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.
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.
NEEWER HB80C Portable LED Light for photos and video
TTArtisan 75mm f2 lens full frame LUMIX and other mounts
LUMIX S9 https://amzn.to/4jjSAU3
LUMIX S1ii - All Panasonic products
Lumix G9ii https://amzn.to/4cgfCZG
Lumix G9 Camera https://amzn.to/3WIqbgk
Lumix G100 Camera https://amzn.to/3zoLyb4
Leica 100-400mm lens https://amzn.to/3GAzpmY
Lumix 100-300mm lens https://amzn.to/3FXLxgK
Lumix 12-35mm lens https://amzn.to/3r783xN
Lumix 35-100mm lens https://amzn.to/3eOBf6L
Leica 12-60mm lens https://amzn.to/31trmZe
Lumix G 25mm f1.7 lens https://amzn.to/43icaJV
Lumix 15mm f/1.7 lens https://amzn.to/3ESMplp
Lumix 9mm f/1.7 lens https://amzn.to/3JIdSf0
RODE Wireless Go II Microphone https://amzn.to/3zqJD5Y
Manfrotto 055 Tripod https://amzn.to/3eXbdOB
Manfrotto Tripod compact ball head https://amzn.to/3zrUNr3
Godox Flash: https://amzn.to/3nKjWfp
Pro/Tech Mirrorless Strap: https://amzn.to/3x6Yhj2
ProDot Big Red video button: https://amzn.to/3o4F0tS
Breville Espresso Machine https://amzn.to/3zCyFu1
You know the drill - If you buy from my links I will get a commission. Thank you for the support!