Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Lee Palmer.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mary Lee. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I was 15, my mom gifted me a camera and I immediately fell in love with photography. I attended workshops over the summers in high school and photographed everything from my friends to nature in my free time. When I was 17, I learned my birth mother is also a photographer which created such a special bond between us and my love for this new hobby.
I eventually realized I wanted to make it into a career and attended Nossi College of Art in Nashville, Tennessee. I spent two years learning under amazing photographers and business owners. I had the opportunity to work with makeup and hair artists, musicians, and models. I learned about all the different styles of photography, which helped me figure out exactly what style of photographer I wanted to be.
Since living in Atlanta, I have started my wedding photography business. I spent the past two years learning everything I could about capturing couples and the wedding industry. One of the best workshops I went to was Hustle and Flow where I learned all about the wedding industry, sales, and how to run my business.
I continue to learn more about being a better photographer and businesswoman through so many amazing people in our community! I have so many mentors, photographers, and experiences to thank for who I am today.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Haha.
In the beginning, I had a really hard time making the jump to full-time photographer. I’ve had a lot of part-time jobs that taught me so much. I just kept feeling like I wasn’t giving my dream and my clients my full attention. It felt amazing to go full time, but the struggles don’t stop. I’ve learned so many great lessons through the hard times.
It’s easy to feel bogged down when you’re building a business from the ground up. When I get overwhelmed, I try to remember why I’m doing this. The happiness my photography brings me is way greater than the struggles along the way.
Please tell us about Mary Lee Palmer Photography.
I am a wedding photographer specializing in wedding, elopement, and couple photography. Meeting new people and creating a connection is one of the main reasons I love what I do. My photography is rooted in photojournalism because I want to create a photograph that touches your soul. Each moment captured is special and tells a unique story. No matter what type of love story you have, I want to be able to capture that for you. Whether it’s silly moments on top of a mountain or romantic gestures in the garden. I believe what makes your wedding photos timeless are the raw moments that make you, you.
I am extremely proud of the way I’ve combined my passion for photojournalism and capturing love stories because I never thought I would love it as much as I do today. The people I’ve met throughout my career have given me so much joy.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memories from childhood are playing in the woods behind my childhood house. Growing up in that setting created my passion for the outdoors which led to photography. There are mountains and stars in my business logo because that’s how my passion for photography started.
Pricing:
- Wedding Packages ranging from $1,300-2,000
- Engagement Session ranging from $150-300
- Bridal Portrait or Boudoir Sessions starting at $300
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maryleepalmer.com
- Phone: 9126822675
- Email: photobymlp@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryleephoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryleephoto/
Image Credit:
Thistle+Wood Photo; Mary Lee Palmer Photography
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