Explore – Terminology, FAQs and Policies

Chicago Photography FAQs and Terms worth understanding

Families who visit Chicago with kids often get photographs taken by Marmalade Photography

Exploring the Terminology

What Are ‘Threshold Moments’?

As I was creating text for this site, certain phrases and words would randomly pop up in my mind as I attempted to describe my photography and work processes and the ways in which to describe certain feelings of flow. ‘Threshold moments‘ is one of those terms that kept repeating in my brain as I sat with my (overwhelmingly large) portfolio to select some of my favorite images for inclusion on this site.

Threshold moments are the pause before the laugh, the glance between two people, the intake of breath before a moment feels alive, the moment before a forced smile…the words to describe the feeling? I could go on an on.

Without a doubt ‘threshold moments’ are what I feel like I am always chasing – when I capture one, as a photographer, I feel like I am in 100% flowstate. While it’s a term I made up to describe this feeling I don’t think it’s unique to Marmalade Photography. I believe it’s something that many us photographers chase without even ever naming it or know how to name it. It’s authentic expression but sometimes hidden behind the mask of forced joy. It’s the moment when you feel you can see someone’s soul.

  • emotional kids photography chicago
  • Fun family sessions at Marmalade Locations by Marianne Drenthe
  • Marmalade Photography photographs Chicago kids and all their moods
  • Contemplative moments captured by Marmalade Photography
  • That in between look kids get when they are in the moment photographed by Marmalade Photography
  • This girl's threshold moment taken on location in Barrington by Marmalade Photography
  • At home photographs of Western Springs children by Marmalade Photography

Why Do I Call Photography ‘A Weapon Against Mortality’?

Again, as I was writing copy for the site phrases would just spill out of me. As I dove in deep to why I became a photographer I literally said this aloud, as I was typing it, “because photography is a weapon against mortality!“

You see I worked as an ICU nurse for a number of years before I became a professional photographer. And in my work I saw a lot of very sick people, family dynamics and just overall both the very best and the very worst that humanity has to offer.

And then I nearly died myself during one of the (alleged) most happy times of my life. After giving birth to my youngest daughter.

When I returned to work back at the bedside as an RN I felt a void. Something was ‘off’. I didn’t feel like the same person. And I eventually transitioned into photography in order to heal myself. Photography was my weapon against falling into the deep dark pit that I stood at the edge of. It was how I fought to get back my will to exist. It brought me joy, yes. It helped me heal, yes. But I also realized, long ago at the inception of Marmalade Photography in 2005, that being at the bedside during the worst moments of someone’s life is honorable and beautiful in so many ways. But being able to capture joy, connection and LIFE? The things I often saw in the photos families would bring in for the patients I cared for? Well that LIFE is worth preserving and capturing.

It’s the only really meaningful and accessible way to pause time. To stop it infinitely.

Photography is a weapon against mortality. Undoubtedly. And, while I’m not sure I’m the first person to ever use the phrase (I may or may not be), I’m definitely using it to describe what I do.

What is ‘Photography For Life’?

Buddhist belief states that the nature of life is cyclical; ever flowing through an unending process known as saṃsāra – loosely translated as ‘flowing on.’ Through suffering, we learn, and we grow.

Blooming through the muck is something I had been very familiar with. It is said that the lotus exists somewhere between here and the cosmos – a bridge, or threshold if you will, between two states of being. The upside-down lotus became my logo. Head down, still working through the muck, always moving toward the light.

From that was born PHOTOGRAPHY FOR LIFE – reflecting on my repeat clientele, the journey to get here, and those we’ve lost along the way.

Photography for Life isn’t a cutesy tagline (although I think it is cute!). For Marmalade Photography it has meaning. Photography SAVED me. So it is what I made my life. It has introduced me to the many dynamic and incredible people who have become my clients and many times part of what I call my “Marmalade Family.” Every one of these people who have called upon me to photograph their lives has become part of MY life.

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR LIFE isn’t a simple tagline to get you to use my services. It is very personal and far more than that. And I am proud to incorporate it throughout every facet of this online presence.

Welcome to Marmalade. Photography FOR Life.

yoga chicago photos
A cherished long time client balancing her body – rising above it all – not very far from an area of “muck” where the lotuses prolifically bloom in the early autumn.

EXPLORING THE CHICAGO PHOTOGRAPHY FAQs and POLICIES

Some Chicago photography FAQs for our services are:

Marmalade Photography sessions are what I’ve always called “fun playdates and field trips” – laid back, organic, and centered entirely on who your family actually is right now. That is actually what the premise behind my MARMALADE LOCATIONS is. A field trip destination that happens to be photogenic!

Here’s what you should know about me: I have no problem getting on your child’s level – whether they are 18 months or 18 years. Every child has their own world and my job is to find it, earn their trust, and capture who they are at this exact moment in time. That authenticity is the foundation of every image we create together.

Sessions are enjoyable for everyone – yes, including dads.

If we’re photographing your little ones, plan on getting a few images with them yourself. Moms are famously behind the camera and rarely in front of it. That changes here – mostly because I’ve been passionate about getting mom in the frame since the inception of Marmalade.

On location Chicago area sessions are scheduled in the morning during the week. If you are looking to book a weekend session in the city we are available both morning and evening.

Timing depends on your session type and location.

Marmalade Location sessions are scheduled in the late afternoon.

When we plan your session together we always account for nap schedules and the infamous “witching hour” for the Littles. If the proposed time doesn’t work with your child’s rhythm just say so – capturing your little one at their best time of day is always the priority.

The sweet spot is 2 to 4 weeks out. That window gives us time to plan your location, talk through wardrobe, and for seniors – get the nails done, prep the uniforms, handle the details that matter.

That said, we can often accommodate sooner – seasonally dependent.

Fall books quickly. If you’re thinking fall sessions, one to two months ahead is the safer bet.

Visiting Chicago and looking for a session while you’re in town? Reach out – we frequently accommodate visitors on shorter timelines and can often make it work around your itinerary.

Plan on bringing several outfit options and we’ll work together to select what photographs best for your setting, lighting, and the story we’re telling. I’ll guide you – that’s part of the process.

Beyond wardrobe, bring anything that has meaning. A favorite stuffed animal or beloved blanket, a family heirloom, something that tells a small story about who your child is right now. These details have a way of becoming the most treasured parts of an image years later.

The ordinary things that feel unremarkable today – the ratty teddy bear, the blanket they won’t go anywhere without – those are exactly what I want to see.

Yes – weekend sessions are available in addition to our regular weekday schedule. Reach out with your date and we’ll see what we can make happen.

What to expect during your Marmalade Photography experience?

Right now. Any age, any stage is worth capturing. Time is a thief and it moves faster than you think – not capturing this moment will feel criminal in hindsight. Right now really is the perfect time.

That said, our clients tend to find their own rhythm. Some photograph every year. Others prefer milestone moments – the stages that feel most distinct and fleeting.

Here’s how many of our long-term client relationships unfold:

Newborns at 5-10 days. Babies at three months, seven months, and one year. Yearly through ages 2-6. Then every 2-3 years through middle school. High school: maybe a freshman session as your child will grow up significantly before senior year! Senior portraits junior year through spring of senior year. A family session sometime during the college years as well as multiple times before. And then – the cycle continues as we photograph the next generation.

Those are our “Marma-kids.” We’ve watched them grow up. Some of them are now bringing their own children to us (don’t ask if it’s weird, it’s a little joyously weird!)

That’s Photography for Life. Not a tagline. A literal description of what happens with Marmalade.

Your session fee reserves your date and covers the full photography experience – my time, expertise, pre-session planning, the session itself, and the intensive post-session work of curating and custom editing your gallery.

All artwork and digital products are ordered separately after you view your finished gallery. Visit the Investment page for full details.

We offer several session experiences depending on your needs and vision.

Our Signature Session is our most popular option – a time-unlimited session (typically 60 to 90 minutes) for up to six people with unlimited outfit changes. We typically recommend 2 to 3 looks for the best flow. Your finished gallery will showcase at least 25 uniquely curated and fully edited images.

Our A Taste of Marmalade mini sessions are the “fun sized” version – we use this interchangably with the concept of a ‘mini session’. You have about 20 minutes with the camera, one to two outfits, same beautiful locations and same artistic standard. Two options available: the all-inclusive Digital Mini and the Limited Edition Mini (session fee based).

Our Day in the Life Session is our most immersive experience – 3 to 5 hours of continuous cinematic coverage of your family’s actual daily life. Fully inclusive at $5,200.

Our Matriarch Session is designed for extended and multi-generational families – grandparents, parents, children, all the branches of the tree. 60 to 90 minutes with dedicated coordination for multiple households.

Visit our Investment page for full details on each session type.

West suburban baby photographs on location by Marmalade Photography

“I mean, it’s very subtle and a little embarrassing to me, but I really believe there are things which nobody would see unless I photographed them.“

-Diane Arbus