Meet Malorie Knowles of Dawsonville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Malorie Knowles.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story actually starts in the middle of my own wedding planning – funny enough! My husband had been working out of town a lot at the time, and we were planning our wedding gifts to one another. He’s always been someone who listens to my passions, dreams, and aspirations, and he loves finding ways to help bring them to life.

While he was away, he told me a package was coming that needed my signature. When it arrived, he FaceTimed me so I could open it — and to my surprise, inside was a brand new Canon R6 with a Sigma 35mm 1.4! It was so much more than I could have ever asked for and truly everything I needed to take the leap into photography.

From there, I started second shooting with other talented photographers who became great friends and mentors. Those experiences helped me grow not only in skill but in confidence, and eventually, I built my own photography business from the ground up.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road, and at times it didn’t make much sense at all. I’ve had a lot of reality checks when it comes to my work. In the beginning, I found myself constantly trying to mirror what others in the industry were doing, and I never felt fully happy with my own images.

My colors didn’t reflect what I was envisioning, my posing and prompting felt unsure, and even though I could make it work, it didn’t feel like me. Over time, I’ve been so graciously given the space to grow — to create my own style with true-to-life tones and colors, to experiment with prompts in ways that feel natural, and to connect with and learn from some incredible people along the way. At the beginning and end of it all, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if not for Jesus Christ and my wonderful husband, Matthew!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a wedding and couples photographer, and my focus is on capturing real moments – the glances, the laughter, the little in-between details that tell a story. I specialize in creating images with true-to-life tones and a calm, timeless style that lets couples feel confident and natural in front of the camera.

What I’m most proud of is the trust I get to build with my clients. I want them to feel seen, comfortable, and fully themselves, and that energy shows in the photos. Over time, I’ve learned to lean into my own style rather than following trends, which allows me to create work that feels personal, emotive, and true.

What sets me apart is how I balance gentle direction and intentional posing with letting real life unfold. I guide couples just enough so they feel at ease, but the magic comes from authentic moments – moments that, years later, still feel as alive and meaningful as the day they happened.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have so many favorite memories, but the first that pops into my head is when I was about 10, in fifth grade. I was graduating to middle school, and because I had done well with my grades, my parents gifted me a digital camera! I was so hopeful to start taking people’s pictures, and my sister and her best friend got dressed up and posed in our yard for me so I could capture them in the grass.

Looking at those photos now feels so comical, but the excitement and creativity I had with that camera is pretty amazing to remember!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://malorieknowlesphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malorieknowlesphoto/