Dallas-Fort Worth lost a beloved photographer last weekend. Former Dallas Morning News staffer Evans Caglage, who had been suffering from multiple health issues, enjoyed a final Fourth of July celebration with friends, who were shocked to learn of his passing just two days later, at age 69.
The University of Texas at Arlington graduate joined The Dallas Morning News in 1979. His attention to detail in photography and eagerness to learn the latest in technology led to a multifaceted career in fashion photography and later in food and wine.
Caglage was the lead photographer for The News’ groundbreaking fashion section for many years, says former Fashion!Dallas editor Tracy Achor Hayes. “He was among the first to photograph such Dallas-discovered superstars as Erin Wasson, Bridget Hall, Angie Harmon and Chandra North. Models and colleagues alike appreciated his genuine kindness and gentle humor.”
Model Erin Wasson in the Oscar de la Renta fashion show at NorthPark Center’s Fashion at the Park on March 9, 2007.(Evans Caglage)
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Iconic Dallas model Jan Strimple agrees. “Evans was a beloved part of the global fashion scene at a time when photographers and the journals they shot for were jockeying for real estate on the runway’s edge. Sharp elbows and equally sharp tongues were the rhythm of the press pits, but somehow Evans existed above the fray.”
Fashion at the Park, Fall 2008, NorthPark Center. Miss Sixty fashion show. Lady Gaga performs after the runway show.(Evans Caglage)
Wasson, longtime model and winner of the Kim Dawson Model Search in 1997, says Caglage was the eyes and heart of Texas. “Over the years, Evans and I got to spend many special moments of my career together. From the beginnings to spending birthdays celebrating him and him also showing up to take family portraits for me and my family here in Texas. His kindness knew no limits.”
Singer-songwriter Erykah Badu photographed in 1998.(Evans Caglage / 113159)
Tina Danze, former food writer and stylist at The News, recalls Caglage as a “phenomenal photographer.”
“Although his first love was fashion photography, he brought the same attention to detail to bear on dishes that he shot for the food section,” Danze says. “He had a knack for getting the perfect light, angle and prop placement. He didn’t care how long it took — he was driven to get an extraordinary shot, even if it meant staying late (in the studio).”
Waffles, photographed Sept. 24, 2014. Peanut Butter and Jelly Waffles from Jonathon Erdeljac of Jonathon’s in Oak Cliff.(Evans Caglage / Staff Photographer)
Although Caglage took pride in his work, he wasn’t competitive. “He told me the story of a press event for Audrey Hepburn in North Texas,” Danze says. “Each photographer had a brief opportunity to photograph her. After getting his shot, Evans noticed that the next photographer didn’t have the proper lighting, so he lent his equipment. Noticing this, Hepburn turned to Evans and said, ‘thank you for making me look good.’ ”
Caglage is survived by his brother, Costas Caglage, and sister, Jane Caglage Taylor, and her husband, Randy.