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Welcome to 217 Photography

217, many assume this number represents an address, birth date or anniversary, however 217 symbolizes so much more. Two-seventeen has long been in my wife, Dawn's, family history. Here is her story:

The sentiment behind 217 originated over 55 years ago, when my mother, Shirley Haughton was a little girl. Shirley was the youngest of eight children, who idolized her older sister Ella May. Whenever Shirley told Ella May how much she loved her, Ella May responded jokingly "How much?" As little sisters often do, Shirley tried to impress Ella May by telling her the largest number she could think of, "Two Hundred and Seventeen." This quickly became a game the two sisters played over and over again. Shirley would tell Ella May she loved her two hundred and seventeen meaning the largest amount known to her little heart. To this day, Shirley and Ella May who are in their sixties and seventies, respectfully, sign every card & letter and conclude every conversation with "I love you, 217".

As far back as I can remember my mom has told my sister, Gina, and I that she loves us 217. I don't think we ever questioned or asked what it meant. We knew intrinsically the weight 217 carried when our mom said it. 217 was the greatest amount of love possible and nothing could be more than that love she felt for us. We have continued 217 as a sentiment in our own lives and families. You will see 217 written on every birthday card, holiday card, and letter to family and close friends. Pete and I even have 217 engraved on our wedding bands. There is no better way for us to express respect, commitment and unconditional love than those three numbers.

The women of 217 are honored that it's meaning lives on through Pete's photography in capturing the images of unconditional love at it's most intimate and celebrated moments. We are excited to incorporate the meaning of 217 into our family's business. We hope to share our passion and love of photography with you and your family.

Dawn & Pete Malone

Apr 10 2009

Old School, plastic and Lomo

Posted in Film, Personal

I have been slowly building a hefty arsenal of all sorts of cameras. I think I now have about 17 different types of cameras from multiple professional level DSLRs down to a $2.00 plastic key ring camera. All of these different tools have their specific uses. And my lucky wife gets to be the test model on many, many different shoots with all sorts and styles of cameras! As we head into a long weekend, I thought I would share some of the more unique and interesting shots from a few of my personal favorite cameras in my collection. Sometimes these plastic and old school cameras accompany me on wedding and engagement shoots. They definitely add a special feel and look which is much different from the majority of wedding images shot throughout the day.

The first image comes from an old Polaroid SX-70 camera. Sadly Polaroid is no longer making their famous film. So, if anyone has any old Polaroid film laying around, gimme a call. I am definitely interested in taking it off your hands.

A Polaroid SX-70 photo from Cristin & Kirk’s wedding photos on The Philadelphia Art Museum steps.

The Holga is another classic plastic camera. This camera is basically nothing more than a black plastic box with a plastic lens on one end. But look at the lovely images that can be made with some film and plastic! This one is from Jess & Andrew’s wedding at The Lake House Inn in Perkasie, PA

Dawn lounging by the pool on our honeymoon in Costa Rica this past summer.

My special “Off limits” spot in The Marin Headlands, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co. in Tomales Bay, CA.

And the newest addition to my small, film camera lineup….the Lomo LCA +. This little baby is small enough to carry around everywhere. It shoots 35mm film and is famous for it’s sharp lens which yields some very rich colors and beautiful vignetting. These next 2 images were taken last month on our little excursion to the Leather Craftsmen factory in NY.

And finally, some red-scale negative film in the Lomo. Dawn bought me several rolls of red-scale film this past Christmas. I have had a blast shooting this stuff. I love the un-expected results that are delivered by shooting red-scale film with my Lomo LCA +. Everything looks better in red and orange, right?