Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background.
Hi, my name is Marly, and I'm a 24-year-old freelance photographer based in Cologne, Germany. I completed a three-year apprenticeship in photography, specializing in product photography. Currently, I am a student of integrated design, which I pursue alongside running my photography business. I collaborate with various travel companies, brands, and private clients, including capturing special moments like weddings.
When did you first pick up a camera, and what inspired you to continue taking photos?
I first picked up a camera when I was about 5 or 6 years old. My parents gave me my first disposable camera for the holidays—it was blue with an underwater design. I always loved looking through photo books or pictures my parents had taken in the past, and I often felt a nostalgic pull toward capturing moments myself. Even today, I find myself sifting through old memory boxes, getting lost in the photographs taken long ago. As simple as it sounds, photography has always felt like a way of preserving memories.
What kind of subjects did you photograph when you first started? What initially caught your attention?
I began my photography journey by capturing the different phases of the moon. As a child, I was always fascinated by the moon and made it a habit to say goodnight to it before going to sleep. Fortunately, the first camera I bought secondhand—a Canon EOS 600D—came with a 70-200mm lens. Although I had no knowledge of camera technology or lenses at the time, this setup was perfect for photographing the moon, though not ideal for everyday street photography. Once I learned more, I purchased a 35mm lens and began taking portraits of my friends, who remain my favorite models and muses to this day.
From there, it became a process of studying my favorite photographers, experimenting with their techniques, and recreating their styles. I quickly found myself captivated by the creative possibilities of photography, and from that point on, I couldn’t stop making my own art.
Your work captures diverse landscapes. How do you decide on your next travel destination?
Most of the places I visit are opportunities that arise naturally. It might be because a friend invites me to a particular destination, or a family member asks if I’d like to visit them. For example, earlier this year, I traveled to Nepal to visit my sister. Another time, I went to Croatia with a sailing company to photograph a sailing trip. Interestingly, all these places happen to be on my bucket list—destinations I’ve always wanted to see. When the opportunity presents itself, I take it and go.
Do you have a location you’ve photographed that holds a special place in your heart? What made it so memorable?
Probably Paris. As a child, my family often went camping in France, and we would usually stop in Paris at the end of the holiday because it was halfway home. I visited the city as a young girl and was captivated by its beauty. Now, I still make it a point to visit Paris at least once a year, as it’s only a three-hour train ride from where I live.
It’s also become a tradition for me and my two best friends to visit Paris every autumn. The photos I take during these trips are always some of my favorites, and the memories we create there are some of the best.
Has any specific place or country significantly influenced your approach to photography?
As I mentioned, definitely Paris, but also the USA. After finishing my apprenticeship, I went on a seven-week road trip through the States with my best friend. It was my first time visiting the U.S., but I had always felt drawn to photographing there. Many of my favorite photographers had captured stunning images in places like New York, California, and various national parks, so I knew I had to experience it for myself.
The environment, the aesthetic, and especially the quality of light are so different from what I’m used to in Germany. Like most photographers, I’m captivated by light—it shapes everything we see. Through my lens, I’ve learned to observe and appreciate the world in ways I never did before.
In closing, do you have a favorite camera or lens that you rely on for most of your work?
For the past six years, I’ve primarily used a Sony A7III paired with the Voigtländer 35mm Nokton Classic. This lens was my go-to for travel because it’s compact and lightweight, making it perfect for on-the-go photography. However, since it lacks autofocus, I considered it more of a "fun lens" and not ideal for commercial work.
To meet the demands of commercial projects, I switched to a 24-70mm Sigma Art lens, which offers greater versatility and autofocus. Despite this, I always find myself returning to the 35mm Voigtländer for personal and creative projects—it’s simply irreplaceable for that kind of work.
To see more of Marleen's work, visit her website here.
