About Deb Evans: HI! I’m Deb Evans. I am a home-based PHOTOGRAPHER, TEACHER, WRITER, and Consultant. (Sometimes I like to say that I’m “car-based” because I spend so much time in my car driving!) I am located just north of Houston, Texas in a little “town” called Cut-n-Shoot.
I have been blessed to build a business that allows me to do what I love — photography, writing, teaching — and that allows me to financially support my family, while also giving me the flexibility to spend time with my family, while helping other families.
About Photography: I was first bitten by the photography bug in college when a family friend gave me a manual 35 mm SLR camera. I studied photography some in college and through the acclaimed New York Institute of Photography, but I am mostly self-taught and continuously work to improve my skills and creativity! A photo-safari in Kenya back in 1989 guaranteed my life-long love of both photography and nature. Motherhood expanded my interests to photographing children and families. I love weddings, so it was a natural that I would choose to add wedding photography to my business!
My goal in starting my own photography business back in 2003 was to provide families a creative, artistic alternative to the standard photography studio – from the overall experience, to the quality of the portraiture, to incredible, personal service. 
My on-location portrait service is about as far from the mall studio mob scene as you can get!
I offer a truly unique, personal, and valuable experience for my clients, specializing in natural light, on location portraits of babies and children, as well as high school seniors, and families. I always approach my business decisions from the perspective of my client– “How would I want to be treated if I were the client?” This attitude has enabled me to develop a business model that my clients value and recommend.
My photographs have been published throughout the Houston area, including The (Conroe) Courier, The Villager (The Woodlands), Houston Family, and The Bulletin newspapers (Montgomery County, TX), among others. Several of my photographs were featured in the Community Section of the 2003 and 2004 TXU Communications phone books (The Woodlands / Conroe)!
I am a proud member of the Professional Photographers of America, Texas Professional Photographers Association, and Child & Family Photographers of America. I have taught photography for several years as well.
For info on classes, visit www.debevans.com/photoclass.htm.
About Teaching: I have homeschooled my daughters since they were born, officially since they were 4 and 5. They are now teenagers, entering 10th grade. We have always participated in homeschooling coops that provided classes and social opportunities. The first year, when my girls were in kindergarten, I taught a class called American hiSTORIES. I taught the kids basic history lessons by telling stories. I was hooked. Every year, I taught different classes, eventually working my way to getting paid for my efforts, including teaching for Montgomery College [now Lone Star College], Extraordinary Education, and The Lighthouse. Today, I focus on high school classes in my specialties – writing, literature, government/civics, and photography. In 2010, I started my own business – Right Brain Classes; secured a location and struck out on my own. I also operate My Writing Coach Online, providing online classes, tutoring, and evaluation. Our service offers both the structure students need and the flexibility that busy families require.
About Marketing: I have a BS in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin. I had over ten years professional experience in Public Relations and Marketing before starting Deb Evans Photography in 2003. Since starting my own successful full-time business, I have continued to learn new marketing skills that help me grow my own business. With the web revolution, I have focused my efforts in building internet marketing skills. The bulk of my photography business comes from my internet marketing strategies. My Social Marketing Coach is my opportunity to share what I know with other small businesses and professionals.
It’s been said that it costs 5-7 times as much to gain a new client as it does to keep a current one, so…Make Friends with your Clients! My Social Marketing Coach specializes in these friendship-making marketing techniques, including online public relations and social networking
campaigns. We develop, write, and maintain blogs, newsletters, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media pages for busy professionals. Services also include web 2.0 (seo) copywriting and web site optimization, and other marketing coaching, planning and implementation.
About my Family
I’ve been married to my soul mate, Mike, for 18 years! We have two daughters, Kayla, 15, and Kristin, 14. We live on ten acres in Montgomery County, near Cut-n-Shoot, Texas (about 10 miles east of Conroe, 50 miles north of Houston). We have lived here since 1999, and we love life in the country! We’re “away” from the hustle and bustle, yet still close enough to the “big city” to take advantage of all Houston offers, including museums and theater.
Mike and I have had an amazing life together – we’ve had our share of struggles, but our strong bond always brings us through. Read our story about my husband’s “Miracle on Lake Travis,” his true-life miracle rescue back in 1995 when we lived in Austin! The television show “It’s A Miracle” (PAX) expressed an interest in Mike’s story, and The Montel Williams show contacted us a few years ago about appearing on his show (We respectfully declined.).
In 1999, Mike suffered severe neck injuries due to an accident. He’s undergone numerous surgeries which have only made him worse. His health has continued to deteriorate over the years, and he lives with constant, severe pain. He is permanently disabled, often confined to bed, and unable to work. Despite all of this, he has a cheerful, loving attitude, and he is my number one supporter and encourager. Everybody who knows me knows that my sweet husband and my wonderful children are my heart and soul. Everything I do, I do for them and for Christ who strengthens me and blessed me with this amazing family.
We are members of Fellowship of the Woodlands and are quick to volunteer with their many ministries, as well as those of KSBJ Christian radio.
We have always been a homeschooling family. Kayla and Kristin are in 10th grade. They are very bright, but most importantly (to me), they love learning. My goal wasn’t to just teach them “things” through the years, but rather to teach them “how” to learn, to nurture curiosity, and to give them the resources they need to expand their knowledge and to achieve their dreams. Among their many interests and talents, they are talented artiststs with creative souls. They also enjoy photography (big surprise!) and are very gifted. It’s fun to see how their artistic vision of their photographs differs from mine. I feel that I learn as much from them as they do from me. They have a large group of friends and enjoy being typical, bubbly teenagers. They are addicted to Facebook, Twitter, and ITunes, love all kinds of music, and enjoy going to the mall.
SuperFriends! I lead a homeschooled teen social club in Montgomery County, Texas. We have regular activities including attending concerts and other musical events, lake & beach outings, a book club, and more. Email me for more information.
Daughters of the American Revolution: My mother and I are members of the Alexander Love chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. I am the American History Chair for 2009-11. In this position, I will be working with area schools and homeschooling groups to promote the DAR’s American History projects and essay contests. I also present programs to the chapter on various topics including a recent program on Women’s Suffrage.
Lone Star Art League: I am a member of the Woodlands Art League and serve as Historian for the Lone Star Art Guild, a non-profit organization made up of art leagues within a 200 mile radius of Houston, Texas. The guild advances the study and dissemination of fine art in all of its forms by promoting the appreciation of art and fine craftsmanship through workshops, lectures, demonstrations and exhibits.
That’s probably way more than you ever wanted to know about me! If you made it this far, then you were either very bored, or you’re my new best friend!