Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary McGrath.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My interest in writing and photography began in high school. As a poet, I started contributing to our annual yearbook, but in college I began getting published in some literary anthologies while attending UCSB. My first book of poetry came out through a small press in Santa Barbara, entitled “Trespassing Stoplights and Attitudes.”
During that time, I discovered the nuances of being in the darkroom, and soon I was hooked on photography, where I learned to bend the rules by experimenting with film, slides and unusual light sources.
After graduating, I returned to Los Angeles, where I worked for a small weekly newspaper. It was there that I started coupling my photos with my writing, creating ads, and also penning a humor column. I eventually went into the advertising business, selling advertising space for a number of notable publications like Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, Wired and Los Angeles Magazine.
But selling wasn’t enough for me. On the side, I continued my artistic interests but didn’t have to rely on them to support myself. It’s very hard to make a living in the arts and I was too practical to consider that vocation. The ad business afforded me a cushion to pursue my craft.
I finally got out of corporate life to pursue my passions. As a writer and photographer, I have conducted many interviews with notable photographers, have done a fair amount of travel writing, have published a number of short stories, and humor pieces.
My journey continues as I learn and evolve in this convoluted arena of publishing.
I finally had enough of corporate life and decided to go out on my own. As a writer and photographer, I’ve been able to contribute to a number of publications, including Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, The Wall St. Journal, The National Lampoon, and many others.
Upon occasion I am invited on press trips to cover national and international destinations, where I couple my photography with my writing. Although publishing is not as easy as it once was, I still derive great joy in seeing my work in written form.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Getting published was much easier about ten years ago. As the magazines and newspapers have contracted, so have the opportunities for getting paid. Editors who used to hire me have now lost their jobs as their publications have disappeared. The revenue streams have forced these talented writers and editors to enter the freelance field, where the opportunities for pay are dwindling.
Competition remains fierce and will probably escalate as time goes on.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mary McGrath Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a self-taught photographer and writer. I have taken a few courses along the way, but I delight in carving out my own niche on my own. It’s too easy to dwarf the creative process by relying on learning the “right way” to write or take photos. Sometimes breaking the rules along the way can result in some unusual discoveries.
My primary revenue stream is derived through my travel writing. Exploring exotic destinations and restaurants is always such a thrill, and a chance to see these destinations with a small group is so rewarding. The PR firms I’ve worked with are top-notch, and I have delighted in fostering good relationships with them.
Upon occasion, I sell my work through https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/mary-mcgrath, where the purchase process is seamless.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
They say the “luck of the Irish” pertains to me, and I’m inclined to agree. Throughout many hardships, I seem to be fairly resilient and find humor in the most dire of situations.
Because I haven’t relied on my creative endeavors for my primary source of income, this has freed me up to enjoy the creative process without alot of strain.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marymcgrathphotography.com
- Phone: 3103845636
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hussey1953/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.mcgrath.102
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/grathy?lang=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=I5tDIEeuWfHzLj7zG3p9Ag
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