I met Mandy at a blogger meet-up I hosted on behalf of my first business. One of Pittsburgh's most enchanting qualities comes from how willing its creative community is to venture into the unknown, meet new people and collaborate. It is a force of nature.
Mandy is not only the founder of The Curvy Blogger, but her own photography company and most recently, Be. Photo Sessions, a project centered around her fierce stance on self-love and acceptance.
When I was starting Lu Curates, I knew I wanted to meet Mandy again before I moved back to California. I found her opinions and style inspiring. We met at a Starbucks outside of the city. I sat there fumbling my latte, asking a million questions about running a successful business and personal blog. Mandy's advice was spot on.
Since then, I've enjoyed following her adventures and asked her if she would share some of that great advice with my readers. So without further ado, meet Mandy of The Curvy Blogger.
1. How long have you been a photographer? A blogger?
I have been a photographer for 7 years, a blogger for 6!
2. Why the Be.Photo Sessions?
I am very interested in Fashion, and have been dying to be more creative/experimental with photographs so that is one main reason. The other reason is I love promoting positive self image, every one deserves to feel like a model at least once in their lives. Be. sessions give them the chance to do just that, on their own terms.
3. What advice would you give beginning bloggers? Models?
For bloggers, concentrate on what makes you different. There is a lot of competition but if you have a unique voice you will thrive. Also, set a realistic goal for posts each week, for the first two years I posted almost every day, I quickly burnt out. Now I post once a week, if that. For models, if you want to get signed by an agency work with photographers that allow you to dress very simply with simple makeup. Almost every agency wants strong photos of you bare faced to really see what you look like. Then it is good to have variety of different looks. Don't have a lot of cash to pay a photographer? Work with a school that has students in photography, they are always looking for new models.
4. 3 Tips to "posing" for blog content?
1. Practice in the mirror at the very least you can see what you like and what you don't.
2. Have a friend snag some iphone photos of you, this gives you a chance to see how some poses translate in front of the camera.
3. Do research, look for inspiration online! It is always fun to find some new poses.
5. When you are putting together an outfit, what are the first few things you look for?
I start with one piece that I am really excited about, then build from there. I love to layer in weird ways, it keeps me inspired.
6. As a photographer and adventurer you travel a lot, what were some of your favorite travel moments this year?
Camping in Polihale State Park in Kauai, HI and photographing a bridal session on the streets of Nola. Travel is one of my passions.
7. What are you currently reading?
Just finished a gaudy vampire romance novel, the dark lover. Try not to judge to harshly. ;)
8. What's your favorite drink?
My husbands famous spicy marg. NOMS
9. How does Pittsburgh influence your work?
I think there is a grittiness to my work, while still being clean and bold. I have a little Pittsburgh grit.
To learn more about Mandy here's a link to her about page on the blog. If you're interested in hiring Mandy for an upcoming wedding or having your own Be.Photo Session please feel free to shoot her an email at hello@mandyfierens.com. It will be well worth the inquiry!