Art & Life with Mary Wagner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Wagner.

Mary, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am originally from Maine and where I was self-employed as a horseback riding instructor and wedding photographer. I moved to Arizona 12 years ago and continued to take photographs into the digital age. I spent 10 years as an officer and case worker for AZDOC. I decided to be happy in my life and left AZDOC to peruse photography full time again. I was so excited to learn all the new technology available to photo artists today and I get so much satisfaction from focusing on artistic images that convey feelings in way words cannot. I grew up with Time Life and Nat Geo which inspired me greatly to see the world in pictures. I spent time in my life assisting victims of domestic violence, making my favorite shoots maternity, and boudoir. I love making woman feel beautiful and comfortable with their bodies and proud of who they are as individuals.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I work hard to get to know my clients to be able to personalize their photo experience with me. I love doing maternity and boudior because I believe a beautiful image making a woman feel like she stepped off the cover of a magazine is empowering and confidence building. When you feel good about yourself it is reflexes in your daily life. Recently I have been asked by several clients to create memories for them for their pet’s end of life. As a lifelong horse person and pet parent myself, this was such an honor and privilege. While most shoots do involve poses, I shoot constantly, especially with kids and couples in love. Sometimes the best I, ages are the spontaneous ones, catching people off guard and relaxed can be the best shots of the day. I offer 2 photographers for the price of 1 for all of my weddings so all angles and moments are covered.

Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
Everyone has a phone that can take photos, everyone has social media and can and post their own photos instantly. To survive in photography today you really have to have some fresh new ideas and offer potential clients something they can’t do themselves. I think my city is a great place to work, I have never had any problems asking local businesses and national parks for access to shoot. I am lucky to live in a very artistic community with galleries and wonderful scenic areas to shoot, whether downtown or in local parks or wilderness areas.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I have a website: www.merrywillowphotos.com
I advertise on Thumbtack.
My business line is: 520-282-2830
FB Page: Merry Willow Photography
Please follow me on Instagram: @merrywillowphotos

I am always looking for models, for both paid work and trade for photos to help create their portfolios and so I can work on my own ideas and creations which expand my own portfolio. Some my past models have been featured in Cowgirl magazine, and hired for local commercials. I hope to have more of my images published soon.

Contact Info:

• Address: 10195 S. Houghton Road, Tucson, AZ 85747
• Website: www.merrywillowphotos.com
• Phone: 520-282-2830
• Email: merrywillowphotos.com
• Instagram: @merrywillowphotos
• Facebook: Merry Willow Photography

Image Credit:
All I,ages shot by myself. Copyright Merry Willow Photography.

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