Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Clark
Hi Mary, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In terms of modeling, I got my start by volunteering for a no-make-up portrait shoot put on by a Baltimore photographer. There was also minimal editing promised, so the concept was very intimate. It was pretty terrifying as I definitely tend to feel more comfortable with make-up on.
Many people throughout my life told me I should model, so I just worked up the courage and took the chance. After that, other local photographers reached out to shoot, and this journey took off. I never really attempted to get in with an agency, though.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I realized pretty quickly I wouldn’t be able to hear the camera clicking (if there were no flash), but there always seemed to be a workaround I could figure out with the photographers.
Overall, it has been a smooth road. During COVID, I got into a little self-portraiture with my phone, mainly for the sake of creating at least something.
Some recurring issues I had were maintaining balance (in the beginning), resisting the temptation to simply churn out content (ongoing), and accepting the previous cadence of my shoot schedule has simply changed post-COVID (current). It’s very easy to take the last point personally, so I’ve been working on letting go of that and taking initiative to intentionally craft shoots nowadays.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I try to develop a concept behind my shoots, as a model. It doesn’t always have to be abstract—it could simply be to highlight an outfit or a prop. Regardless, I try to sow cohesion throughout all elements of a shoot, that I can control. I try to ask what the purpose is and be tactful. I hope this would set me apart from others.
I’d say I’m most proud of the shoot I did at The Prop Shop in Baltimore because I had a hand in designing those “sets.”
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I like that Baltimore has a quirky, counter-culture side to it. It thinks outside the box; it’s independent. Although it is small, it is vibrant.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Jessica Lemmer, David Lebowitz, Theo Q, Kendal Carr
