Mandalyn is a passionate travel, street, landscape, and environmental photographer who is inspired by the world around her. Her work reflects her desire to preserve moments of happenstance and of people and places as she sees them. As a visual storyteller, her images are filled with soothing tones and unforgettable stories that will leave you with wanderlust. She currently lives in Sicily, Italy with her husband, Jordan, and two Boston Terriers, Birdee and Chalupa.

Congratulations Mandalyn on becoming an Unraveled Expert Artist!! Her images are full of the most beautiful scenery and landscapes. Mandalyn’s images will give you the travel bug and a zest for seeing all the wonderful places the world has to offer!

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Here is Mandalyn, Unraveled…

What inspired your art?

If there is one thing that influences my art on a daily basis, it is that I know change and growth are imminent. My time as a military spouse has helped me to recognize that life is fluid and can change in an instant. Thus, capturing the here and now is essential. I’ve often heard people say, “now is not the right time.” And, while that may be true for some things, it’s never true for photography. For me, photography creates an emotional connection; a reminder of what once was. I strive to preserve not only the fleeting moments in which photos were taken, but also the emotions of that very instance, forever.

What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens?

I have two a7iii bodies and the Sony FE 2.8/24-70mm GM is my absolute favorite lens because of its versatility and sharpness. I also really love my Sony FE 1.8/135mm GM, but rarely use it. My Lensbaby SOL 45 is a favorite for more creative shots as well.

What other ways do you express your creativity?

Photography is definitely my number one source of creative expression, but I do love baking sweet treats and making pasta by hand.

How do you de-stress at the end of the day?

A glass of red Sicilian wine and couch time with my husband and our puppies.

What kind of music do you listen to while editing?

Funny enough, I usually listen to the sounds of whatever is on DogTV. I usually edit during the day and my dogs love that channel.

What is your favorite book?

I have two vastly different favorites: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl and The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. The Bell Jar was the first book I ever fell in love with and Man's Search for Meaning never fails to give me hope and inspiration.

Name one movie that inspires you.

I could watch "Call My By Your Name" over and over again. It's not just the story itself, but the setting and emotions evoked from that film that makes me love it so much.

What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?

The most difficult part of my creative journey has been feeling seen and heard, finding "my voice," and identifying what makes me happiest. I think finding yourself is one of the most difficult tasks in life.

Who is one of your favorite photographers?

This is the most difficult question, but I have to say that Christina Freeman's images stop me in my tracks every single time. The way she captures light on ordinary objects or in ordinary places really pulls me in and want to absorb every inch of her photos.

How do you handle self doubt or creative slumps?

Shoot through it. Try something new. I love diving into a new Unraveled lesson about something I know very little about. It helps me to redirect my focus for a bit while still improving my craft.

What is your favorite course or lesson at unraveled?

Another difficult question. SO many Unraveled courses have been inspirational to me, but 'Using Photography to Materialize Your Inner Voice with Lindsay Saunders' might be my favorite so far.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Eggplant! It's a Sicilian tradition and oh so good.

What is your most favorite kind of light and why?

I love the soft glow of sunrise. The tones and colors present are my favorite and the experience of shooting at that time of day itself fills my images with nostalgia.