We recently had the chance to connect with Andy Bowlin and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Andy, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
For the second year in a row, I was honored to win first place in the West Coast Wedding Awards for the engagement photo category. This competition features some of the most talented wedding photographers on the West Coast, so to have my work recognized alongside theirs is incredibly meaningful to me. The level of artistry and quality in the entries is truly inspiring, which makes bringing home first place for the second time even more special. I’m really proud of that achievement.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
’m Andy, the photographer behind Burlap & Oak. Based on California’s Central Coast, I’ve dedicated my craft to capturing weddings and engagement sessions with a focus on real emotion and genuine connection. What sets me apart is my deep familiarity with the region, from its light and landscapes to its hidden backdrops, which allows me to create images that feel both natural and timeless. My philosophy is simple: the best photographs come when people feel at ease, so I aim to minimize posed stiffness and instead document the laughter, the tears, and the quiet glances that express so much. For me, photography isn’t just about how a moment looks, it’s about how it feels.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I think the first time I felt something close to powerful was when I realized a photo could freeze time. I remember looking at old pictures of loved ones who weren’t around anymore and feeling how a single image could bring them back for a moment. That stuck with me. It’s a big part of why I do wedding photography today, being able to preserve real, fleeting moments so people can feel them again years later. There’s something incredibly powerful about that.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Imposter syndrome, for sure. In wedding photography, there’s so much pressure to get it right, and I’ve often questioned whether I’m good enough or if my photos are. I’m never fully satisfied with my work, I always see what could be better. The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know, and that can be intimidating. But that fear has also pushed me to keep growing and improving.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe in karma, that if you put good into the world, good will come back to you. In my wedding photography business, that shows up in small ways every day: being genuinely kind, going the extra mile for clients, or helping someone feel comfortable in front of the camera often comes back in unexpected ways, referrals, trust, or simply the joy of seeing couples connect through my work. I can’t prove it scientifically, but I’ve seen it play out enough times to know it’s real.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
One of the reasons I got into photography was to create things that outlast our own lives, images that people can treasure and admire for years to come. I’d hope people remember me not just as a photographer who captured beautiful moments, but as a kind, genuine person who was fun to be around and made people feel comfortable. Ultimately, I want my work and my presence to leave a lasting, positive impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.burlapandoakphoto.com
- Instagram: @burlapandoakphoto
Image Credits
All photos by me. Burlap & Oak Wedding Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
