Richmond, VA based photographer

A 2021 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Photography & Film program, she also minored in Fashion Merchandising. Her love for photography began at the age of 15, and after years of honing her craft, Marlena officially launched her own business in 2024.

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Her professional journey in photography started during her second year at VCU when she volunteered with The Commonwealth Times, the university's newspaper, to explore photojournalism. Over the years, she expanded her skill set, working with RVA Fashion Week from 2018-2019, covering runway photography, as well as gaining experience in unit stills, product photography, and real estate. These varied experiences helped Marlena shape the path she wanted to take in her career.

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After graduation, Marlena found herself at a crossroads, uncertain about the next step. However, a single inquiry in the spring of 2024 for a boudoir session reignited her confidence and passion. Since then, inquiries have steadily increased, leading her to take the leap into full-time freelance photography. With a background in corporate events and weddings, Marlena felt only natural to pursue photography within those fields.

 

In October 2024, Marlena began expanding her expertise into videography, focusing on event coverage and behind-the-scenes footage for local businesses. She is also deeply committed to giving back, regularly donating her time and skills to nonprofit organizations in need of photography and videography services.

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Above all, Marlena is driven by a love for storytelling through imagery, with a commitment to preserving memories and making every client’s experience unforgettable.