“A lot of people tell me that I have the “dream job.” My response to them is that you chose what you want to do in life…and I chose to do this.”

Evan Schiller

Evan Schiller Photography
Weston, Connecticut

If there is such a thing as an “accidental career,” or a career path that’s discovered, rather than initially pursued…then that may describe the story you’re about to hear from Evan Schiller – who over the last twenty years has established himself as one of the premier golf course photographers in the world.

Evan started out with a love for the game of golf, and during the first part of his career, as a PGA Golf Professional, he gained a first-hand understanding of every aspect of the game…as a club professional and in tournament play. And during that period, he discovered two things that shaped the future direction of his life. First, Evan discovered that he possessed an artist’s eye for nature’s beauty…and more specifically, he saw the beauty of  the golf courses he was playing on. Secondly, Evan discovered that he could make a living by capturing with a camera the beauty that he witnessed. So with no formal training, a simple Minolta camera, and a whole lot of courage, Evan followed his passion to begin what has become a highly successful business and rewarding career.

Shooting from the ground, lifts, helicopters, and now drones, Evan brings a fresh perspective to each project he undertakes. He thoughtfully scouts out each golf course he photographs with the goal of capturing its unique features and nuances under optimal lighting conditions possible, which can mean being in the right spot at the right time, waiting for the sun to rise, or the sun to set…and hoping that something unexpected won’t spoil the shot.

Evan has photographed hundreds of championship courses in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Ireland, Scotland, South Africa and Japan. He has captured and left his own distinctive mark on some of the most recognized tracks around the world including Pebble Beach Golf Links, Augusta National Golf Club, Medinah Country Club, The Old Course at St. Andrews, Royal County Down and Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.

Evan’s work is published in numerous national and international magazines, books and calendars, including The Masters Journal, The US Open Magazine, The Ryder Cup Journal, LINKS Magazine, Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Golf Course Architecture. Evan’s photography is exclusively featured in his two highly acclaimed books, Golf Courses of Hawaii and Golf’s Unfolding Drama. In addition, Evan continues to publish his own award-winning Golfshots calendar.

Show Highlights: 

• The role Evan’s father played in his taking up the game, and in becoming a pro golfer
• What was the catalyst that sparked his interest in becoming a professional photographer
• The key factors that influenced Evan’s decision to change his career path
• How Evan balances his different roles as an artist and a business owner
• The competitive landscape for golf course photography
• The growing importance of video and drones in golf course photography
• How and why weather is such a big factor in the profitability of an assignment
• Why Evan thinks that the word “retire” is weird
• Guidance for parents on how they should (and should not) guide their kid’s career choice
• Evan’s theory on why games like golf were created…and what’s gone wrong with games

Notable Quotes: 

On his career change from PGA...