About Chicago Photographer Marianne Drenthe

Creating Art for Chicago Families Since 2005

Hi, I’m Marianne – most people call me Mare. I’m here to help you create meaningful artwork that celebrates your family’s story.

When you work with Marmalade Photography, you’re not just getting someone who knows how to use a camera and wrangle various personalities in what could be a stressful situation (usually for mom). You’re getting a photographer who understands how to work with babies, children, teens and adults. You’re getting someone with enough life experience to understand nuance and relationships. You’re getting someone armed with knowledge of the developmental stages of childhood and how the practical implementation of this knowledge matters when creating photos with children.

You are getting someone who has photographed her own children’s story and now, with mostly grown children, someone who fully understands why family portraits matter. You are working with someone who works to make the experience joyful for everyone (even reluctant husbands and teens). You’re getting someone armed with the knowledge of what makes a quality photograph and how they should be presented which ultimately translates to creating artwork you’ll want to have in your home for years (and possibly generations) to come.

You’re getting someone who understands not only the technicalities and art of photography but someone with the experience and street cred to back up every claim made on this site.

“What about Chicago photographer Marianne Drenthe makes her work special?”

As you look through the various galleries here on the Marmalade Photography portfolio I hope you will feel what I feel when I click the shutter button when I am in “flow”. This sense of magic and wonderment, of knowing we got the shot (even with all the getting-everybody-organized-and-together rushing…), I hope that when you view the images of these pages you understand my absolute love of people, relationships and of family. I hope you see I want to present imagery that presents your family forward in the best and most authentic way possible.

I hope this visually translates through my vast portfolio and throughout the images scattered on this site.

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How I Got Here

I’ve been drawn to photography since childhood. I was about six or seven when my brother let me hold his Canon 35mm film SLR. I remember how it felt to look through the viewfinder – seeing the world through that limited rectangular frame. I can still feel the roughness of the camera strap against my neck, the weight of the camera, the cool temperature of the camera body.

By third grade, I’d found a 110 camera at a garage sale. I’d been saving for it, and when I finally brought it home, I was hooked. The rest is history.

To tell the truth, I’ve always been a witness of sorts. The one who sees moments others might miss. Those in-between moments you see throughout this site? Those are my favorite moments – and they often end up being my client families’ favorites too, because I caught that MOM moment. You know the one. The one that might be missed because everyone’s waiting for the “say cheese” smile? (We don’t ever “say cheese,” except ironically, of course.)

Before becoming a professional photographer, I worked as an RN in ICU and CVICU. I spent years with people during their most critical moments – crisis, loss, the hardest days of their lives. Some of the most challenging days of my life were as a nurse. I’m eternally grateful for those experiences because they refined my vision.

A series of events surrounding my second daughter’s birth shifted my priorities. My vision for what I wanted to do in service to others changed. I realized I wanted to be part of the other end of the spectrum: celebrating growth, milestones, and memory-making rather than crisis.

In 2005, I founded Marmalade Photography. Twenty-plus years later, I’m still here, doing what I love – creating beautiful imagery for my clients and their families, witnessing and documenting the moments that matter most to families like yours.

Chicago Photographer Marianne Drenthe: “How I work with families and children…”

I don’t just “take pictures.” It may sound elitist, but that’s not my function for my clients. My function is to see you. Your relationships with one another. The shyness of your preschooler in contrast to the exuberant 7-year-old sibling – and how their interactions with each other translate to their sibling relationship. The relationship between you and your partner, how you both engage with your children (and sometimes extended family members). The affection between you all. Your commitment to family.

Think of it this way: my job is that of a cartographer, mapping how your story unfolds in front of the camera – how that story will be told through light, composition, and those beautiful in-between moments that reveal who you really are.

I understand the psychology behind why family photography matters. Displayed family portraits give children a sense of belonging and identity. They answer the question every child asks (even if not out loud): “Where do I come from? Where do I belong?”

My understanding of human psychology – and especially child psychology – comes from multiple sources: my nursing background and coursework, my professional experience photographing thousands of subjects over two decades, and my 26 years as a mom myself. I know how children respond to being seen and celebrated. I know what makes teenagers relax. I know how to capture genuine connection, not forced smiles.

I’m also a storyteller. I write fiction, I engage my imagination constantly – and that narrative sensibility translates directly to how I approach your photography session and your final collection.

This is why I focus on creating artwork you’ll actually display – not digital files that sit unused on a USB drive, tucked in a drawer somewhere in your home. A photograph only does its emotional work when it’s on your wall, not buried in your phone. I’ve personally witnessed the benefits of printed, displayed photography for over 20 years as a professional photographer and many MANY years as a mom. I know this to be true. Printed and displayed photography matters, and that’s why it’s a cornerstone of my offerings as a professional photographer.

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT MARMALADE PHOTOGRAPHY

About Chicago Photographer Marianne Drenthe, aka The Visual Origin Story of Marmalade:

The entire reason for Marmalade Photography encapsulated without a word:

I serve families throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, including Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Lakeview, Roscoe Village, Bucktown, Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Evanston, Northbrook, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Naperville, Elmhurst, Frankfort, Orland Park, and Lemont and the locations in between.

I work on location – whether that’s your home, a meaningful outdoor location, or one of my curated Marmalade Locations in the Southwest suburbs.

Visiting Chicago from out of state? I’d love to photograph your family against the backdrop of this beautiful city.

My Background

I’ve been photographing families professionally since 2005. Over these 20 years, I’ve:

• Photographed thousands of people throughout Chicagoland (and beyond)
• My children’s work has been featured on the cover of Rangefinder Magazine (with article and podcast on Rangefinder Radio)
• I’ve had some of my travel work published in National Geographic Traveler and other publications across the country
• I have trained dozens of photographers through mentorship programs – some from far away as Hong Kong
• I am the founder of Professional Child Photographer, an educational platform dedicated to helping families choose qualified photographers and helping photographers build sustainable businesses (serving photographers AND families since 2007!)

My ICU nursing background informs how I work with families – I bring patience, empathy, and an understanding of life’s fragility to every session. I know how precious these moments are because I’ve witnessed what happens when we run out of time to capture them. I bring knowledge of relationships and psychology to every session.

For a complete list of publications, awards, and professional recognition, visit my Press page

Beyond the Camera

When I’m not photographing families, children and seniors, I’m running Professional Child Photographer – a platform dedicated to elevating photography standards and helping families make informed decisions when choosing a photographer.

In my personal time:

I do a lot of walking with my two very busy Irish Setters, they keep me on my toes and out and about always looking for new locations to photograph! Also it’s a great way to stave off the winter doldrums.

I spend a great deal of my time visiting the Southeast with my husband of many years. We love the sea, the sand and the seasons in which we find ourselves wandering the dunes of the Crystal Coast and watching the sun set nightly. A different vibe than the lush green landscapes of the Chicago area!

I am constantly creating art and writing stories. In fact I think it is my love of narrative storytelling that enables me to create visual stories so effectively.

I’m making peace with the houseplants in my care…no longer the houseplant black thumb that I had been last time I wrote a bio for myself for this website. I’m figuring out the quirks of various green things and enjoying transplanting with a firm understanding of pots, soil and drainage needs! All important in keeping a sort-of-green-thumb.

Most importantly, for you, I’m also a mom myself – which informs everything I do. I understand the chaos of coordinating schedules, the challenge of getting everyone camera-ready, and the value of preserving these fleeting moments. I bring that understanding to every session.

So if you’re looking for a photographer who:

• Focuses on creating artwork you’ll display (not files you’ll forget)
• Brings experience
• Actually cares about your family’s story and how it’s preserved
• And are seeking to establish long-term relationships, documenting your family through various life stages

Then I think we’re going to be a great fit!

A Few More Things You Might Want to Know About Chicago Photographer Marianne Drenthe

I take on a limited number of sessions each year. This allows me to give each family the time, attention, and creative energy they deserve. If you’re interested in working together, reach out sooner rather than later – especially if you have specific timing in mind. Typically I am booked several weeks out. Keep this in mind when scheduling our date together.

It’s best to plan on booking your session at least two weeks in advance. Seasonally dependent but plan on at least two weeks out from when we first sit and do your phone consultation.

Yes…I’m selective about the families I work with. I work best with families who value the process as much as the final artwork. When we’re a good fit, the images are better, the experience is more enjoyable, and the final collection truly reflects your family.

I’m here for the long haul. Many of my clients come back year after year – documenting new babies, growing children, milestone moments. Some families I’ve been photographing for over two decades. I’d be honored to become part of your family’s story for years to come. I’m 20+ years in with a multitude of repeat clients – which truly is the best testimony I can give you.

This page may be all about Chicago photographer Marianne Drenthe…but the truth is? Your photography session is about you and your family, your kids, your babies or your loved ones. Make sure you choose a photographer that will allow everyone’s beautiful personalities to shine.

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT MARMALADE PHOTOGRAPHY