Evin Thayer Studios is celebrating its 30th year of business!  In 1976 Evin Thayer opened his first studio for business on the edge of West University and his early interest in photography continues to evolve to this day. 

Evin attended Lamar High School where his busy schedule included being the photographer for both the year book and the newspaper!  His education continued at the University of Houston where he was immersed in theatrical and film studies with Cecil Pickett and Sydney Berger – classmates included Randy and Dennis Quaid, Brent Spiner and others who were actually featured in his early short films.

Just out of college and ready to make his mark on the world, Evin chose a career in still photography rather than cinematography, his original love -- when it came to the practicality of making a living he decided to stay in Houston and apply his creativity to still photography.  He became known for large black and white images in the 1990’s (although he says he does as much color work as black and white).  Evin has photographed tens of thousands of people during his career and his work is characterized by it’s clean lines and simplicity.  Much of his shooting is done in studio, allowing Evin to capitalize on his theater background.  Clients say that his work is very recognizable and unique because of its casual, modern-day approach that reflects today’s lifestyles.  One client commented that his work “looks like a Gap ad”, likely reflecting the time Evin spent during the 1980’s as senior fashion photographer for Foley’s Department Store.

A third generation Houstonian, one of his passions has been to give back to the city he grew up in.  Evin has always felt that each person can contribute in some way to making our community a better place to live and he’s put his 30 years of being in business to good use within the greater community. 

For the past 13 years he photographed the Houston Firefighters Calendar, helping to raise over a million dollars for the Children’s Burn and Cripple Fund.  Additionally he has helped raise money for charities and non-profits including: AIDS Foundation Houston, The Animal Fund, Bering Community Service Foundation, Body Positive, Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos, Citizens for Animal Protection, DIFFA, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony, Spay and Neuter Assistance Program. 

Evin Thayer Studios is now located in a 100 year old building in the historic Avondale District near downtown; the current studio home won an ASID award in 2002 for best use of an old building.  Evin says that clients and their children love coming to the old home because they feel like they are visiting a friend or family member.  The stately house has 4 fireplaces, beautiful original wood floors and tall ceilings.  Clients love to come by just for coffee and chat.

After 30 years the studio is now photographing the second and third generations of several client families.  “The great thing about this business is to watch the families grow and change,” says Thayer. “It certainly makes me feel old, though, when I can remember the first time I photographed someone when they were a year old, and now the studio is doing their wedding!”

Many Houstonians recognize Evin Thayer’s name and associate it with celebrity photographs.  He has captured images of the Who’s Who of Houston for the past 30 years along with many national bold-face types ranging from actors, sports figures, scientists, politicians, artists and astronauts.

A partial list of his celebrity clients includes:  President George H.W. Bush, Senator Lloyd Bentsen, the astronauts Gene Cerna, John Glenn and Alan Bean, Walter Cronkite, Ben Love, Robert and Janice McNair, Hakeem Olajuwon, Mary Lou Retton, singer Kenny Rogers, actress Jaclyn Smith, Miss Universe Chelsi Smith-Blair, Tommy Tune, Lynn Wyatt and Carolyn Farb.

Thayer recognizes that the industry is making big changes.  “The advent of digital has changed the way me make images.  Our industry will be going through a very expensive retooling in the next few years”, he says.  “It’s exciting what the new technology allows us to do and if you can dream it up, you can now create it on paper or a TV screen.”  He laughs, “Pandora’s Box has been opened and we can make wonderful images never before possible!  However, the same rules of composition, lighting and great expressions still apply.” 

His continued excitement makes it clear he’s just getting warmed up and can’t wait for the next 30 years of his career.  “There will always be a need for creative, skilled, professional photographers.  The tools we use are changing and I have a lot of ideas I want to pursue…but I still have to have the vision.” 

By the look of things I’d say he’s still got it!