Header photo: Image by photographer WandaMash 

We love shining the limelight on fabulous creatives in the PurplePort community, sharing their unique journeys and creative processes.

In this episode of FEATURED, we interviewed WandaMash, a hobbyist PurplePort photographer with more than 12 years of experience based in Warrington, United Kingdom. 

Black and Gold by photographer WandaMash with model Amy Morris

Burning down the house by photographer WandaMash with models Jasmine El and KyranEdmundAmbrose

About PurplePort photographer WandaMash

Mandy (aka WandaMash) specialises in high-fashion portraits and conceptual art, capturing subjects in striking poses, often enhanced by ethereal elements like intricate costumes and dramatic settings. She blends elegance with a touch of the surreal, crafting images that are as visually arresting as they are evocative.

With a keen eye for contrast—whether it's the starkness of a dark background or the softness of delicate textures—the images balance bold artistry with refined, emotive undertones. Every shot seems to tell a story, inviting viewers to linger and uncover hidden layers.  

Since joining our creative community in 2014, Mandy has gained many glowing references on PurplePort, and her stunning work has been featured many times in the Front Page Image (FPI) Collection.

My Inner Tilda by photographer WandaMash with model Jasmine El, makeup artist Sarah Davies Makeup Artist Hairstylist [She/Her] and assisted by Tabitha Boydell Photographic Events

Image by photographer WandaMash with model Lois J Elise, makeup artist Andrea1985 and stylist Tabitha Boydell Photographic Events

FEATURED Interview with PurplePort photographer WandaMash

How did you get into photography?

I was going through a particularly stressful time in my life and was given a camera as a gift.

Photography seemed to be a great way to express some of the emotions I was struggling with, and learning the technical aspects of taking images took me out of myself for a while. 

The Witching Hour by photographer WandaMash with model Lauren Lascivious and designer Tabitha Boydell Photographic Events

Image by photographer WandaMash with model Silk and stylist Revivify

What did you do before becoming a photographer?

I’m a finance manager in my day job. Photography is my creative outlet.

Image by photographer WandaMash with model Cat Mida Lee, stylist Tabitha Boydell Photographic Events and designer Revivify

Image by photographer WandaMash

How do you prepare for photoshoots?

I make sure my batteries are fully charged and that I have a card in the camera.

I have a host of stuff I’ve collected over the years, which I use to create costumes or backdrops, so I dig out a selection, and I’m good to go.  

Image by photographer WandaMash with model Lauren Lascivious, makeup artist Noctis Artistry and stylist Tabitha Boydell Photographic Events

Sister Act by photographer WandaMash with model Silk and stylist Tabitha Boydell

What style of photoshoot do you enjoy working on the most?

Fun, collaborative, artistic and spontaneous ones.

Image by photographer WandaMash

Image by photographer WandaMash

What’s the most interesting photoshoot you’ve ever worked on?

I’ve been on loads of great shoots with lots of wonderful people, but the most interesting shoot was an idea that had been buzzing around for ages in my head: taking Marie Antoinette into the modern world.  

My good friend Amy modelled. We made the costume between us from boot sale finds. We got on the train to Manchester with Amy in full get-up and we ended up with some fabulous shots and some hilarious memories from the day.  

We shot in the Manchester Art Gallery, where people thought we were part of an exhibition. We also shot in a pub, at a bus stop, in a fast-food restaurant, and in a cake shop. All in all, it was a really fun day.

Let them eat cake by photographer WandaMash with model Amy Morris

What do you most enjoy about being a photographer?

It has to be the people, I’ve made some fantastic friends through photography and love people who are not afraid to do something a bit off the wall, have fun and get some amazing images at the same time.  

I think rigidity kind of kills creativity, so I love spontaneous, creative people.  

I also enjoy seeing what other people are doing. Through this hobby, I have met poets, artists, performers, dancers, designers, singers, actresses, amazing creative make-up artists, and hairstylists—really all manner of fascinating and interesting people.  

Image by photographer WandaMash

Image by photographer WandaMash with model Lauren Lascivious

What would you describe as your main strengths as a photographer?

Not being afraid to fail. A willingness to learn.  

Image by photographer WandaMash with model Xeniamodel and stylist Tabitha Boydell Photographic Events

Queen of the khazi by photographer WandaMash with model Rowan Claire and designer Revivify

What's your absolute favourite photo?

It very much depends on the mood I’m in as to what I like to look at, and I can’t choose just one—it’s impossible! 

All of the images I have selected for this interview are some of my favourites.

Mother of Dragons by photographer WandaMash with model Silk and designer Revivify

Who Built the Moon by photographer WandaMash with model CinnamonGaze

Is there anyone in particular who inspires you?

There are loads of people. My sister-in-law, Heather (who is Revivify on PurplePort), makes fabulous creations from recycled materials, which send my brain into ideas mode. The other creatives I collaborate with also inspire me.

If we are talking famous photographers there are a few. Brooke Shaden for her kindness and encouragement to all new creative photographers, Lyndsey Adler for her technical prowess with lighting and  Kirsty Mitchell for her outstanding attention to detail and amazing concepts.

Sue Bryce for her business acumen and teaching abilities, and David Shoukry, Jonny Edward and Felix Kunze for their flair and style. The list is long.

I’m also inspired by great song lyrics, fine art, nature, and all sorts of things. Inspiration is everywhere.

Image by photographer WandaMash with model NCGModel

Image by photographer WandaMash and stylist EJLazenby

What advice would you give to a photographer just starting out?

Do whatever floats your boat photographically. Hang around with people who encourage and support you, have fun, and keep learning.

You don’t need to spend a fortune. I have taken great portraits where the costume cost me less than £1.

Image by photographer WandaMash with model Silk and stylist Tabitha Boydell Photographic Events

One final question. Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?

Absolutely!

Image by photographer WandaMash

Thanks again for speaking with us and sharing your creative journey, WandaMash. 

We hope you all enjoyed this interview. Check out the links below for more of WandaMash's beautiful work!

Here's where you can find more of WandaMash's work

PurplePort: WandaMash

Instagram: miss_mash_photography 

Facebook: MissMashPhotography 

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