FEBRUARY 2 • 2023 | 57

YEVGENIYA GAZMAN

the 1980s, he took two years 
off to regroup and explore his 
interests. That was the first 
time he took an interest in 
nature photography. 
But more than anything, he 
wanted to work in advertising. 
Deutsch recalls how he came 
across a hiring post for a small 
advertising agency looking 
for a mail clerk. He decided 
to apply. However, instead of 
submitting the standard cover 
letter and resume, he created 
a clever and carefully crafted 
third-person letter on why he 
was a perfect candidate for the 
agency. He ended up sending 
it to multiple agencies and 
landed his first job in the field.
During his multi-decade 
advertising career, Deutsch 
worked at several major 
advertising firms, including 
Doner and GTB, from which 
he retired after 17 years in 
January 2022. 
When Deutsch was working, 
he had little time for nature 
photography, but since his 
retirement, he’s been able to 
dedicate himself fully to the 

craft he loves.
Deutsch lives by the motto, 
“Your next picture is your best 
picture.
” He takes classes daily, 
getting outdoors with photo 
clubs and honing his skill. 
 “Photography has become 
spiritual,
” said Deutsch, who 
leans toward being a joker. 
That said, photography is 
something he takes seriously 
and through which he takes 
himself seriously.
Photography has also 
opened the doors to 
community. 
Deutsch was drawn to the 
Temple Emanu-El garden in 
Oak Park, which attracts a 
lot of butterflies and insects. 
Soon, his photos graced 
the pages of the temple’s 
magazine. He volunteered to 
photograph multiple events for 
the synagogue as well. Now, 
Deutsch is no longer just a 
guest and observer at Temple 
Emanu-El — he’s a member of 
the congregation.
“Photography is a journey, 
and I am just beginning it,
” 
he said. 
Evan Deutsch takes 
photos out in nature.