Meet Paul Mardy | Portrait & Fashion Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Mardy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
From a young age, being creative came naturally to me. My imagination has always been the cornerstone of my creativity, driving me to think abstractly and see the world in unique, vibrant ways. This ability to envision the extraordinary within the ordinary has been instrumental in shaping my artistic journey.

For me, limitations were never obstacles; they were merely creative challenges waiting to be overcome. Growing up with humble beginnings, I learned early on that limitations could be turned into strengths. This mindset has been pivotal in my career, teaching me to view every constraint as an opportunity to innovate and push boundaries.

My imagination has given me the freedom to create, experiment, and learn how to craft unique, beautiful, and extraordinary things from the most unassuming ingredients.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a visual storyteller—I love to bring photos to life. For me, photography is more than just capturing moments; it’s about creating stories that speak. Great lighting and a model can make a photographer’s job easier, but it’s the narrative woven through the images that truly defines art. When someone looks at a photo and feels the emotion, understands the vision, and connects with the story, that’s when I know I’ve succeeded. This ability to communicate through imagery is what sets me apart.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been far from easy. I’ve made countless mistakes and continue to learn from them every day. There was a time when I didn’t know how to use a camera. I often dedicate time to honing my skills, learning new techniques, recreating scenes I admire, and most importantly, bringing my unique imagination to life. This journey has taught me that discipline is key. There are days when I feel like giving up, doubting my ability, or feeling like I’m only as good as the last photo I’ve taken. However, resilience and discipline keep me pushing through, even on the toughest days. Each photograph is a testament to the challenges I’ve faced and the progress I’ve made. My journey is ongoing, and every day brings me closer to where I want to be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the best of what LA has to offer. Since I love the outdoors, we’d start with a mix of nature and iconic sights. Depending on their comfort level with nature, we might kick things off with a hike at the Culver City Stairs, Runyon Canyon, or a trek up to the Hollywood Sign. For some beach time, Playa del Rey and Manhattan Beach are personal favorites—perfect spots to relax and enjoy the sun. We’d also explore the local farmers markets, with the Culver City market being my favorite.

When it comes to food, LA is a culinary paradise. We’d have to dine at Stevie’s Creole Cafe for some amazing Creole cuisine, and then head to Republique Cafe for a delightful brunch. For a night out, The Nice Guy offers great food and vibes. To mix things up, we could spend a day exploring the arts and culture scene, perhaps visiting the Getty Center or the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to every room I’ve stepped into, every missed opportunity, everyone who pushed me, and even those who didn’t believe in me. Each experience and individual has shaped my journey, and being in any room is a blessing to me. I’m incredibly grateful for where I am in life. Having a creative career chose me, and I truly believe a special path has been carved out just for me. There’s no rulebook, manual, or guide that can precisely place you where you need to go… and even if there were, the outcome would still be uniquely yours.

Website: https://www.paulmardyphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul.mardy/

Image Credits
Paul Mardy