Memory Lane Portraits by Rhonda Lester

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Rhonda is proud to be a part part of these organizations: Professional Photographers of America Certified Professional Photographer Professional Photographers of North Carolina Board of Directors Fellow of Photography Degree Archdale Trinity Chamber of Commerce Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep - Infant Bereavement Photography Volunteer Photographer, Assistant Area Coordinator Southeastern Professional Photographers of America Northwestern Randolph County Arts Council Board of Directors - Member at LargeRhonda
Miss Rhonda (as Im called by so many people under three feet tall) started working in photography studios a long time ago--when I was only 19 years old. "But Miss Rhonda, that can't possibly be more than a few years ago," you say. "You're far too kind," I reply. And of course, you are. Nonetheless, Im still mastering my craft, and finding new things to learn all the time. Im constantly involved in professional seminars, sometimes as teacher, sometimes as student. I enjoy both roles. If you ask me, part of the joy of life is the opportunity to learn new things and improve yourself. If you want the personal details, I'll share, but don't expect anything too spicy. Ive been married to my husband Randy for a very, very long time, and we are still sweet on each other. (Im not telling how long, it gives away too much about my age.) The biggest adventure of our lives so far was moving from the Virginia mountains to North Carolina. We moved on a whim, with no jobs and only knowing two people in the entire state. It worked out fine, but it was most certainly an adventure. And yes, if youre wondering, I DO speak fluent Hillbilly. When it comes to family, Im the middle child of five, with one brother and three sisters. I have two nieces, six nephews, and one great-nephew (so far). Plus three godchildren, let's not forget them! Ive loved babies since I was a young girl, when I was constantly playing with the babies at church. So it seems pretty natural that I would love photographing babies and children. I kinda evolved into photography, being involved in other types of art first...drawing, painting, ceramics (Im a certified ceramics instructor--now there's some trivia for you) and sewing. Getting involved with my high school Yearbook Staff, and eventually serving as Editor-in-Chief my senior year was the real catalyst for my current career. I can't think of anything I would enjoy more--I like the art, the people, the business, the marketing, and don't even mind the accounting. More trivia for you, I have an Associates Degree in Business, earned by going to school at night while working at, you guessed it, a photography studio. There you go, more than you'll ever need to know about Miss Rhonda Lester. If I left anything out that you are just dying to know, drop me a line or give me a call Ill probably tell all. Vanessa
If Rhonda is the heart of Memory Lane Portraits, then Miss Vanessa Cress must surely be the soul. She's been serving clients here almost since the day the doors opened. She is probably the person you'll talk to if you call, she's definately the one who will make sure your order is just right. She'll take the utmost pains to make sure your framing is perfect. And she will very likely become your friend if you hang around long enough. She has a wonderful habit of that. Making friends, that is. Should you find yourself in need of a shoulder to cry on, or someone to whisper a prayer in your behalf--she's your gal. If you want to look younger, tanner, and maybe even a little thinner in your portraits than you do in real life, you're in luck. She's your gal for that as well. She takes care of most of the retouching and printing here at Memory Lane. With a background in commercial printing, she has a great eye for color and detail, so if you're picking out the perfect matts to frame your portrait, you guessed it...once again, she's your gal! The Mom to two handsome young men (they're not boys anymore...sniff, sniff), and seriously plugged in at Crossover Community Church in Sophia where she serves in multiple positions, Vanessa stays super-busy most of the time. But if you need an appointment, give her a call, she'll happily take time to talk with you.Baby Club
Memory Lane Portraits has created the Stepping Stones Baby Club for parents of infants one year old or younger. In addition to getting beautiful keepsakes of this wonderful time of a childs life, members receive substantial discounts on portraits and frames, free sessions, and are the first to know when Memory Lane Portraits offers special promotions. In addition to all that, Baby Clubbers can qualify for a free "Watch Me Grow" panel frame featuring prints from 4 different sessions double matted and framed to showcase the development of your child over the course of their first year(s). Call for details and pricing! If your child is over 1 year, ask about our Big Kid's Club. 'Cause we like big kids too!Friends Of MLP
FAVORITE PLACES, PEOPLE, SERVICES, SHOPS, AND ORGAINZATIONS All in no particular order. Northwestern Randolph County Arts Council: www.nwrcac.org Walnut Lane Bed and Breakfast Inn: A custom built Victorian house on 10 secluded acres in Liberty. A wonderful place to host weddings and events, or to have a romantic getaway. www.walnutlane.com Herron House Flowers: John Herron is a master at floral design! Enough said. Main St. in Thomasville. www.herronhouse.com Doodlebugs Children's Boutique: Classic smocked children and baby clothes, plus great fun outfits for children of all ages. Hands down the BEST children's shop in High Point. www.doodlebugsboutique.com Pilot Knob Inn Bed and Breakfast: Pilot Mountain, NC. Our favorite little place in the woods, where you can rent a renovated Tobacco Barn cabin for two and escape the real world. See my blog post for Feb. 09, for the entry about my trip. www.PilotKnobInn.com Window Works Studio: Amy Meineke created the custom window treatments in our lobby, and she's amazing at what she does. She has a great sense of style, color harmony, and design--a true artist in fabric. www.WindowWorksStudio.com Shady Ladies: This place has everything! Unique gifts, accessories, furniture, hand-crafted items, kitchen stuff, baby stuff, garden stuff, tons-o-stuff! It reminds you of your favorite little shop at a great vacation spot where you always find so many goodies that you simply must have. Just around the corner from Memory Lanes studio at 117 West White Drive at Bonnie Place. Janice Spainhour: Realtor, Broker in Charge, Ed Price Realty in Archdale. Weve bought and sold several homes with Janice, and shes not only a top-notch agent, shes got a strong sense of morals. Shes become a dear friend along the way. www.JaniceSpainhour.com Treasured Images Video Productions: Dennis & Linda Thompson are great people, and wonderful videographers. www.TreasuredImagesVideo.com A Theraputic Touch: You've never had a massage until Joan Rotramel gets her hands on you! She's the best. Archdale Rd., Archdale. 336-434-4500 Misti Whitman, Attorney at Law. A great lawyer, with a good sense of humor and a big heartwhat more can you ask for? Real estate, business, estate and malpractice. Citrin & Whitman, Thomasville, NC. 336-476-3158 Artistic Video Creations: Dennis & Rhonda Baggett are a joy to work with, and do great videos. www.ArtisticVideoCreations.net Big Kids Club
The Big Kids Club is just for children one year old or older. We have so much fun capturing the personalities of these little people! This is the perfect way to make sure you don't miss out on beautiful portraits of the early years of your child's life. Members receive discounts on portraits and framing, free sessions, and are the first to know when Memory Lane Portraits offers special promotions. In addition to all that, Big Kids can qualify for free framed portraits, featuring our "I'm So Big" series, and our "My Many Moods" Collection. Call for details and pricing! ClientPassword