and sophistication as Marc Evans. With an artistic journey influenced by the legendary Helmut Newton, Evans has mastered the art of telling stories through his lens—stories that celebrate women as strong, magnetic, and undeniably powerful. For decades, he has explored the fine balance between glamour, sensuality, and character, creating imagery that is both timeless and provocative.
In this exclusive conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Marc about his inspirations, his philosophy, and the enduring allure of sophisticated sexiness.
Your photography has often been described as sophisticated and seductive. What draws you most to exploring sensuality and glamour through the lens?
I decided at a very young age to work in this industry because I got a hold of Helmut Newton's work. I was impressed with how he shot glamour without degrading the model into just an object but kept her powerful and strong. I still work in this way today: sophisticated sexiness.
Helmut Newton’s influence on your career is undeniable, yet your work stands apart. In what ways have you transformed that inspiration into something uniquely your own?
To just copy your hero or a master can only end in disaster. You can be influenced by a master, but you need to find your own way and style. I'm still working on it every day. But to be told my work reminds people of Newton is the biggest compliment I can receive.
You often say that a photograph must tell a story. How do you build a narrative around a single image, especially when working with fashion and erotic elements?
Of course I know who I will work with next, so I try to build up an idea around the woman I work with. Clothes are secondary for me. The girl needs to be the center of the story. And as Newton said, if a photographer says he's not a voyeur, he's a liar. So of course my personal taste goes into a photo.
Your portraits of women exude both strength and allure. How do you balance empowerment with sensuality in your imagery?
Women in general for me are way stronger than men, so that comes easy. I don't think you see women in my photos who are vulnerable or weak. The women in my work are strong and powerful.
Do you see your photography as a celebration of femininity, or more as an exploration of desire and fantasy?
Exploration, absolutely not. Feminine, hell yes. Desire and fantasy, obviously. I love everything about women, so I try to show them in the best light possible.
Over the decades, technology has shifted from film to digital and now to AI-driven tools. How has your creative process evolved while staying true to your vision?
Going from film to digital was a huge step for me. I would still prefer to shoot film, but no client has the time anymore to wait days or weeks for results. Because of digital, a lot of people now think they are photographers. If you press the button long enough, eventually you get a result you can live with. Twenty years ago, you had to know what you were doing. There was no makeover. But of course now, because of digital, we have tools in post-production that 20 years ago in a darkroom were simply not an option. AI—I'm not a big fan. You don’t have the feeling of a real person on location, the emotions, etc., as if you just produce the whole thing on your couch. That's not photography anymore. But time will most likely prove me wrong.
You mention that each woman has her own individuality. How do you capture that essence quickly, often within the short timeframe of a shoot?
That's a tricky one. I try to talk to the model as much as possible during hair and makeup. I try to get a feel for the person behind the mask and make her as comfortable as possible. Since having your photo taken is a very personal and intimate situation, if the model is uncomfortable, you will always see it in the final work.
Some critics argue that glamour photography risks objectifying women. How do you respond to that, given your emphasis on personality and character?
There are a lot of magazines out there who do exactly that. But like I said before, my models are strong, sexy, and powerful—never an object of lust. I'm not in this industry to meet half-naked women. I'm in this industry to tell or create a story around the model. A lot of amateur photographers just shoot lingerie to see or meet half-naked women. My advice: sell your camera and get a different hobby.
Fashion photography has always had a commercial side, yet your work feels deeply artistic. Where do you draw the line between commerce and art?
Time. I have been doing this job for a long time, of course. When I started, I shot what the client wanted, no ifs or whens, no matter if I liked it or not. Now, after doing it for so long, I get booked because of my style. So luckily, I shoot what and how I see it.
If you were to define your legacy in a single phrase, what would you want people to remember about the “Marc Evans” style of photography?
He was like Helmut Newton.
Speaking with Marc Evans was a rare privilege. His words reveal the same qualities as his photographs: confidence, passion, and a relentless commitment to portraying women with strength and allure. What shines through is his belief that glamour, when done with respect, becomes not exploitation but exaltation.
Marc Evans continues to push boundaries while staying true to his vision. His work is not only an homage to Newton but a testament to his own enduring artistry. With every image, he proves that sensuality and sophistication can coexist — and in his hands, they do so with unforgettable power.
“THANK YOU DARKLY MAGAZINE. I LOVE YOU MAG.” — Marc Evans
Photographer Marc Evans @marc_evans_photography
Interview conducted by Lyra
