Marlene at the Banff Skatepark

Marlene Hielema
ImageMaven

As a former corporate photographer and photo educator, I’m sliding into semi-retirement by doing photography for the joy of it. Here you’ll find my best and most recent work on birding, skateboarding and street photography.

I’ve done a lot of teaching over the years at the college and university level from 2004-2020. I’ve run corporate workshops, keynotes, and also created online photography courses. Currently, I share my photography training on YouTube, so you can find me there too.

I completed my Bachelor of Applied Arts from Metropolitan University in 1990 (formerly Ryerson University in Toronto) where I gained a formal education in photography. I also have a Masters in Communications Studies from the University of Calgary (2004) where I researched the effects of the Internet and digital technologies on commercial photographers, which was a challenging time for photographers and commercial photo labs.

I’m an avid skateboarder and am a founding member and former VP of a Calgary women’s skateboarding club from 2015 to 2024.

Product Reviews

I am open to product reviews, sponsorships and collaborations, if it’s a good fit for me, and if it is something that I would use.

Email me to connect.

In my reviews I don’t just list off the specs. I always use the products for at least two weeks before reviewing, as I like to incorporate practical examples of how I use the gear.

If you wish to support my work, you can:

Thank you for the support!

Gear List

I shoot LUMIX Micro Four Thirds and Full Frame cameras. Here’s a partial gear list - with affiliate links.

You know the drill - If you buy from my links I will get a commission. Thank you for the support!