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Meet Marquee Maylum of Vernon, MI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marquee Maylum.

Hi Marquee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been completely obsessed with Dogs! I love all animals deeply, but especially dogs. My journey as a Pet Photographer began in my early teens. I got my first digital camera and my absolute favorite thing to photograph was of course, my two Miniature Dachshunds, Brutis & Blitz. After graduating High School, I began working at a Veterinarian’s Office while I attended College to obtain my Associates of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. I upgraded that little Point and Shoot camera and as time allowed (though, that wasn’t very often), continued photographing my own dogs through my college years. In 2014, I became a Volunteer Puppy Raiser for a Service Dog organization and was given a beautiful Goldendoodle, who I named Vina Mae, to foster and train for about a year. I couldn’t help but think about the family that’d she’d go to, and the fact that they wouldn’t have the opportunity to see her or know her as a puppy. So, I dusted off my camera and decided to document her milestones through photos. Ultimately, Vina wasn’t quite the right fit for the Service Dog program, but she was just the right fit for our home. I adopted her, and continued to document her and our lives together, which reignited my spark for photography. I began studying photography, refining my technical skills, and started offering free sessions of any kind, to my co-workers for practice and portfolio building. In 2018, I was hired through a Newborn Photography Company, as a Newborn Photographer (for humans) in a few of the Local Hospitals. I learned a lot about editing and different lighting techniques in this role, but found that it didn’t ignite that same spark in me that photographing dogs did. In April of that year, I opened Marquee Photography & Design and officially began offering sessions. In October of 2021, the light of my life and driving force behind my photography, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. Flipping through the images of our memories together I was so glad to have documented so much of her, so much of our life together. It was then that my mission became crystal clear – to document these beautiful loving creatures and the special bond we share with them – because inevitably one day, the memories are all that we’ll have of them. I realized that day that this wasn’t a choice for me. It wasn’t an option. It is my purpose, the reason I am on this earth. Over the years I have poured my heart and soul into improving my skills, techniques to tell the remarkable stories of as many pets that I possibly can. This year, I’m so proud and excited to share that Marquee Photography & Design will be expanding, by opening a Pet Photography Studio in Vernon, Michigan, to share the stories of even more extraordinary pets.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been smooth, but it’s always been rewarding! In my early photography days I struggled to find an editing style that was truly ‘me’. I wanted the world to see dogs the way I see them, but at the time, lacked the technical skills needed to capture the sort of imagery I envisioned. After studying endless hours of videos, reading books, studying different kinds of imagery, practice, and experiments, I was finally able to really lock it in! To this day, I continue to take education seriously and am always working to improve my skillset even more, and learn new techniques and styles.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Pet Photographer, who specializes in both Natural Light and Studio Dog Photography. I also provide commercial partnerships with pet-related businesses, pet-business branding, and photography services at dog sporting events. In addition to photographing Pets, I photograph Concerts/Festivals and Creatives. I believe I am most known for crafting artful, unique, emotive, storytelling imagery of pets and pets with their humans. I’d have to say that I’m most proud of the fact that I am a photographer whose primary focus is to immortalize the love of our furry family members specifically. Our pets deserve to be remembered for the incredibly special and wonderful creatures they are and all the light, love, and joy they bring to our lives. Our bond with them is so sacred and beautiful – they are there for us in ways and places that humans simply cannot. A session with me is not only about the photographs – It’s also about the memories. It’s a special time set aside specifically for you and your pet, doing your favorite things together. This is a time to slow down and soak up the moments – the texture of your dogs fur in your hands, that little speckle on their nose, or the way their tail wags at the sound of your voice. A few things set me apart:
– I have nearly 16 years of experience and a degree in Veterinary Medicine. I have worked with a variety of species and sizes of animals in various settings, giving me a unique perspective and understanding of your pets needs, desires, and limits.
– I’ve spent extensive time learning and observing dog’s body language and have numerous continuing education credits in this area. I am able to immediately recognize if your pet is stressed or uncomfortable and will promptly make changes accordingly.
– I’ve invested countless hours in Pet-Specific editing and shooting techniques to capture and edit pets (and their people)
– I know how to get your pets attention and I am not afraid to do whatever it takes to get the shot! (This includes but is not limited to standing on top of a vehicle LOL based on true story!) I use high-value treats, wild noises, and their favorite toys to elicit the best expressions. During a session you’ll find me crawling on my hands and knees, climbing up and down various objects, or perched in the bushes to get the perfect angle.
– I take the time to understand and know your pet, their personality, and their story – Creating a very unique, and artistic vision for each session and each image captured throughout the session.
– I draw inspiration from many sources, including different kinds of photography and different mediums of art, which feeds my one-of-a-kind artistic style. My favorite artist is Norman Rockwell.
– Marquee Photography & Design was voted Best in Pet Portraits by the Saginaw Community in 2023 & 2024.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Don’t leave yourself out of the photos! We can never have enough photos of our pets, but especially not enough of us with our pets. Even if this means only incorporating your hands or feet in a couple of the images. I promise you won’t regret this. I do offer Free Consultation Calls, so if you’re interested in learning more, please don’t hesitate to schedule your virtual consult call by visiting my website!

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