By Admin, BuyLocalBG.com, BuyLocalBg@gmail.com/
Wednesday, January 15th, 2013 7:00 AM CST

We’re getting to know the Owners and Managers of some of our great partners. Today we speak with Mandy Garvin of Mandy Garvin Photography:

1. Tell us a little about you as a person. Where are you from, what are your hobbies and where did you start your career that led to Starting your photography company.

After being born and raised in Bowling Green, KY, i decided to venture out after college and relocated to South Beach, Miami FL.  I was lucky enough to land a position as the Assistant Art Director and New Faces Coordinator for MC2 Models Miami/ NY/ Tel Aviv (2006-2008).  I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing with an emphasis in Sales, accompanied by an Associates Degree in Textile and Apparel Merchandising from WKU. (Go Tops!) I would have to say that this career was born from a love of fashion.  After working at the modeling agency, I found myself looking at things in the world with a unique perspective.  I see beauty in what others may see as ordinary, which is why I was drawn to photography.

2. What is your earliest memory of working with the camera?

Ask anyone who knows me, and they will tell you i have been documenting my own life since we were about 13.  My attic is full of random albums.  It’s pretty much impossible to go anywhere with me and not have a camera in your face.  My friends always pretend to not want pictures of everything that we do, but in the long run they are always happy to have them.  A few years ago I bought my first DSLR camera and my passion was ignited.  I am one of the lucky people in the world who gets to love what I do.

3. What style of photography or setting is your favorite?

Until a couple of years ago, I was completely self-taught.  I felt that I had an eye for the right shots, and knew that my camera was capable of making magic, but it was driving me, rather than me driving it.  However, I am once again a student of WKU, but this time spend my time in the photojournalism wing.  I have recently upgraded my equipment from what i like to call a tricycle to dirt bike, and am finally behind the wheel!

It is amazing what these cameras are capable of, and  My style is best described as editorial photography, which is telling your story through the camera lens and capturing the essence of life experiences.  Using specialized photo editing techniques, e.g., textures and overlays, I am able to give images a visceral, artistic quality. I also style each photo shoot to capture your personality.

4. Who are your influences in life and your business?

My father was my hero.  He was the kindest, most generous, caring and intelligent man I have ever known.  He was so incredibly proud of me that i always felt like i was capable of anything i put my mind and heart into.  Seeing me begin my career as a photographer lit his face up.  I attribute everything i have ever achieved to him, and i know that he would love to see my work evolve in the ways that it has.  I miss him every day, but I know he is looking out for me.

5. If you had to choose a last meal, what and/or would you eat?

100%, HANDS DOWN, Garcia’s Fish Tacos.  Extra avocado with a side of sliced lemons please.  And who am i kidding? Extra sauce por favor.

6. How important are local landmarks, businesses and props you use for photos to you?
I am always on the lookout for new locations, and try to not shoot at the same place too often.  If absolutely necessary, i will use a location multiple times, but i always try to space them out to avoid the monotony that can come with using the same spot over and over.  It not only keeps things unique for each customer, but also avoids to much boredom on my part as the artist.  If you do anything the same way multiple times, things tend to feel a little stale for everyone involved.  It is for this reason that I have chosen to not open up a studio just yet.  If the weather does not permit shooting outdoors, i will take my “mobile studio” to my client’s home or a spot of their choosing.  This comes handy especially when working with the family of a newborn baby.  It is always best to shoot a baby within the first two weeks of birth, as the human body will never move the same again as it does in this initial stage.  However, the thought of venturing out with a new baby that soon is often overwhelming for new parents.  By setting up in their home, i can not only make the process easier on them, but it helps me capture who they are as a family.  Spending time with new parents is always such a special honor, and one of my favorite styles of shooting.

7. What has been your favorite local shoot so far?
I recently had the pleasure of shooting my nieces and nephews up at my sister-in-law’s home off of Beech Bend Rd.  The home is, by far, one of my favorite spots in BG, and sits high on a hill with the most beautiful view of the sunset over the cornfields.  Not only is the setting magical, but the chance to work with all of my favorite “little people” was a treat in itself.  They have some of the biggest personalities i know, and you can see this through the lens more so than any shoot i have ever done.  Love those kiddos!

8. Favorite place not in Bowling Green you’ve photographed?
A couple of years ago, I had the honor of shooting one of my best friend’s weddings in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  It was my first wedding, so a bit intimidating, but went off without a hitch.  I was quite proud of that one, and the setting was unbelievable.  It’s Cabo…need I say more?

9. What other locally owned businesses in town do you enjoy shopping, eating or patronizing?
Well, for starters, my husband says that I am the “ultimate consumer”. He says that when I was little I most likely sat in front of the TV and made everyone else hush during the commercials, and my eyes glazed over and that i most likely put my hands on the TV screen.  I do think I have abit of a shopping problem, but I think that comes with the territory of a fashion degree, right?  I do try to space out my support of local businesses though, and am a HUGE supporter of Buy Local BG!  It is such an honor to be able to help this program keep Bowling Green money in Bowling Green, and I am proud to say so.  I must say, I am quite partial to my husband’s new endeavor, Armory Lofts (www.armorylofts.com)  They are, by far, themost unique living experience in BG, and I could not be more proud of him.  21 foot ceilings, exposed steel trusses, and concrete floors are just the highlights of these incredible living spaces.  Only a few spots left!

Info for Armory Lofts…

Armory Lofts (www.armorylofts.com) by Owner/Developer David C. Garvin Jr. are the first true loft spaces available as residences in Bowling Green—constructed in the Drill Hall section of the old Bowling Green Armory, which has been designated a local landmark. Characterized by voluminous space and panoramic views of local landmarks, the loft spaces will prominently feature the building’s rugged architectural support structure. There is no substitute for materials which have aged the better part of a century. The patina of the old Drill Hall’s architectural elements such as exposed masonry, concrete, wooden flooring, steel beams, and gridded rafters create such visual interest as well as a warm, hip, urban environment. FINALLY, the type of living space you have been lusting for . . . conveniently located downtown in close proximity to the fine dining, shops and the University.

21 foot ceilings, exposed steel trusses, and concrete floors are just the highlights of these incredible living spaces.  Only a few spots left! Contact David C. Garvin for leasing information @ 270-320-2040 or email armorylofts@gmail.com