Conversations with Angela Shepard-Coats

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Shepard-Coats.

Hi Angela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve taken pictures for as long as I can remember. On my first trip abroad, I took 15 rolls of film, don’t judge lol, and within 2 weeks had to find an outlet for more. It really became a passion with my late husband. When he retired from the British military our goal was to have a small B&B and portrait studio in the south of France. He died before that came to life so I decided to do it. My name, Evening star, is what he called me. He said to me he had found his way home.

I am eclectic. I don’t always do what other people think I should do. I want someone to look at what I do and have that little part in them wanting to be that person. I love designing sessions for people because playing dress-up and pretending for even just a moment should NOT be just something that only children do lol. I love to capture other styles as well such as maternity, family, and landscape but there is something about seeing something, and the whole world blossoms from that one idea.

I am notorious for saying or doing something out of the blue just to get your authentic reaction. I want the REAL YOU. I think that is why I love working with the Drag community so much. That energy just fills me. Photography overall is a battery and I’m hardwired. Regardless of what type of session my goal is to create something beautiful, authentic, quirky sometimes and meaningful for the person and the vision we create together.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Art is not a smooth road but then neither is life for most people. It builds character though. I can honestly say that my largest struggle has been the passing of my husband. His joy for life’s what I search for and work to create in every shot. Everyone has someone in their life that motivates them through difficult times.

I know that I have been blessed that I had the opportunity to have someone like him in my life and to have the group of people I do to support me. I believe that no matter the struggle there will be someone there to remind you of what path you are supposed to be on, to help guide you back to it if you wander off, and to help you keep focused.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Photo Artist. Visual storyteller. Creator of ideas. I specialize in people. They are what fuels me which is why I love Stylized Creative sessions so much. I get to create something just for you. I wanted to be a Fae Princess when you were little let’s make that happen. If it’s your birthday and you want a NY fashion photoshoot then you just have to tell me which magazine we’re shooting for.

If you are a performer and are in need of images that portray your brand I’m your girl because I want the world to see YOU. I want everyone, for that time you are with me to be in the moment, committed to our vision, and having a great time. I have been told that “I am a whole vibe” lol.

I’ve been told to not say that but I love it! I want people to feel that vibe, be comfortable with it whether it’s mellow, intense, or a mixture of it all. I think that is what I’m most proud of is that people feel my intention and trust me to bring who they are forward.

What’s next?
The future is not written but there are some big projects in the works and I am one to set goals. I love what I do so the desire to work on my craft is eternal. I have been thinking of putting together small stylized sessions and opening them up to a small number of people.

People do them all the time for holidays but I am thinking of themes. 2022 is already booking up with projects, photo conferences, and things so I think I will try to put together a couple this year and see how it goes. You never know what will happen.

Pricing:

• Creative sessions start at $250 for 15 edited images
• Portrait sessions start at $175 for 10 edited images

Contact Info:

• Email: eveningstarkc@gmail.com
• Website: www.eveningstarkc.com
• Instagram: @eveningstarkc
• Facebook: Evening Star Photography

Image Credits
Abby Rogers @abryanarogers, Widow Von Du @thewidowvondu, Dacia Underwood @daciaday Janette, N @queen.riirii, RiRi XL @riri_xl, Ryan Jones @theeryanjones, Christopher Braswell-Brown @fogingmodernmen, and Stephanie Gonzalez @mal.evolenc3