May 1, 2017

Meet Andrew Marr of ARM Photography in Eagle Rock

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Marr.

Andrew, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It was love at first sight. The moment I first saw a photo get developed in a chemical bath, I knew something had changed for me. I was a junior in high school, and it was the first time in my life I became truly passionate about something – and I dove in deep. I majored in Studio Art at the University of California in Riverside, with emphasis in digital photography. I looked for every opportunity to get farther in my trade; I took a job with the UCR Art Department, teaching photoshop and conducting a digital lab most nights. I became a staff photographer for the school newspaper, covering college sports, and events. I interned with an advertising photographer in LA during the summers, and I worked for a photojournalist in Washington DC in a study abroad program in my junior year. I started freelancing, photographing weddings and portraits – and reinvesting 100% of my revenue into better equipment.

In 2010, two notable things happened: I officially created my freelance business, ARM Photography (named after my initials, which I used to sign my photos back in high school), and second, I met Carla, the women who would become my wife, and second photographer for life.

We met in Advanced Photography, and started working on projects together. Soon, we were dating, and I asked for her help with some of my freelance work. Her unique prospective and composition dovetailed my technical skills and trade knowledge perfectly, and the quality and enjoyment of my work increased exponentially. And in 2015, we set our cameras down for a day, and had a wedding of our own.

Carla and I continue ARM Photography as a part time venture, photographing weddings, events, and portraits whenever we have the opportunity.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
With freelance photography, business can be erratic. I’ve gone between photographing two weddings on a single weekend, to having months with nothing on the books. But since I have never used my photography business as my main source of income, it doesn’t bother me when things slow down: It just gives me time to enjoy my business as my hobby, which can be nice.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about ARM Photography – what should we know?
ARM Photography is a freelance photography business run by my wife, Carla, and I. We primarily photograph weddings, portraits, and events – quickly delivering beautiful photos to our clients, at a competitive price. However, it’s really our attitude towards our clients that set us aside. We make it our personal goal to encourage them to feel as relaxed in front of the camera as possible – to help us get the most natural looking expressions. To accomplish this, we need them to be comfortable with us, and that starts with the first time we meet them. We usually invite new clients out to coffee, to talk about their event – and it ends up feeling more like a double date! We maintain dialogue with them through emails, quickly responding to any of their questions. By the time the day of the event comes, we have a real relationship with our clients – and it shows up in the photos.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I can’t say enough good things about my grouchy, old, high school photography teacher, Mr. Conn. He was great. An incredible mentor – very old school, and a treasure trove of knowledge when it came to photography and composition, especially black and white film. But he was also a bitter veteran, nearing retirement, teaching his life’s passion to hundreds of apathetic high school kids who continuously failed his class – no matter what changes he made to the curriculum. So, when I showed up, and took a real interest in the subject – he gave me lots of attention. He taught me skills that they never even showed us in college, such as how to measure and cut matte board, and how to mount a print with a heat press and tapping iron. He also gifted me with a lens that would fit my film camera my dad’s old Pentax K-1000), and gave me a few rolls of film for Christmas. He gave great critiques, and always wrote comments on the back of my photo assignments, which still make me proud when I see them over 10 years later. I paid him a visit after my first year of college, just days before his retirement. He told me he was looking forward to making his profession a hobby again.

Pricing:

Weddings: Two photographers, 8-hour event, 600 edited photos, 3-week turnaround time, digital gallery of images: $2000
Family Portraits: One photographer, one assistant, 60 – 90 minutes, 100 edited photos, 3-week turnaround time, digital gallery of images: $500
Engagement/Maternity Sessions: One photographer, one assistant, 60 – 90 minutes, 100 edited photos, 3-week turnaround time, digital gallery of images: $400
Senior Portraits: One photographer, one assistant, 60 – 90 minutes, 100 edited photos, 3-week turnaround time, digital gallery of images: $300

Contact Info: