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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

Mar 19 2010

Meet Randy!

So, a few months ago I ordered a mannequin from E-bay. There are actually a TON of different types of mannequins on E-bay….I never knew. Anyway, my plan was to have a mannequin on standby whenever I wanted to practice some lighting techniques and general shooting. I work from home and I often get the urge to get out and work on portrait photography in the middle of the day. But with Dawn off at work, and the cats deemed “indoor only”, who can I have as my subject on a moment’s notice? Randy….that’s who!
So with the recent warm weather and perfect days, I have really wanted to get outside , away from the computer and do some testing of some off camera lighting that I purchased over the winter. Just the other day I brought Randy out front, set-up a light stand with a flash an umbrella and started shooting away. Then Dawn came home from work only to pull up to see her 35 year old husband in front of our home playing with his dolly. I knew she was proud of me! Also, with several engagement sessions in and around Philadelphia and Bucks County coming up on my schedule in the next few weeks and months, Randy may be taking requests! If you want to meet Randy and have him come along for your portrait session, I’m sure we can arrange that. Just let me know in advance so I can clear his schedule.

This one could be Randy’s album cover shot….if he somehow records an album and releases it to the world.

After a few minutes of protesting, Dawn finally agreed to pose for a quick shot with our boy Randy. I think her expression of half smile, half annoyance says it all.