Vendors I Love - ANDY MARS PHOTOGRAPHY
I am a lucky gal. Not only do I assist couples on creating ceremonies and getting ready for married life, I get to work with some amazing people in the wedding industry. There are some that I have the honor of working with once, and then there are some that I see on a regular basis. Andy Mars falls into the latter group and I couldn't be more pleased.
Our paths tend to cross often in Central Park working with Claire Ady at Wed in Central Park. She is a wonderful collaborator and has a great eye. Andy also goes out of her way to make it fun for all couples so they relax and feel comfortable. I love that she completely looks for the beauty around her - and shares it heartily - whether that be on Instagram or in her art studio. Without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to Andy Mars!
What was the path that led you to become a photographer?
I remember as a child I loved to sit in my room and spend hours looking in an old box of family photos. I was always a visual person. When I was a teenager I took filmmaking courses in High School.
In my late teens, I remember sitting in a waiting room when I picked up a photography magazine and the light bulb went off! I said to myself this is what I want to do. I remember not understanding a lot of the terminology but I knew I could learn what I needed to know about photography. I met a photographer who had his own darkroom in the basement of his apartment. The first time I saw a print develop it was magical. We’ve come a long way with digital technology which is a very different process and much more convenient. You do save money not using film but it’s still expensive. There’s always new & better cameras and software.
What excites you about weddings?
Every wedding is like a snowflake; it’s never the same. It’s always exciting to be in that moment of a couple’s life when they say “I do”. To see their emotions in this intimate moment always puts a smile on my face. It’s so interesting not knowing what the couple will be like, some are shy and some are adventurous. I can sense their personalities pretty quickly and go with their flow...
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received?
I received the following 2 emails from a bride & groom:
Just saw the sample of photos you sent. I love them! I'm all teary eyed again. What a wonderful day that was. I can't wait to see the rest. Thank you for doing such a beautiful job and helping make our day so relaxed & effortless.
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Beautiful! Is all we have to say. You captured the true feel of the day. They are exactly what we wanted. I didn't want the traditional posed rigid unnatural wedding photos that are the usual. These really express the happiness & fun of the day. Keep in touch..
Tanya & Greg.
10/8/13
What do you desire for your business?
I would love to photograph more events in Connecticut. I moved here in September of 2014 and love photographing weddings in Central Park but I’d like to get more work in CT too.
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for being able to do what I love to do! I love being a photographer and teaching to help others see their full potential as a creative individual.
Any recent cause for celebration?
My move to Connecticut was a big change from living in NYC. One of the most exciting things was becoming a studio artist at Farmington Valley Arts Center (artsfvac.org). It’s really inspiring to be surrounded by other artists. I currently teach digital photography in my studio and love it. I just finished teaching a 6 week course on iPhoneography - Introduction To Creative Photo Apps. My students are interested in taking an advanced class in iPhoneography in a few months. In a few weeks I’m teaching a workshop on Pet Photography. I also teach private lessons in digital & wedding photography. I plan to teach photography at local schools and libraries in my area. There is nothing more rewarding than having people tell me I inspire them.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ANDY MARS:
OR FOLLOW HER ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amarsphoto
Instagram: www.instagram.com/andymarsphotography
Twitter: www.twitter.com/andymars