Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andy Bowlin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Andy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
I believe that wedding photography should be an art form that captures the essence of the moment in a unique and creative way. My approach is to stand out by incorporating creative flash photography techniques, utilizing unconventional angles, and playing with light in an intriguing manner. I like to experiment with color gels to craft scenes that are visually captivating and go beyond what the naked eye can perceive. This innovative approach sets me apart from other photographers in my local area and allows me to create wedding images that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Andy, and I am the owner of Burlap & Oak Wedding Photography. My journey into photography began in high school, where I initially captured moments of my friends surfing and skateboarding. This early passion for photography led me to continually expand my skills, exploring various photography genres including sports, portraits, newborns, and studio work. However, it was the diverse and encompassing nature of wedding photography that truly resonated with me.
Having grown up on the central coast of California, I have always been deeply connected to the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of this region. My photography education at Cal Poly, where I pursued a minor in photography, provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the art. However, it was my foray into wedding photography that solidified my sense of purpose in this field.
The ability of wedding photography to encapsulate a wide range of emotions, styles, and moments resonated deeply with me. I found immense joy and fulfillment in freezing time through the lens of my camera, crafting everlasting memories for couples on their special day. This creative aspect of photography, coupled with its profound significance in preserving cherished moments, drew me in and made me feel as if I had found my true calling.
My dedication and passion for wedding photography have been recognized through several awards, including a first place award for the West Coast Wedding Awards for the engagement category. This acknowledgment serves as a testament to my commitment to creating timeless, artistic, and memorable wedding images. I am genuinely proud of my journey in photography and the limitless opportunities for creativity and storytelling that it presents.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
As a wedding photographer, my primary goal and mission revolve around the creation of everlasting memories that couples can cherish for a lifetime. I am deeply committed to capturing the essence of each couple’s love story through my lens, preserving the joy, emotions, and beauty of their wedding day in a way that resonates through time. The significance of these timeless memories is paramount to me, as I strive to ensure that each image I capture becomes a treasured memento for the couples and their loved ones.
Also, creativity plays a vital role in my approach to wedding photography. I view each wedding as an opportunity to channel my creativity and artistic vision, providing couples with images that are not only visually stunning but also deeply reflective of their unique love story. By embracing creativity, I aim to craft images that go beyond the ordinary, infusing each frame with a sense of individuality and artistic expression. This commitment to creativity enables me to bring a distinctive and personalized touch to every wedding, ensuring that each couple’s memories are captured in a truly exceptional and meaningful way.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Building strong and genuine relationships with my couples has been the most efficient and rewarding way for me to grow my wedding photography clientele. I prioritize connecting with each couple on a personal level, fostering a sense of trust, camaraderie, and understanding that extends beyond the wedding day itself. This approach often leads to an organic expansion of my client base, as the positive experiences shared by my couples ripple through their extended network of family and friends.
I have observed that the relationships I establish with my couples often extend to their close circles, introducing me to their siblings, cousins, and friends who, in turn, become potential future clients. By cultivating a warm and genuine connection with every individual I work with, I lay the foundation for a network of referrals that stems from the heartfelt recommendations of my satisfied clients.
During the hustle and bustle of a wedding day, I am not just photographing the couple; I am capturing precious moments of their families, friends, and guests. By ensuring that everyone involved feels comfortable, appreciated, and engaged, I am able to create a dynamic and enjoyable atmosphere that naturally leads to beautiful and authentic images. When the entire wedding party and guests are enjoying themselves and witnessing the remarkable results of my work, word of mouth becomes a powerful driver for attracting new clients who seek to experience the same level of joy and artistry on their own wedding day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.burlapandoakphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burlapandoakphoto?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076144689915&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
All Photos by me Burlap & Oak Wedding Photography