This is how I can help you

If you are new to digital photography, I can help you!

I have a deep specific knowledge in my subject areas and a big picture sense of the inter-connectivity of digital technology in photography, printing, publishing and Web 2.0. I have taught children, teens, post secondary, adults and seniors. I have taught artists, crafts people, designers, medical doctors, educators, seasoned photographers, writers, editors, oil & gas workers, and hobbyists.

I know what to do after you create your photos.

At some point you’ll want to do something with your images besides looking at them on your camera or computer. I can help you with image editing and getting your pictures in usable formats and sizes. That way you can get your photos onto your website or blog, or print your photographs to hang on your walls.

I teach online photography courses

If you have a busy life and you work all hours, the last thing you have time for is a night course. But in your spare time you love to take pictures. ImageMaven online photography courses may be the thing for you. You get to learn at your own pace and have me there as a back up if you get stuck on something. See my Photo Courses page for more information.

Free stuff

You can get in the loop by getting on my list and receive some free content before trying some of my paid courses. To sign up, subscribe using the form in the sidebar. And don’t be afraid to let me know your problems. If enough people have the same problem, that means there is a greater need. If there is a greater need, I’ll work hard to fill it.

Other places I teach

I teach photography at SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary in the Photography Certificate Program. I also design and deliver custom corporate workshops, and I give individual training to photographers, designers, communications professionals and hobbyists on photography, imaging software and blogging. I have been doing this formally since 2001 while also maintaining a small photography practice. I research my fields of interest constantly, and I am a born trouble-shooter. I work hard to facilitate my students. I love my job!

I work and teach with the assumption that technology has limits, while creativity doesn’t.

We push photographic and digital technology to its limits, but that is an ever changing line. My job as your teacher is to demystify technology so that your creativity can emerge. My teaching philosophy is best summed up by this quote from The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield.

A professional dedicates himself to mastering technique. The professional respects his craft. He does not consider himself superior to it. He recognizes the contributions of those who have gone before him. He apprentices himself to them. The professional dedicates himself to mastering technique not because he believes technique is a substitute for inspiration but because he wants to be in possession of the full arsenal of skills when inspiration does come. The professional is sly. He knows that by toiling beside the front door of technique, he leaves room for genius to enter by the back.

Nice things people have written about my classes and workshops

Hi Marlene, I just completed the introductory photography course at SAIT and wanted to thank you for passing on your enthusiasm, knowledge, tips and tricks on photography.

The knowledge I gained has certainly made me more confident and comfortable behind my camera. No more selecting that “evil green square” for me! Thanks again, Sandra

Hi Marlene, I wanted to send a note for rekindling my interest in photography. Your ability to convey basic and advanced tips on creating better photographs was much appreciated. Your teaching style kept the group interested at the Division of Rheumatology retreat. — Don, Pharma Rep

THANK YOU!!! The feedback on your workshop has been phenomenal. Everyone was amazed by you. I love how it all came together and I was proud to be your friend in the audience. — Tanja, retreat organizer, University of Calgary, Department of Medicine

Hi Marlene. Thank you for the support, and the helpful information. Hopefully we will cross paths before I head for Toronto but I will keep in touch for sure. I just wanted to let you know that for all the groaning and mumbling everyone did in the business class (mostly because we would rather have romantic dreams of just shooting, which is unrealistic) we almost all consider it the most successful class this semester in terms of gaining knowledge and skill we did not have going into it. I just wanted to give credit where it is due in case you teach this class again. It is something that has to be done, you covered all the bases, and did a good job doing it, even though our class is overall very stubborn and cynical. I was trying to think of various things that I would change or add into the class but you covered and answered all the real questions I had. — ACAD Photo Student

I’ll admit that I don’t think I approached this course with the best attitude the first couple weeks. I think I underestimated the work involved with photography, but as the course progressed I found it extremely relevant to advertising and it helped me undestand how to art direct a shoot.

I can honestly say I got a lot out of this course and highly recommend this to be required for design and ad majors. — ACAD Design Student

Dear Marlene. Thank you for this great semester. To be honest I learned the most from your class in this semester! Thank you. You made me fall in love with photography. We will keep in touch! — ACAD Design Student

It was really great taking that class from you. I learned a lot and liked the atmosphere in class. I just launched a website of some of my design and motion work if you want to check it out.

Please keep in touch after school if anything comes up and I will do the same. Thanks for everything! — ACAD Design Student