Growing up on the border of the West Texas town of El Paso, the beautifully diverse people and dry desert landscape inspired me to explore art. I gravitated to the medium of photography because of my love of light and the energy of the moment. Through the lens I was able to explore making images of the vibrant 90’s punk music scene using a camera, gifted by my dad for my 15th birthday and black & white film, which lead me down a windy path of a creative career. Music has been an integral thread throughout my life starting in the dingy venues and at backyard shows.

While I have had a diverse and successful career in brand and product photography in Los Angeles, an eye opening life transforming experience of a cancer diagnosis and treatment gifted me the opportunity to refocus my creative energy and understanding of the real healing power of art community and most of all Prayer. 

The primary focus of my visual narrative is the continual searching for the moments truthful magic in the light that highlights the beauty and complexity of the incredible world we inhabit, and the collective essence of the human condition.

Marlena Miller

c.1996

At the Drive In c.1998