former accountant turned photographer | urban romantic | knitter
When I tell people that I did accounting for almost fifteen years, I always meet with a certain dose of shock. It’s to be expected, I suppose. I wear my heart on my sleeve and carry a restless curiosity that just doesn’t add-up to the image of a blue-collar worker in the back office making journal entries. But I did. And I’m thankful.
I’m also thankful for the support of everyone who saw long before I ever admitted to myself that I should probably quit the office and commit myself to photography. I credit my dad who documented my childhood in Poland on Kodachrome for the introduction to the medium. I credit my mom for her countless sacrifices and for bringing me to America. I credit Los Angeles for its magical ability to let people re-invent themselves, over, and over and over again. And I thank my wonderful friends for letting me play (often at their expense, laugh) and for always being receptive and open to my ideas.
Oh, and about the name. The direct translation of my Polish name means little thunderbolt. Someone clever coined teebolt and the rest is history. And it’s a funny thing about nicknames, because I’m known for “shooting from the hip”…kind of like lighting I guess. I just love that very first expression a person gives you before they realize you have a camera, and before they can decide what they want their face to look like. Sometimes I like to think of little thunderbolt as my tribal name; or a Native American name that a shaman gave me during a solstice celebration; or my aborigine identity on the coming of age walkabout. If we ever meet, prepare to be quizzed about your nicknames and such. I find it fascinating.
I also knit obsessively and own a yarn shop downtown LA to prove it. Gather DTLA was opened in November of 2012 in the heart of Historic Core. It’s where I live, breathe (ugh) and play. It’s not easy, but together we can make a difference in our communities. One stitch, one image, one small gesture of humanity at a time.
Thank you for stopping by!
Evi T’Bolt (tee-bolt) is an artist and photographer specializing in portraiture, beauty, glamour, events, set photography and other editorial photojournalism such as private parties and corporate events. She is based in Los Angeles, California and is available for assignment Worldwide. She accepts a limited number of weddings and retouching commissions.
Testimonials
“Evi’s photograph’s brought to life the behind-the-scenes that goes into the art of creating the motion picture. She captured the essence of the set…the calm moments in between the controlled chaos that is movie making! And she did it in a beautiful way! I highly recommend her services to you!” Peter Paul Basler, Director and Producer
“She brings to light moments in life with her photography the same way Thunderbolts have a way of revealing the beauty of chaos in a nights storm. Blessed with a warm heart a keen eye and a personal connection to every moment she is in, enables her not only capture priceless moments but be part of the elements that create them as well.” Warren Calvo Leon, Manager and Curator, New Puppy Galery
“I encourage all women to have photographs of themselves taken – to have as keepsakes, gifts and tokens of who you are (truthfully) and what you can be (in a fantasy). Evi does amazing commercial work for me, but it is only her lens eye that I would trust to photograph me in an intimate setting. The Thunderbolt’s natural ability to seduce you with her camera and capture you (when you least expect it) in this raw, sultry and beautiful moment, is completely empowering.” Quenzi Pham, Q.zi Media
A M A Z I N G !!! You captured every moment, vibe, and energy in every photograph Evi! You’re so talented and simply a genious!” Ever Salcedo, Wedding Planner and wedding client’s brother