Girls Night Out

In case you've missed it...we've moved to the Seattle area!  It's been quite a journey to the new location but we have now settled into a beautiful in-home studio in Federal Way, WA.  We are enjoying the view of the Puget Sound and the snow capped Olympic mountains, and we can't wait to show off the new space and start taking portraits.

One of the challenging (and fun) aspects of relocation is introducing our services to a new area.  While social media is fun, there is nothing like gathering a group together and having an event!  We decided to host a Girls Night Out.   That magical evening when all the stars align, and you can leave behind your everyday work and responsibilities and have fun!  Throw in some friends (old and new), good food, wine and music and let the games begin.  Girls night out is universal - we can all relate, and even if the friends are new, we find something to talk about!
For this event we thought it would be fun to host a live "pin-up" style shoot, complete with hair and makeup.  Part of the magic of photography is capturing the beauty and spirit of each woman.  For this event our model was the lovely Alley Kat, an aspiring pin up model.  While planning our night, we wanted to keep our services as local as possible.  We were so glad to find The Hair Lounge located here in Federal Way.   The hair magic was provided by Sarah and our make up artististry was provided by Sasa (who I'm told is working on her Facebook page).  We loved what they did and the steps they took to explain how and what they were doing.  The photo's speak for themselves:

When Should I Have My Senior Portraits Taken by Photographs by Margaret A. Lemke

May 31, 2012
Atlanta, GA
Graduation is over for the Class of 2012...parties have been had, gifts opened...thanks you notes written...well, maybe not quite yet. Congratulations to all of the Seniors and Thanks for coming in and trusting us to create your Senior Portraits. Time to start getting ready for college and those amazing years ahead of you.

As for the Class of 2013...WOW! Is this really your last year of High School? Can't believe time has gone by so quickly. You'll be filling out all your college apps, submitting those final AP scores, getting ready for your last year of High School Sports, Prom, and then...your graduation.

Of course, your high school will probably have Senior Portrait Days with your school photographer and they'll set your time and date...you may even have a few backdrops to choose from. But is that what you really want? This is your time to shine! You don't have to use that school photographer, except for maybe your yearbook photo. Look around...seek out other photographers and options. What can they do for you that will let you express yourself and show your true colors in the lasting memories of your last year of High School? Of course, I hope you'll give me a call to see the great options we have for you. I think you'll love how we meet beforehand to show you some different locations and options and of course our competitive pricing.

When should I get my Senior Portraits taken? Of course, you'll want to do it before the school year gets away from you. I recommend having them taken before the end of September to mid October. Some studios also offer Early Bird Specials for Seniors who want to get in and get it done before they go off on vacations and those tan lines start setting in. Most of these Specials end around the end of June. So do mine...hold your Senior Portrait Session before the end of June and receive $25 off your session fee.

As for what to wear and all those little tips, you'll find alot of them on my website www.photosbymal.com and the page under Investment, High School Seniors. Check them out and you're going to have a Great Senior Session!

Here's a few samples from this year just to give you a little taste of what you CAN have:

Anastasia, Sequoyah High School, wanted a fashion style shoot:

Dillon, Woodstock High School, wanted to incorporate his passion for sports:

Alyshia wanted some Vintage Glamour and a Senior Storybook:

Dream chose a more natural setting and also decided on a custom Senior Storybook. She and her mom have a very special relationship and she wanted to bring that info her book:

T'Tne wanted an urban setting to contrast her soft side. Her custom announcements were a big hit and were custom designed accordian cards which allowed her to share many of her portraits:

Ready to talk about your Senior Pictures? Give us a call and let's find just the right setting for you! You can reach us at 404-384-7722 and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Photosbymal.

Your Wedding Ceremony...Tears or Laughter? | Photographs by Margaret A. Lemke

March 13, 2012

Looking back at some of the weddings I have covered over the years, there are certain ceremonies that will always remain extremely memorable in my mind. Some because of their lavishness, some because they were so simple and sweet, some because of how much I adored the bride and groom. The most memorable however, will always be the most emotional. Whether it was a bride whose father had passed away and was given away by her mother, tears streaming down their faces, or the bride who is so nervous that her dad starts dancing the YMCA dance with her as they wait to go down the aisle.

What will be, or was, the most memorable thing about your wedding? Will it be tears or laughter?

Still looking for that perfect photographer to capture the emotions of your day? Give us a call to schedule your interview. You can reach us at 404-384-7722 or by email at Margaret@photosbymal.com.

Comments are welcome and appreciated!



Getting Ready for the Wedding | Atlanta Wedding Photographer

February 3, 2012
It's been a busy holiday season with family sessions and newborns being welcomed into the world but now that engagement season's peak has finally settled down, it's time to start talking about wedding photos again.

I see many brides walking in and out of my office for interviews about their wedding and one of the questions asked often is about how many hours of photography coverage they will receive. My answer, you have me for the day! For full coverage to really be full coverage, it must include all the happenings on your wedding day. This usually begins at the salon/spa where the bride is getting ready and spending some last minutes bonding with their mom, sisters, bridesmaids, etc. You can almost feel the buzz of electricity in the air...that moment when you will walk down the aisle is really here. All your dreams have become a reality.

These moments are so important, why would you want to have them left out of your album and your memories. Take a look at some of the memories I've captured for my brides and see why you want me and my partner to hang with you ALL DAY LONG! Then...call me to schedule your interview at 404-384-7722.