Hello, and thanks for taking the time to stop in! For those who are new here, my name is Marlana—though some call me Mar. It’s been a while, so I thought it was the perfect time to reintroduce myself and share a bit about my journey. Photography has been a big part of my life for over a decade, and after a brief pause, I’m diving back in with fresh eyes and a renewed passion. Let me take you through my story, from where it all began to where I am today!
Photography has always been a passion of mine, rooted in the simple joy of capturing life’s most precious moments. It all started with my eldest daughter. When she was just a little toddler, I found myself constantly taking pictures of her. There was something magical about freezing those everyday moments—her innocent smile, the way she explored the world around her. As our family grew with the arrival of our son, my camera became an extension of me, documenting our journey together as a stay-at-home mother.
In 2010, I decided to turn this passion into a career, and that’s when NEMA Photography was born. Like many new photographers, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to specialize in, so I tried a bit of everything—engagements, maternity, portraits, and weddings. It didn’t take long before I found my niche: weddings. There’s something so special about capturing a couple’s most important day, and I was fortunate to travel to incredible places like Hawaii, Boston, and San Francisco to do so. For about seven years, I captured countless love stories, each one unique and inspiring.
In 2018, I made the difficult decision to step back from photography to focus on my family. There were health concerns that needed my attention, and while it was hard to put the camera down, I knew it was the right choice. Fast forward to 2020, and like many, I found myself in a new chapter after COVID hit. My husband and I had purchased an Omtech laser machine, and we were learning a whole new craft together. It was a bit like starting over—learning new software, mastering the machine, and building up our storefront. Our laser business has grown, and I’m truly thankful for how it has blossomed.
But the pull of photography never really left me. This past year, I decided to dip my toes back into the world of photography. I tried my hand at something new—food photography—partnering with a few local restaurants. I loved it, and I hope to explore more opportunities in this area. I also found myself capturing moments on the baseball and softball fields for my son and daughter’s teams. Let me tell you, sports photography is a whole different ball game (pun intended)! But once I learned how to capture the fast-paced action, I began to enjoy it just as much as portraits.
It’s been a whirlwind of rediscovery, and while I’ve loved exploring food and sports photography, I’ve realized how much I’ve missed hanging out with families and capturing those timeless moments. Getting back into the swing of things after a break has come with its challenges. I’ve had to dive into research, learning the latest trends and techniques, but ultimately what I’ve come to realize is that photography is still about capturing and sharing moments in my way. There are so many talented photographers out there—just as there were when I started in 2010—but I’m confident in the skills and perspective I’ve developed over the years.
As I step back into this world, I feel a mix of excitement and curiosity—like I’m rediscovering who I am as a photographer all over again. Each moment behind the lens is a new opportunity to see things from a different perspective and to connect with people in meaningful ways. I’ve spent over a decade capturing love stories, families, and now even food and sports. But what I’ve learned is that photography isn’t just about the technical aspects—it’s about the heart you put into it and the memories you help create.
This journey has had its pauses and pivots, but through it all, I’ve come back to what I love most: capturing moments and telling stories through images. I’m eager to continue exploring photography, to try new things, meet new people, and recapture that spark I felt when I first started. I look forward to this next chapter, filled with growth, learning, and lots of beautiful moments waiting to be photographed. Thank you for being part of this journey with me—I can’t wait to see where it leads!