Meet Marielle Singletary of Mark Williams Studio!
Posted by Feltman Brothers on 12th Aug 2024
We’re excited to introduce the Feltman family to one of our most beloved photographers - Marielle Singletary, along with her two sisters Julianne and Caroline, of the famous Mark Williams Studio, Georgia.
Some of the most gorgeous photos on our website and social media channels are the beautiful work of this talented family (a second generation family of portrait photographers). We’re sharing their story and advice so you can better understand what makes a perfect session.
Can you share a little about your journey into newborn and family photography? What drew you to this in the first place?
We are a family of photographers with experience shooting thousands and thousands of children's portraits since 1985. Our Parents (Mark and Andrea) started the business after marrying and now we three daughters (Marielle, Julianne, and Caroline) are a part of the business with them.
Our love for this business and serving our clients is DEEP rooted. It’s all that we have ever known. I don’t like to brag about my work much, but the one comment we always receive is that we got the job done beautifully yet very efficiently. We are proud to offer a very successful blend of portrait work and storytelling/journalism through moving candid images.
I (Marielle) have always desired to capture portraits through photographs and as an oil portrait artist. As a child, I always thought that I would become an ‘artist’. I never realized how much our family’s daily routines and work pointed to the crafts that I would enjoy. Once I realized the connection between photography and the type of art that I had always envisioned, I was able to truly embrace the beauty of our family business.
What are your top tips for parents preparing for a newborn or family photoshoot?
Don’t worry about any of it! You’re paying an experienced photographer for a reason. It’s my goal for you to relax on the couch and almost get to take a nap while I calm/entertain the baby ❤️. I fully expect Dad or Grandma to fall asleep.
The stress of the newborn season can get heavy at times. (Some of this list includes : colic, cutting foods, switching formulas, navigating sleep, dealing with tongue ties and other medical needs.) I always find that the newborn shoot is a time for the parents to stop and relish in the moment. I think the peacefulness (with first child) or sense of accomplishment (with multiple children) that comes during the newborn session is often what makes those moments even more valuable! A beautiful Feltman outfit to wear and keep as an heirloom for generations just makes that memory even more special!
What are your best tips for parents to ensure their baby is comfortable and happy during the session?
Honestly, I have so many tricks up my sleeve. Even if their tummy is hurting, or any other issues have arisen, I typically know how to bring a sense of calm and peace to the session and to work with or against any issues. We always come out on the other side with gorgeous portraits! I’ve had four colicky babies of my own, so it’s a little bit like a therapy session on top of a photography shoot.
One tip that is very important is to feed them when they are ready! Ditch the schedule for the day and it will go best!
How do you create a relaxed atmosphere during a session?
I think my experience with my own children and my confidence and knowing babies and their needs has truly made it a piece of cake! Also, the wisdom of light and positioning that I have adapted from my parents (Mark and Andrea) has made our final product second to none. Their team work behind the camera for so many years is really what led me to this love of baby portraits and to embrace the tradition. Not only with babies and those timeless bassinet photos, but they were ALWAYS known for taking on the clients once the toddler hit 18 months old and NO ONE could get their portraits but them (Hence why daddy is the still the KING of getting those smiles during portrait sessions with the older ones!). Once I tapped into the tradition of what they had done for years, I was able to embrace the knowledge and the studio that we had right here under our roof that most photographers spend a lifetime trying to learn and achieve!
What advice do you have for parents choosing outfits for their newborn session?
Don’t stress it. Pick out your favorite Feltman Brothers outfit for the baby, but truly, anything neutral and soft for the parents and family is going to look great. Always love siblings sets when the babies or children are young enough to wear it. We also have so many pieces in the studio like bonnets/blankets/additional outfits, so if you need help styling we’ve got you covered. In 1941 my grandmother was brought home her in a Feltman brothers dress. It was even known as the very best choice that many years ago! For our whole family it is a generational tradition to wear Feltman brothers.
Can you share some of your favorite Feltman outfits that photograph well?
One set that is typically overlooked because of the label is the preemie set! These may not be labeled newborn, but they are the perfect fit for coming home and newborn photos. These outfits are dainty and delicate, and are just perfect for a newborn! Consider these for your coming home so that they do not swallow the baby.
You can’t really go wrong with any Feltman, but all of the vintage sets are my favorite! The knits are also a perfect second outfit for when we breakout of the studio for some gorgeous fun photos outside!
What tips can you share for frst-time clients when planning a photoshoot?
As I’ve said above, there really should be no stress leading up to the session. Most of the things we overthink, such as steaming, outfit/wardrobe mishaps, sibling behavior, are not even noticeable in final product! One perk to a brand new Feltman outfit is that it is perfectly pressed in the bag and you don’t have to worry about ironing or steaming!
How do you ensure that your clients have the best possible experience?
I continue to say it, but coming into the session without too much expectation and stress over the final product typically delivers the best possible outcome. We are able to work through any of the issues that arise and still get beautiful images. We have all of the pieces to fill in the gaps and get the perfect portraits. Obviously homeschooling 4 kids has given me quite a LARGE amount of patience with babies, wild siblings, etc.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not photographing newborns and families?
I homeschool my four children, which can be quite challenging, but it is also very rewarding to get to spend each day learning and discovering life with them. I enjoy getting to make them a part of the family business and see what type of effort it takes to keep a business operating. I am grateful for that being instilled in me while behind raised in the back of our studio.
When life is quiet I also love painting portraits. This season is a little slower than others with the ages mine are currently. There is only so much time in a day.
I am easily drawn down any rabbit hole that involves creativity, so you never know what whim I may follow. Passion drives most artists and that is definitely a Williams family trait!
After families receive their gorgeous photos, are you there to guide them on how to use/print/display?
Yes! A number of our clients tend to want certain images digitally, but majority of them are coming to us because they know that we are taking care of the final steps of the process. Mark prints all of our portraits in house while or amazing studio manager Sheila puts all of the finishing touches on them. Mark builds most of our custom frames in the studio. Framing, wall art styling, etc. are all parts of our package options and most of our baby club packages include framing options.
We don’t typically require an in-person sales session due to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, however, that is an option if wanted. I try to be as available on messenger and chat as possible so that we can use those wee hours of the night to be productive (together!) while our children are ALL in bed! Andrea, my mama has always encouraged our clients to have the photos made! It’s so important to document them and give them significant ways to remember their childhood. Portraits have been a blessing for our family and I pray as we all seek the Lords will for our lives that we can love one another well and soak up these precious moments!
Thank you Marielle and team for your continued partnership and wonderful relationship!
Reach out today to schedule your next photo session!
Marielle Williams Singletary
Mark Williams Studio
706 s Main Street
Swainsboro ga 30401
4782373692
