Evan Parsons Keeps Things Simple — and That’s the Point
“The beauty of photography is found in its ability to tell stories without words,” says Evan Parsons, a self-taught photographer who now plays a key role in some of the most widely seen ads in North America.
His job involves taking still photos during filming, which advertisers later use in magazines, billboards, and online. Parsons believes noticing small, quiet moments has led him to produce meaningful work.
From Set Floors to Billboards
Despite having no formal photography training, Parsons began by working several odd jobs in the film world between 2005 and 2015. While on set, he started capturing photos of the quiet scenes happening around him. His eye for moments others seemed to miss set him apart, becoming the base of his personal style.
Social media has helped him find his place. He has built a robust and entertaining online portfolio by posting simple, elegant, and often humorous portraits of the world around him. As his collection continued to grow, so did his confidence. This eventually caught the attention of well-known commercial directors like Lance Acord.
The connection between his early work and professional success led him to Park Pictures, a company the industry respects for its innovative visual storytelling.
Secrets waiting to surface
Photo Courtesy of Aisha Schliessler
Big Projects and Honest Images
Recently, Parsons took on one of his most involved jobs–a 20-day shoot for Bank of America and the Masters golf tournament. Long projects like this rarely occur, which makes them stand out. Now, advertisers feature their images in ads connected to the campaign.
Unseen sparks ignite
His experience on this project directly connects to how advertising is swiftly changing. In the U.S., the advertising industry reached $380 billion in 2024 and is expected to rise to $460 billion by 2028. As rules on data tracking continue to shift, companies are turning toward visual content that feels more natural and real. This new focus molds the work for creatives who are asked to deliver.
Fortunately, this direction aligns closely with Parsons’ style. His work often highlights quiet or in-between moments. These images help people connect with what they genuinely feel and see. As brands look to build trust through visuals, his unique form continues to meet that need.
Photo Courtesy of Aisha Schliessler
Keeping It Simple, Staying Creative
Parsons’ belief in simple, real moments shows up in his personal work. His ongoing projects, like State Lines and Everlasting, focus on ordinary places and tiny details. And while the subject matter may differ, he brings the same energy and careful technique to his commercial work.
These side projects also reflect how Parsons stays connected despite some critics’ warnings about using social media for career growth. Jordan Mitchell, a media analyst, says, “Social platforms can help, but they are not enough alone.”
Parsons’ story reminds us that success can come from paying attention, doing quiet work, and keeping things simple. “I never would have dreamed I’d be working with the same people I looked up to,” he shares. “The path is not straight, so you must keep showing up.”
