Her photos have graced the front pages of The Royal Gazette, galleries across the Island and the photo albums of countless newlyweds — including the images on Pages 12 and 13 — both here and abroad, but there’s more to photographer Meredith Andrews than meets the lens as Tricia Walters recently found out.>How long have you been a photographe$>

Professionally for six years.

Is it something you always wanted to do, and why?

I’ve always been a visual person with a keen interest in film and photography. Professionally speaking, photography is a perfect merger of my interests in journalism and the visual art

Can you remember the very first photo you ever took?<$>

I remember purchasing my first fully manual, SLR camera in NYC nearly ten years ago. From that point on you would never catch me without a camera of some sort. In 1993 I started travelling and seriously considering the composition and subjects of my photographs more than ever.

Where did you st?<$>

GCSE — Saltus Grammar School, IB — United World College of the Atlantic, Wales. BA in English (Cultural Studies) — McGill University, Montreal, MA in Media & Communication — Goldsmiths College, London, UK

You used to be a photojournalist, how long have you been a wedding photograr?<$>

Whilst living in London I shot a few weddings, but it was not until I returned to the island almost three years ago that I started seriously shooting weddings.

Do you miss taking news-photos? If nothy?<$>

Yes and no. Yes, because I miss being on the cusp of all the action, working in a team, meeting news makers everyday and exploring parts of Bermudian culture I may not normally find myself. No, because I treat most of my commercial jobs including weddings like news stories. I’m a story teller, only difference is I use a camera instead of pen and paper.

What is the name of your company?

Meredith Andrews Photography. I shoot both in the studio and on loion.

What is the best part of your job?<$>

Meeting new people, trying to capture their essence in a portrait or the feeling of a special day like a wedding. After all the tables have been cleaned up, the dress has been put in a box and the lights switched off the only thing that remains from the big day is my photos. It’s a great responsibility, but I truly enjoy it.

Besides wedding photos — is there any other subject you enjoy doing - like animals/nature etc?

Portraits, travel, reportage and fine art. People, people, ple.

What are some of your major achievements?

Next question please!

What was the most difficult wedding shoot you ever did and why?

They all present challenges in their own way, but I would have to say the most difficult was in the UK when I was still shooting film. A Sri Lankan bride, Swedish groom and 350 drunk guests. It didn’t help that it was the middle of winter, pouring with rain, and the venue was so dark it was like a cave. Thank heavens fflash.

How long (time) does it take you to take photos of one wedding?

They all vary. From one hour to two days.

What are some of the challenges of taking wedding photos?

Occupational hazards include being trampled by Jimmy Choos, keeping the bride from melting in the July heat, remembering the names of the wedding party, being prepared for any eventuality and getting hit on by the odd drunk guest. All in all noto bad.

If you had to give advice to any couple getting married about their wedding photos — what would it be?<$>

Think about the time of day and year when considering your photos. Avoid midday, high summer and trying to take formal photos with everyone (limit it to your wedding party and immediate fam).Meredith Andrews can be contacted at (441) 333-2353 or via her website at www.bermudaweddingphotography.com