Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Beltran
Hi Mandy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In high school we had to complete a culminating project which essentially was a project of our choice to showcase what we wanted to do as a career. At the time I wanted to be a magazine editor. I recruited some friends and people around school to be models, styled them, did their makeup, and went around town taking photos of them. The idea was to create “magazine worthy” images and place in a portfolio but I ended up falling in love with the photography aspect of it all. Which I already knew was a hobby of mine because I was always taking photos at family parties and events. I also was in our yearbook class and took photos of kids throughout the campus. But it wasn’t until the culminating project that I realized this is what I want to do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I didn’t decide to make it a business until COVID and I was furloughed from my job as a Clinique Business Manager. I always did small gigs on the side but I wasn’t “legit” until 2020. My son was only 2 when I made the leap and I used to bring him with me to some sessions! He would chill in the stroller while I photographed my clients.
I will say that finding my niche and what I’m really good at has been hard. I found myself taking any and every client that came my way and it wasn’t until a year ago that I realized weddings is where I truly feel at ease and my work shines.
Imposter syndrome has also been extremely hard to navigate. Comparing my work to other seasoned photographers is a recipe for disaster and til this day, I’m still trying to turn off those thoughts.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I photograph weddings and couples. Just, love. I’m known for my documentary style approach, capturing true moments that tell a story in a soulful, authentic, and intentional way. I’m most proud of the fact that you can look at a MBP photo and know it’s a MBP photo. Not so much regarding the editing, but the feeling. Capturing raw human emotion and fleeting memories just gives you the feels.
I’m not sure how others are taking care of their clients but I pride myself in my client experience for my wedding couples. I will go above and beyond to ensure they have an stress-free wedding day. I’ve had to wear multiple hats on some weddings I’ve done. I’ve had to do a bride’s makeup, drive my bride and her bridal party to the venue in a sprinter van, and also help coordinate a whole wedding day. Whatever it takes to allow my couple to be present and enjoy themselves.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always down for photography meet-ups where we get together, talk business and photography, and then take “headshots” of eachother! This is how I’ve met most of my fellow photography friends.
You can support me by following my Instagram @mandybphoto or my Facebook page www.facebook.com/mandybphoto and sharing my services with those you know are getting married!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mandybphoto.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/mandybphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandybphoto
