THE QUIET BEAUTY OF HONEST STORYTELLING
Every image begins with connection. Between light, emotion, and the people who make life beautiful.
Richmond, VA based Wedding & Family photographer
There is a certain poetry in the way light falls; soft, fleeting, and full of meaning.
Marlena Artis Photography was born from a love of that quiet beauty. The unspoken emotion that lingers between moments.
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Based in Richmond, Virginia, Marlena photographs weddings, families, and portraits with a cinematic touch and a reverence for authenticity. Her images feel like stills from a film. Graceful, honest, and full of soul.
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To Marlena, photography is more than documentation; it is preservation. It's the art of holding onto what time can't keep-the way your hand fits in another's, the laughter that fills a room, the light that touches your face at golden hour.
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Every frame is crafted with intention, each story told with tenderness and quiet strength. For those who value emotion as much as elegance, Marlena creates more than photographs. She creates legacies wrapped in light.
ABOUT
MARLENA
I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021 with a degree in Photography & Film and a minor in Fashion Merchandising. After graduating, I took a few years to pause. To really figure out who I was and what I wanted from life. That time of reflection ultimately led me back to what I always loved most: creating, storytelling, and capturing people’s essence through my own lens. I finally believed I could work for myself and build a career that felt true to who I am. That's how Marlena Artis Photography came to life.
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My best girl, Chocolate, has been with me since 2021. She’s an American Staffordshire Terrier I rescued after seeing a viral TikTok about her story. She was withdrawn and heartbroken in her shelter unit and I knew instantly I wanted to give her a second chance. Today, she’s thriving, incredibly smart, and has a personality that keeps me laughing every day. I even thought about entering her into dog shows for tricks, but she’s way too excited to say hi to every dog she meets!
When I’m not behind the camera, I’m a full-on nerd at heart. Usually playing Pokémon, Animal Crossing, and cozy RPG games whenever I can. I also love to cook, especially traditional Asian recipes passed down through my parents and grandparents. It’s my way of preserving our culture and connecting to my roots. Otherwise, you can probably find me outside on a walk with Chocolate, taking in a bit of sunshine and fresh air.
