Every once in a while, actually more and more often, I am asked to do something I haven’t done many times (or at all) before. I must admit a bit of trepidation mixed with excitement over stretching my creativity. (Then again, every new experience should be accompanied by a bit of fear – it keeps us on our toes, right?) But this editorial shoot for Outreach NC magazine couldn’t have been more fun and relaxed. They contacted me to photograph local celebrity author, Mary Kay Andrews, for a feature article about the multiple New York Times best selling author who penned novels such as Summer Rental, Savannah Blues and her newest book, Spring Fever. Mary Kay and the magazine staff, Carrie and Melanie, were so lovely to work with. Mary Kay was so warm and welcoming and down-to-earth. I especially enjoyed hearing her talk about the writers’ intensive group that meets twice a year at a remote resort to work on their writing and bounce ideas off one another. When I think of an author, I picture someone sitting in a quiet room typing away on a computer (or typewriter!) with papers scattered around them, and no one in sight. It’s eye-opening to realize that everyone, even authors, rely on the support and ideas of others to be successful. It reminds me how important my small group of photographer friends are to me. Now, if we could just organize a trip to a resort like that…
Mary Kay’s love for antiques, or “junk” as she calls it, had me excited at the notion of what her home would look like. You know me and antiques. I love the history of objects, known or invented, and I love re-purposing old things and giving them new life. Take my new studio cabinet for example. Her home is filled with layers of color, texture and character. It was just what I had expected and really a dream to photograph.
In addition to the character-driven novels she writes, she also wrote a series of mysteries under her real name, Kathy Hogan Trocheck. The book covers hang in her office.
Mary Kay, it was wonderful to meet you, neighbor! Hope to see you again soon and congratulations on the release of your next novel!
