Meet the Photographer: Andy Bowlin of Burlap & Oak Wedding Photography
From surf shoots to wedding vows—Andy Bowlin, 805 local, started behind the lens documenting waves and now runs Burlap & Oak Wedding Photography, serving all of San Luis Obispo County and beyond.
Hello!
My name is Andy Bowlin and I own and operate Burlap & Oak Wedding Photography. I do engagement and wedding photography on the Central Coast, covering all of San Luis Obispo County and beyond. I started Burlap & Oak Wedding Photography to strictly focus on weddings and engagements, but I also operate under Andy Bowlin Photography, which is more family and portrait-based work.
I first picked up a camera in high school to document my friends and I surfing and skateboarding. I later minored in photography at Cal Poly SLO and haven’t looked back. I’ve always known that I wanted to work as a photographer in some way. I am so glad I landed on wedding photography because it’s all aspects of photography jammed into one day.
Do you have any tips for couples to relax and enjoy this precious moment?
A lot of people, including myself, say they don’t like their photo taken or don’t know what to do with their hands. But once our sessions are going we are just having fun taking photos. You have to forget about the camera and just have fun with it. I like to start with easy posing and something playful to break the ice. After that, people usually start to let their guard down and have fun.
What specific theme or style do you want to reflect in your photoshoot (e.g., vintage, modern, romantic, playful)?
I’m never sure how to answer this question. I just take photos the way I see things. I don’t have a style name for it. I just like to call it photography. But if I had to, I’d say it’s more on the classic side with a touch of artistic flair. It’s definitely not vintage.
How can we incorporate unique lighting techniques (e.g., natural light, backlighting, golden hour) to enhance the mood of your photos?
Lighting is everything. All photos depend on some kind of lighting. I like to use what’s in front of me and if I can, I will enhance the scene with flash in some way. But not always. If the scene is light and airy I will go with it, and if it’s more dark and moody I will lean into that. You have to be flexible.
Are there any particular locations or settings that hold special meaning for you as a couple and could serve as a unique backdrop?
I’d say a favorite location to shoot engagement photos would be Montana De Oro State Park. There is so much variety with different kinds of trees, beaches, sand dunes, and rocks. For weddings, I’d say I love a good venue with a lot of character. That could be a well-maintained barn venue or an Italian-style winery. This area has some really nice wedding venues.
What angles or perspectives do you prefer for your photos (e.g., aerial shots, close-ups, wide shots)?
My favorite angles are ones that you don’t see everyday life at—from above or below. But if I had to choose, I would say a good wide-angle shot with good lighting and a good scene would be ideal.
How can we use props or personal items to add a unique touch to your photoshoot?
Of course! Props can really help bring photos to life, depending on the vibe you are going for. It can be as simple as a cowboy hat all the way to smoke and mirrors. It’s all fair game in photography. Props help define the vibe you are after.
Are there any cultural or traditional elements you’d like to include to make your photoshoot distinctive?
I’ve always wanted to shoot an Indian wedding. All the culture, colors, and multiple day celebrations look like a good time!
What post-processing or editing style do you envision for your photos (e.g., bright and airy, dark and moody, vibrant colors)?
It really depends on the scene I captured. If it’s a bright scene it will feel more bright and airy, and if it’s a dark scene it will be more dark and moody. I don’t really define my style as either. It’s a mix throughout the day. I like to edit my photos as natural as I can with a hint of feeling.
To add depth and uniqueness, do you want to incorporate special effects or techniques, such as lens flares, reflections, or shadows?
Yes to all of that. My favorite thing to use would be reflections though. Something about a reflection really photographs well. Can be from low tide sand, a window, a mirror, water, or I will also use my own handheld mirror.
How important is capturing candid, spontaneous moments compared to posed, structured shots in your photoshoot?
I like to capture both posed and candid moments. But candid moments really hold all the emotion. They are great when documenting special moments throughout a wedding day—a hug, a certain look, facial expressions, or a specific moment are great times to go candid.
Stay Connected
You can find me on Instagram: @burlapandoakphoto
Visit my website: www.burlapandoakphoto.com