“I had seen my friends get their photos done at Marlene’s Designer Portraits and I loved them.  It knew it would be professional and FUN!  :)

Marlene was so friendly and seemed honestly excited to take my portraits.  She made me feel special and not in a forced put-on type of way.  I loved posing and feeling like a super model for an hour.

I love my portraits because Marlene KNEW exactly what she was doing!  She captured my essence and my body shape perfectly.  I loved so many of the photos!  There was so much variety and I felt like Marlene put her heart into these photos.   What one word would I use to describe the portrait experience?    ”Exciting”   I will recommend Marlene to my friends and family because of the 100% money back guarantee; of the time spent with us before the session to plan and co-ordinate everything; Marlene made it a fun experience and because I believe my portraits are absolutely priceless and shows exactly what I wanted it to!” Michelle Koop, Steinbach, Manitoba

Can you see why I titled this blog post ‘Breathtaking’?    I couldn’t choose just a few photos, so sit back and scroll down and enjoy these photos.

I loved Michelle’s enthusiasm when she came in for her initial consult.  I knew at that time that I would have a great time photographing her and when she booked I was very excited.   When she came in for the portrait session – she was wearing these 5 inch heels and she had a smile on her face in anticipation.  Then she put on her grad dress and I caught my breath – she was stunning.   Here are more of my favorites from her session…

And this is probably my favorite portrait of Michelle I took that day!

Sigh – okay, I’ll say it again.  I LOVE my job!

A change of shoes … and more photos…

And … my favorite from the entire session….

The high school senior girls that came in this year had so many fabulous looking grad dresses – they were all unique and fun and classy and pretty and suited each high school senior to a ‘T’.   I get a chance to see (and photograph) these dresses before anyone else!   I love my job!

Do you see a trend?    Both of them were photographed on my unique “Western” set.   This was ‘built’ in 2006 on the exterior wall of my garage and has proven to be quite popular – especially for my high school senior grads!   And, Colleen was no exception – we needed to use this set for her grad portraits.    Why did I say that Colleen is ‘one of a kind’???   Well, look at her awesome, unique grad dress.  It was perfect for her and she had red highlights put into her hair to match!

We started off with photographing her on my new Faux Copper Tile panels set in the studio…

I loved how much fun she seemed to be having!   Perhaps she just knew what to do in front of the camera, as she is taking photography in school.

It was windy outdoors, but I didn’t mind – it was perfect for her dress and flowing hair!   This next image is my absolute favorite!   Check out what the wind did – amazing…just amazing!

Kyle is the next brother to graduate and I’ve got to wait 3 years for that!!!!!  This ‘Western’ set will be even more weathered by then!  lol

Colleen – I can’t wait to see your portfolio!

“You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.”  Tom Brokaw

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

We weren’t sure what to expect when we asked Marlene if we could bring our dog to our family portrait session.  He is, after all, an 85 lb ball of white fur, and not exactly well trained.  In fact, we weren’t sure we wanted to try having him in the photo’s, but Marlene was enthusiastic about including him.

After a few minutes of ear scratches, she quickly became his new BFF.  Marlene graciously allowed him to sniff the place over, making himself quite at home.

The shoot itself was wonderful!  Marlene knew how to make sure we were all, dog included, relaxed and having fun.  She treated Shammey like a member of our family (although he did get more pats and rubs than the rest of us LOL).

PS – Shammey wants to know when he can come over to play…..

Lauren, Rob, Jessie & Jamie Bilbey (and Shammey)  Mitchell, Manitoba

I can’t understand why more people don’t bring in their pets to be included in their photographs!   Like a good friend keeps saying “Pets are People, Too!” I used to be a pet owner – I’ve had several cats throughout the years.  I am an ‘auntie’ to two beautiful Hungarian Vizsla dogs by the name of Hunter and Grissom.  I have come to realize how much personality each and every animal has!  Their lovely features are so unique, their mannerisms and little quirks are endearing – they give you their unconditional love.  I’ll say it again – Pets are People too!

This is not the first time that I have photographed the Bilbey Family.   In 2000 I started offering “Back to School” photos, and Jessie and Jamie were one of my very first school kids that I photographed!   They came in each and every year for an update and I had a chance to see them grow and got to know their personalities as well.

I had the pleasure of photographing the family in 2003.

Then in 2004, Jessie graduated!

And in 2007 Jamie came in for his grad photos…

I feel lucky to be able to photograph families as they change and grow!