Andy Mars Photography Blog

Inspiration from Two Special Photography Artists

2012-01-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

Early this month I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with two brilliant Photo Artists Jill Enfield and Susan Bloom. They have both been guest speakers at Professional Women Photography (PWP) monthly meetings. If you want to learn more about these very talented women please take a look on their websites (click on their names above). For more inspiration you may want to take one of their workshops or classes!

Andy Mars Photography 2011 Highlights (Part 2)

2011-12-30T15:46:00.000-08:00

I took the following photos of models at the Nikon booth at the Photo Expo at the Javits Center on 10/27/11. During my break from sitting at the Professional Women Photography (PWP) booth I "shot out of the box" by creating some abstract & intentionally blurry images:

Andy Mars Photography 2011 Highlights (Part 1)

2011-12-29T15:07:00.000-08:00

My good friend Photographer Extraordinaire, Eli Reed was awarded the Lucie Award for Documentary Photography on 10/24/11. During his stay in NYC I saw his Artist Talk sponsored by the Lucie Foundation at Splashlight Studios in Soho. His special friends came (from all over the world including, Alaska, California, Texas, Delaware & France to see him accept his award. On 10/25/11 we went to see a great photo exhibit by Tequila Minsky at Soho Photo.

Dawn Jones-Garcia, Eli Reed & Odile Vanot

Photographers Misha Erwitt, Eli Reed & Les Stone

Annie Leibovitz

Me, Photographer Extraordinaire Steve Mccurry, Eli Reed, Odile Vanot & Dawn Jones-Garcia

Eli Reed, Cat Jimenez & Fredda Gordon

Tequila Minsky, Les Stone & Eli Reed

Outside of the Soho Gallery Photographers Sandra Chen Weinstein, Eli Reed, Les Stone & Misha Erwitt

Eli's friend Lisa Wax who lives in Alaska...we want her to run for Governor!

A trip to Eastern State Penitentiary in Philly PA

2011-12-14T10:55:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a great photo op, Eastern State Penitentiary is a fantastic place to take photographs. I added my creative twist by using presets in Lightroom & filters. The photo below titled "Window & Green Paint" is available for sale by clicking on this link: Redbubble.com

Need a Haircut?

"Window & Green Paint"

Self Portrait

Al Capone's Cell

2011 Thanksgiving Parade

2011-12-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

On the beautiful morning of 11/24/11, I photographed the Macy's Parade (Central Park West) from a terrace on West 73rd Street. The surroundings for the parade were interesting as you will see in my photographs...Can you find singer Cee Lo Green on the float? I used some cool presets in Lightroom. You can get them free from the OnOne Software website! Walking in the street I came across a vintage yellow truck & put my "spin" on this first image:

9-11 Memorial Water Falls at Ground Zero on a Rainy Day

2011-11-28T14:25:00.000-08:00

The following photographs were taken on November 16, 2011. The rain created the right mood for these images...

Abstract Fine Art Photography

2011-10-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken on a rainy day in New York City....

Recent Visit To Ground Zero

2011-05-05T16:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome President Obama...

April Tulips - Abstract Macro Photography

2011-04-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Olympus has a fantastic 50mm 2.0 Macro Lens! Here's samples taken yesterday of tulips...Spring is finally here!

Las Vegas with Olympus XZ-1 Art Filter - Dramatic Tone

2011-03-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

Here are my latest photos from my recent trip to Las Vegas. The new Olympus XZ-1 has a new art filter called Dramatic Tone...love it!

Mixed Media Photography Workshop At Calumet Camera Store

2011-03-09T12:11:00.000-08:00

Below are photos taken by Lou Manna at my Mixed Media Photography Workshop At Calumet Camera Store on February 19, 2011. My students are very talented artists as you can see:

Learn Mixed Media Photography

2011-02-18T16:50:00.000-08:00

Only 2 spots left for my Mixed Media Photography Workshop at Calumet Camera Store in NYC tomorrow from 10:00 am - 12:00 Noon. Click on the following link for details and to sign-up: Mixed Media Photography Workshop

23rd Street Crosstown Bus Stop, NYC

2011-02-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

Sitting on the bus waiting to go to the next stop, I thought the texture in the scratched glass was interesting so I pressed the macro button on my G11 to get a soft focus painterly effect. Included are images from different locations along 23rd street:

2010 Holiday Season in New York City!

2010-12-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

November 2010 Highlights

2010-11-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

Aftermath - New York City Marathon, party at New York Stone, Brussel Sprouts, Cupcake & Squash, man painted in gold - subway and the screening of the new Harry Potter film HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS

October 2010 Highlights

2010-11-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

Ice Skaters at Rockefeller Center, Photographer Extraordinaire, Robert Zuckerman photo exhibit opening at the 92nd Street Y pictured with actress Debra Winger, People in the Subway, PhotoExpo Models and of course Halloween!

John Lennon's 70th Birthday Tribute Photos & Video - Strawberry Fields October 9, 2010

2010-10-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

Click on images to view larger

2010 New York City 9-11 Events

2010-09-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken downtown, starting at Ground Zero where people prayed and the Amish sang - to the demonstrations pro & con - to the 9-11 WTC Memorial Floating Lanterns Ceremony at Pier 40.

Ground Zero


9-11 WTC Memorial Floating Lanterns Ceremony

To view a slideshow with more images on this subject click 9-11-10 Slideshow:

August 2010 Bronx Zoo

2010-09-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

Below are photos taken last month at the Bronx Zoo and New Rochelle in the late afternoon. I added some textured layers or vignettes to some of these photos for a vintage effect:

"Abstractions"

2010-09-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

Abstract images of Rides and Fireworks at Rye Playland
August 2010
Click on image to view larger:

Photos from my July trip to Belgium

2010-07-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

Early this month I visited my cousins in Brussels, Belgium. I also spent a day at the beach town of Knokke. Some people compare it to the Hamptons! I love the food in Belgium, reminds me of Paris along with the beautiful architecture:

A Trip To Six Flags - Jackson, NJ

2010-06-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

On June 17, 2010, I took my teenage daughter and her two friends to 6 Flags. Mr. Six gave me the thumbs up!

180 Degrees Photography Project

2010-06-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

I'm currently working on a new project called "180º Photography. For the first image I inverted the colors in the adjustment layer and added a Fake TTV (Through The Viewfinder) Texture. For the rest of images I didn't use any filters or software. I set the shutter speed at 1/8 second and turn the camera 180 degrees:

Creativity With Balloons

2010-05-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Walking along Amsterdam Avenue in NYC in early May I came across a group of colorful balloons outside of a card shop.

Digital Artist & Textile Designer

2010-05-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here are samples of my abstract photo textile designs. I was busy today printing some of these samples on (Inkjet) cotton. I hope to make important contacts at the Surtex Show at the Javits Center tomorrow. The first sample (step 1) is a red onion which is the original photograph followed by (step 2) sepia onion collage and the end product (step 3) is a sun dress. Other abstract images include leaves with water drops, ice pop collage and can you guess where the other images originated?

In Honor Of Mothers Day

2010-05-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

I took these photographs in New York City this Spring:
(Click on image to view larger)

The Yankees lost to the White Socks 7-6

2010-05-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

On May 1, 2010, I went to the Yankee Game with my son Jonah. My viewpoint include capturing details and abstractions of the day including the fans.

2010 Snowstorm Highlights

2010-03-08T08:58:00.000-08:00

Photographed mirror reflection- self-portrait taken in Riverside Park:

These images were taken on the upper west side of Manhattan at the following locations: Riverside Park, Central Park & Broadway. The "2 Feet" of snow was taken on West 83rd Street, supposedly by a maintenance worker of the nearby building. I'm working on a series of overexposed images of people which I plan to turn into mixed media pieces...when these pieces are completed I will follow-up with a later post.

Creative Way to Promote Your Business - not your usual Business Card

2010-01-21T15:26:00.000-08:00

Tips on how you can create a homemade promotional piece for your photography business. I used this particular piece for my Mixed Media Photography Business:

You will need editing software such as Photoshop.
I recommend using Epson Premium Presentation Paper Matte Double-Sided (8.5x11" sheets)
Paper cutter
Total of 8 images (L 2.5"x W 2") 4 on each side.
First you copy (copy & paste in PS) on 1 page - four 2" x 10" stripes. Then you repeat with 4 new images on a separate PS file.

Once it's printed you can cut them into 4 stripes.
It's a little tricky at first because you have to figure out which way to face the paper when you print the back so do a test print first. I deckled one end of the paper.

If Only I Had Digital Cameras When I Was a Teenager

2010-01-17T11:07:00.000-08:00

Facebook is so amazing. I recently made connections with people I haven't seen since I was 15 years old! When I was young I spent my summers in upstate NY at different Bungalow Colonies with my family. In my teens we stayed in Monroe, NY at a place called Blueberry Park Bungalow Colony (remember the movie Dirty Dancing?) I remember when I was 12 years old (1969), I wanted to go to the Woodstock concert. I saw all the older teenagers walking along the road but of course my mom wouldn't let me go. I recently scanned old photos from my 1971/72 photo album and posted them on Facebook. We plan on having a reunion in the future. Here's a photo of me (in the middle) with my good friends Laurie and Barbara. After posting these images on Facebook I received some very nice comments. Here's one worth mentioning:

Norman Steinberg: 1/12/10 "Of all the pictures I have seen so far, your pictures are the best in bringing back the vibrancy and fun of Blueberry. Scary that I knew all the people in them. Today it is hard to remember the people I met yesterday. These pics are very special.

Portrait Session with Artist Andrea Strongwater

2010-01-16T15:22:00.001-08:00

On January 14, 2010, I took portraits of Artist, Andrea Strongwater. When I walked into her apartment I felt like I was in a museum. Not only is she a painter, she also creates shawls, pillows, Passover Matzah covers and Judaica Art including greeting cards. I was very impressed by all of her creations. Read about Andrea's wonderful paintings of The Lost Synagogues of Europe by clicking on the red link.

My Beginning Of The Year Photos, 2010

2010-01-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

1. This year started with me celebrating the new year with my old friend of over 30 years, Magnum Photographer Extradordinaire & Olympus Visionary , Eli Reed. He is now in Nigeria working on a video. In the image below Eli is in my living room with my dog pal Bob.

2. First Snow Fall 2010 in Riverside Park.

3. This week I had a productive meeting with Life Coach Tracey Steinberg:

www.LifeCoachTracey.com
www.DatingHelp911.com

http://lifecoachtracey.blogspot.com/

We will be collaborating on an interesting project. She will give women tips on dating and finding Mr. Right and I will be taking their portraits for online dating.

4. Yesterday I went to Michael's Art Store on Columbus Avenue to have a restored photo (I hand-colored with pastels) framed. The first frame my client picked up was perfect. We really got lucky to have the very talented artist and framer Rachel Katzenellenbogen pick the perfect mattes to go along with the frame.

Family Visit To New Rochelle & Snow Fall on 12/31/09

2010-01-03T15:33:00.000-08:00

Upper West Side Neighborhood, Trip to Westchester to visit my niece & nephew (6 year old twins) and the last snow fall of 2009:

Non Traditional Images of Rockefeller Center Holiday Season 2009

2010-01-02T15:22:00.000-08:00

I meant to put this on my blog "last year"...but as they say better late than never!

My end of the year photos, NYC 2009!

2009-12-24T14:13:00.000-08:00

Snow storm 2009, Con Edison Workers, Mother & Daughter in Riverside Park, Barker my poodle in his new red booties, lemon in a water pitcher at home, two beautiful pitchers and plant on a table that caught my eye at a restaurant...different days, different images in December of 2009....

Operation Happy Children - Macy's Photo Event for Women In Need (WIN)

2009-12-15T06:08:00.000-08:00

Last week I volunteered for Professional Women Photographers (PWP) Community Service Committee photographing these adorable kids from WIN at the Operation Happy Children Event at Macy's. They had a great time getting gifts from Santa. My eye caught an interesting Macy's Window Display shot "Andy Mars" Style and on the way home on the Upper West Side I saw another interesting window display, a beautiful gown & peacock feather.

Old Black & White scanned photos from the late 70's & early 80's

2009-12-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

You can see my influences are from some legendary photographers, such as, Julia Margaret Cameron, Diane Arbus, Mary Ellen Mark & Man Ray. I loved the grainy quality from Tri-x film.

1. Contact Sheet - College Days

2. Contact Sheet - The late 1970's & early 1980's

Double Click to View LARGER

Andy Mars Mixed Media Photography on Display at Westside Camera

2009-12-01T10:15:00.000-08:00

For the month of December 2009, I will have my photos displayed in the window of Wolf/Westside Camera on 88th street & Broadway in Manhattan. All artwork is for sale. Please stop by if you're in the neighborhood.

Never Leave Home Without "It" = "Camera"

2009-11-18T14:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I took the crosstown bus on 79th street from the West Side to the East Side of Manhattan. Here's what I captured within a few hours.

Professional Women Photographers Community Service Committee & WIN

2009-11-07T10:29:00.000-08:00

On October 24, 2009, I photographed a Halloween Party at a Women's Shelter in Brooklyn for Women In Need (WIN). PWP's Community Service Committee feels strongly photographing for an organization who has a positive philosophy on community! Stated on WIN's home page of their website: /http://www.women-in-need.org/

Women In Need, Inc., (WIN) provides housing, help and hope to New York City women and their families who are homeless and disadvantaged. Through comprehensive programs such as shelter, supportive permanent housing, job training, domestic violence services, alcohol and substance abuse treatment and childcare, WIN offers the tools and guidance which allow our families to return to their communities and live independently.

These kids won a dance contest and received a reward!

Limited Editions for Her had a three day event where every piece of clothing bought in their store was matched with a donation to WIN. They received over 1,000 pieces of pants, blouses and skirts. WIN staffer was nice enough to hold up a pair of pants for this photo taken in their in Manhattan Office.

On November 5th, I photographed an art therapy session at WIN's Women's Center in NYC. A group of students from the School of Visual Arts volunteered to do art therapy with WIN'S clients. Here's an example of what a great job they did creating masks!

Samantha & Adam's Engagement Party - October 10, 2009

2009-10-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I photographed an engagement party in New Jersey. The couple Sam & Adam live in Providence, RI where they are both chefs. Adam's parents Susan & David hosted in their backyard. They had enough good food to feed an army. I was fortunate to have a slice of Samantha's chocolate cake with raspberries (pictured below). It was the best cake I've every tasted! If you're ever in Rhode Island I highly recommend you go to the restaurant where she is the the pastry chef: http://www.millstavernrestaurant.com/

Here are some of my photos taken at the Engagement party.

This is the DVD cover:

Having fun with little sister Morgan....

This was photographed throught the plastic tent protector for a dreamlike effect.

This should be called "Samantha's best chocolate cake on the planet"...

Andy Mars Pastel Photo Workshop Photos at B&H

2009-10-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

My good friend, photographer Jane Hoffer assisted me at my Pastel Photo Workshop at B & H yesterday. She also took some photos of me demonstrating my technique to the group of participants. I showed samples of my photos (before) and photo paintings (after). Click on image to view larger.

I had some extremely talented students. This image of an apple was taken by a pastelist artist. She mentioned she had a box of photos in her closet she can now put to good use!

Another very talented student at my workshop, Any Guelmann created wonderful pastel paintings.

Andy Mars Photography - week of September 13, 2009

2009-09-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

I was hired to photograph a mom and her adorable baby boy this week in Riverside Park. I had a vision a few hours before the shoot and here's that vision come to reality - mother lifting baby in the air by the tunnel entrance. (Click on image to view larger.)

I love photographing weddings in Central Park. I was so glad it didn't rain for the ceremony. Thank you Rev. Ronnie Peluso for getting me this great gig. You did an excellent job as always. This wonderful couple Vicky and Neil came with their family from Scotland to get married at the Ladies Pavilion. Then we headed over to the Shakespeare Garden and the Belvedere Castle.

_________________Photo Pastel___________________

Andy Mars Photography - Summer 2009

2009-09-07T15:36:00.001-07:00

(click on image to view larger)
People

Animals & Nature

Stray From The Heart Dog Fund Raiser 79th Street Boat Basin

Abstract and Blurs

Cityscapes

Countryscapes

Saugerties Artists Studio Tour (Upstate, NY)

I'll be teaching a free Mixed Media Photography Workshop @B&H on 9/30/09

2009-09-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Below are details regarding my mixed media photography Workshop on September 30, 2009 at B & H camera Store. This workshop is booked. If you're interested, I teach private lessons.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/eventDetails.jsp/id/483

Here's samples of my mixed media photography:

Geese On Pond - Photograph & Pastel Chalk

Three Abstract Figures - Photo Collage, Pastel Pencil & Sharpie

Red & White Rose - Photograph, Pastel Chalk & Pencil

Photos of my July 18 &19 weekend upstate NY - Lake George & Saratoga Springs

2009-07-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I visited my kids for camp visiting day in Warrensburg, NY. My photographer friend Carol Fassler took this shot of me in action at a Rodeo in Lake Luzerne, NY.

Click images to view larger

Here are a few of my favorite photos from this week-end.
Rodeo at Painted Pony, Lake Luzerne, NY

Golden Retrievers - photos taken in Lake George

Saratoga Springs Hotel

My daughter Lily. Today, July 22nd she turns 14 years old!

Lunch at a Highway Food Court

Michael Jackson Tribute Photos

2009-06-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

I took photos today at the Apollo Theater in memory of Michael Jackson:

YouTube Link to slideshow (with added Jackson 5 music):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7cEYxWL68g

What's happening In June in the life of Andy Mars, Photo Artist

2009-05-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

On June 8, 2009, my photo will be displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art at a special event with Learning Leaders along with other members of Professional Women Photographers Community Service Committee.

Approximately seven hundred people are expected to attend the special event called ELLs conference (Learning Leaders is partnering with the Office of English Language Learners, Office of Arts and Special Projects).

Update: A young girl in the auditorium asked me to take a photo of Mayor Bloomberg, the speaker, with her camera!

Mayor Bloomberg chatting with school children.

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PWP's CSC exhibit opening on Thursday, June 18, 2009 - 5:00 to 7:00 pm

William and Anita Newman Vertical Campus
Baruch College Conference Center
55 Lexington Avenue (at 24th Street)

This will be a traveling exhibit - other locations TBA. The exhibit is only for one day at the above
address, 5-7pm.
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My Mixed Media Workshop is listed on the Creative Center website

Photo-based Mixed Media

This workshop offers the endless possibilities of combining painting and drawing materials with b&w; photography. You will be able to use your own photos taken with point&shoot cameras and printed on photo watercolor paper, or choose from a stockpile of images provided by the instructor. Various techniques and mediums will be explored including hand coloring with photo paints, pastel pencils, pastel chalk, oil paint and acrylic paint. Learn how to create unique and surprising mixed-media artworks that, while based on reality, lean toward the fantastic!

ANDY MARS is a photographer and teacher who creates one-of-a-kind mixed media artwork. Andy integrates photography with watercolor, acrylics, oil pastels and pencils using a variety of surfaces. She is a member of the Professional Women Photographers and is the co-chair of the Community Service Committee. Her work has been included in many exhibits in galleries and restaurants as well as in the Memorial Arts Museum in Rochester, NY.