Beyond the Lens
“We teach people how to think of us.”
Are you ready to steer your reputation? Are you ready to up-level your brand? Are you ready to connect with your audience and show them who you really are? Are you ready to create visual assets that frame the way you are seen and understood? And, most importantly….are you ready to show up on purpose?
My name is Marlana and I am an international photographer and visual strategist. My client base has included athletes, celebrities, WWE Superstars and public figures including Miss North Carolina.
My experience includes storytelling, advertising, location scouting and set styling and design. My work has been featured on magazine covers and in NY Times ads.
I have been hosting Your Iconic Image for 100 episodes now and for episode 100, my first guest, John Dalrymple is going to turn things around and interview me.
Bear with us, the audio on John’s side is a bit low…
www.marlanasemza.com
IG: marlana.semenza.photo
Transcription: Vision In Word
Marlana
Well, welcome to the 100th episode of Your Iconic Image. And today, you are actually going to get a little insight on me, and what we're going to do is, we're going to bring this whole thing full circle. My very first guest is going to do the interview. If you missed his episode, please go back and watch it. It is called What Makes An Icon? John, the show’s yours.
John
Well, hello, Marlana. How are you?
Marlana
I'm well.
John
Well, it's an honor to talk with you today. You know, you are a genuine and authentic person, incredibly talented. And I would even say gifted in your ability to bring out the best in people. You've reached this milestone 100 podcast. And today, we get the chance to get to know you. Even though you've done 100 podcasts, many people really don't know what you do. So, first question, tell us about what you do.
Marlana
I am a photographer and visual strategist. So, what that means is, I take all the things that make you unique, and I bridge the gap between that and what your audience or clients need to know. I do that in images, and that's in a nutshell, that is that.
John
Okay, you're in a crowded field, as we all are. Tell us what makes you different than other photographers.
Marlana
I think part of it is my background. But also, at its core, I'm really not in the photography business. Photography is the vessel that I used, and the means of communication that I use. But really, I'm in the reputation business. And so, I think that's the biggest difference.
John
Wow, I love that. I absolutely love that. So, tell us a little bit about your creative process. Walk us kind of through that. How do you get to know someone?
Marlana
It's a busy world in my brain, John. When somebody comes to me, and they want to collaborate, because I don't look at it, as you know, I'm doing this for you, I do look at us as a collaboration because I very much go off of their input also, and you know, their suggestions, all that kind of thing. So, it's not just me, it's us. That said, there is a questionnaire that I have people initially fill out and I have worked with somebody who is in the psychology realm to help me word the questions in a way that will make you dig a little deeper. And when I get that back, then what happens from there is we go over it. Often I have found that the answers that people write down really aren't the answer. It's about three answers deeper than that. So usually, that comes from the conversations and evoking those.
John
Nice replies. Yeah, that's absolutely awesome. Now, you know, personal branding is become such a huge, dynamic, fluid issue and an important one. So walk us through how can someone be best prepared to work with you and make the most out of a session with you? Are there some tips and things that you would share with people about how they can work with you or make the most out of their time with you?
Marlana
I will say this, all photographers aren't a one size fits all. So I may or may not be the right fit for you. And that's okay because when we first connect, we're kind of interviewing each other. And I want to make sure that you get the best person, the best photographer, the best storyteller for you, which, like I said, may or may not be me. And if it's not me, I have people that I can refer you to. And it's not that there's anything, you know, quote unquote, wrong with either one of us, it's just that we just may not be a fit. And you want somebody that can fall in love with who you are, what you stand for, and all those kinds of things.
I know for me, that's essential, because if I can't fall in love with you, then I can get other people to fall in love with you. So, I think that's what you have to look for when you research somebody's website. First of all, if you're looking for a brand photographer, it's got to be more than headshots, you need to see storytelling. And aside from that, I want you to also look at their style of photography, because what you see is what you're gonna get. If you like it, then pursue contacting them and having these conversations. By the time I actually get somebody in front of my camera, we've had three or four conversations and we know each other pretty well at that point. Then we can also develop our game plan. We know what's going to happen, we know What needs to, who needs to bring what. All those kinds of things.
John
Oh, that's awesome. Hey, people out there, did you hear that it's more than headshots? Your personal brand is more than headshots and storytelling and people getting to know you is really important to creating that connection, that rapport and really being able to build a relationship that you can work well together. So, let's talk a little bit, you know, you have so many come in, what are some of your goals when you begin that creative process with someone? Can you describe those a little bit?
Marlana
I want to bring out the unique things about you, but also the best things about you, I think everybody deserves to be seen in a unique way for the best of who they are. So, you know, we're building a relationship, this is a partnership. And so I need to get to know you. People have said to me, Well, how much do I really need to share, I don't really want to be the face of my brand, you know, all those kinds of things. And as far as what to share, all's I can say is, especially when it comes to social media, you don't have to tell everybody all your business, I want you to look at it like a rental house, or a rental property where you want people to come in, you want them to be comfortable, you want them to, to, you know, sleep in the comfortable bed and swim in the pool. But there's always an owner's closet, there's always something that's locked in there that they can't have access to. I want you to treat your branding, and your message and all the pieces view the same way. Now the size of that owner's closet and what goes in it is entirely up to you. But always make sure that you have one.
John
All right. sage advice. absolutely outstanding, there seems to be a trend to overshare. And in a lot of cases, less is more. So keep those things in that owners closet people. That's wonderful. Let's talk about you know, some of the things that you've done, maybe describe for us, one of your most memorable shoots, memorable people that you've worked with? And what made that person or that experience memorable, just kind of walk us through some of that,
Marlana
you know, all of them are to me.
John
That's great! And I believe that.
Marlana
I would say, you know, obviously, one of my most memorable things was how I got into photography in the first place. I was a photography major. But my first job was with WWE, well, actually WWF at the time, and I never watched wrestling, I went down to apply for a job in photo editing and I wound up on a tour bus. And the first day, I was told, okay, we'll meet the bus, and it was nighttime and so I get on the bus and the dark. Me and I think six guys I've never met and told you know, here's your bunk, and I got to the arena the next day, I walked backstage and I looked around I'm like, What have I done? But I worked there for three years. It was an amazing experience and a lot of good memories.
John
Wow, that is so cool. And I have to ask a follow up your favorite wrestler did
Marlana
You know, it's really hard I would say from a lot of standpoints. I love Taker, he is sweet baby Taker. You know, he looks like this big imposing thing. That's not the side of him that I remember. He's just a class act and also to my dear friend Joe Laurinaitis, who passed away about a year ago. loved him. Absolutely loved him!
John
That's outstanding! Just great! Wonderful! Let's talk a little bit more if we can, you've recently had an amazing experience with women in rock and roll. Can you talk to us a little bit about that and some of your takeaways from that experience?
Marlana
Yeah. When I was in college, I wanted to work two places. I wanted to work for Rolling Stone and I wanted to work for Vanity Fair.
John
Nice.
Marlana
Yeah. Well, the so when I had the opportunity to go out and photograph these women out in LA, it was a rock and roll fantasy camp. And it was the first ever women's only. Gentleman by the name of David Fishoff runs these camps. And Britt lightning who is the music director is just fabulous. She's been on the show as well. But yes, it was wonderful and amazing to meet and photograph, Melissa Etheridge, Nancy Wilson and Kathy Valentine. However, to me the standouts at that camp were the women that participated, and the camp counselors, oh my goodness! The Janet Robins and the Tasha Jones and the Samantha Maloney's of the world. But these are just Outstanding women, Nikki Stevens. I mean, the list goes on and on.
I'm just so thankful for meeting all of them, because here's the thing, I do not play music, I can't sing, I can't play a note, but I was so inspired by all of these women. Even the women that were campers, Payton Velligan, and Sierra Levesque, Dawn Crans, and on and on and on, they were so inspired by their passion, and their creativity, and you walk away transformed. I think that's the thing when we work in a certain industry, like I work in photography, we often look to other people in our industry for inspiration, things like that. Look outside your industry, because other people are doing such amazing things, and when they have that kind of passion, it rubs off.
John
Fantastic. Were there any particular key learnings or things that you took away from that not only from the inspiration, but just in being there and being a part of it?
Marlana
Seeing these women all come together from all over the country, and even out of the country, and the way they supported one another and cheered for one another and encourage one another, that honestly doesn't always happen. So, to watch it happen, and when it does happen, there is such strength in that.
John
Oh, absolutely. supporting each other and seeing that, that's wonderful. Absolutely love it. Now, let's start, you reached 100 podcasts. Walk us through, as a photographer, why did you start a podcast?
Marlana
I started it honestly, for two reasons. I wanted to give people value aside from, you know, because I stay in my lane when it comes to branding. I'm I do the visuals, I tell the story and images, but I stay in my lane. But there are so many other aspects to it, that I wanted people to have information, inspiration, tips, tools, tricks and all those kinds of things from experts in their fields. So, that was one of the main reasons.
John
I was gonna say it, though, love that.
Marlana
And then the other reason, honestly, was to be able to have conversations with amazing people.
John
Oh, that's so cool. You know, I congratulate you celebrate.
Marlana
Yeah, that is just one of the coolest things that I can think of.
John
That's just awesome. So, let's talk about you a little bit.
Marlana
Okay.
John
So, you know, you live your life in a way that live leaves people better than when you found them. How did that kindness develop within you? How did that come forward? And you know, you use that in your photography, but you inspire people. How did that develop?
Marlana
Well, first of all, that's very kind. But I think for one thing, there are enough things that beat us up in the world. I don't want to be one of them. And, you know, my husband laughs at me, we walk into rooms differently. He said, When you walk into a room, you just walk in, you see the best in everybody, and I said, Well, that's by design. That's my job. And I said, besides, I never have to worry about the dangers, because you're always in the room. And I know I'm good. But I think it's just like I said, I think the world beats us up enough. And I think that there needs to be people in it that help you see all the things that you don't see about yourself.
John
And that makes a difference. I made a real difference. And sometimes that's just a one on one like in your diary sessions. But I had a chance to talk with you a little bit. And I know one of your favorite places and I want you to describe that. Why is Montauk one of your favorite places?
Marlana
Anything that has to do with the ocean and the water and I love fishing villages and they're such character. There's a little place that used to be in Montauk. I don't know if it still exists, but it was called liars saloon. And right now Yeah, The little, the little tagline for it was where the story doesn't have to be true. It just has to be good and beautiful. It's a little hole in the wall. And I sat in there with my cousin's wife one day and talking to these, you know, season fisherman and it was just the best experience. But I love places with character and Montauk to me has a lot of character.
John
Well, I get that from you. Do you like that? You like texture story, but I gotta ask. Why in the world is Jaws your favorite movie skit?
Marlana
well, funny thing about Montauk and jaws. Yeah. Captain Frank Mundus, who has a fishing vessel out in Montauk, or at least he used to was called the Cricket or the Cricket II. And he is who captain Quint from Jaws was fashioned after Wow. Of course, way back when I was told that, because he caught the largest great fight ever by rod and reel. So the head of this fish was hanging in one of the bars out there. So of course, I had to go see it. And at first you walk in, and you don't know where it is, and you turn around and you're standing under the mouth of this thing. It's just an amazing experience. But jaws to me is one of those movies where if it's on, I can't go past it, there's a lot of depth to that movie.
You know, on the surface it's about the shark that comes into this town and terrorizes everybody and we get all that, but the shot of when they are leaving Amity Harbor in the boat to go out. And it's through the jaws of the shark. Those shots are fabulous. You know, the history that when they tell the story of the umm, I can't remember the name of it, even though I've seen the movie a million times the Indianapolis! when they tell the story of the Indianapolis and anything, that I could live in Amity. Let's just say that.
John
Yeah, that's fantastic. No wonderful insight and reasons for that. Do you have a favorite line from that movie? Because I do. Do you have a favorite line?
Marlana
No, I know, the one that most people know is “we're going to need a bigger boat.”
John
That's my favorite.
Marlana
Even at the end of that movie, well, not just at the end, throughout it, there's also hope that that runs through that movie. And so, there's a lot more to it than just the shark.
John
Oh, I love your insight and the depth behind that point. You know, I've got an off the wall question. If you were a baseball player, most baseball players have walk up songs that they choose when they come up to bat, we can tell that your history is in baseball. I've played football myself and coach and still play a little bit softball. But what would be your walk up song? Your favorite song that would introduce you and why? Thinking about that I can tell you that I would probably try to throw something out, like, Thunderstruck by AC DC or something like that, you know, but do you have a favorite song that would strike you?
Marlana
You know, it's so funny because, um, I don't know how much you know about personality types and things like that. It's something that I've been learning recently. And I am an INFJ. And one of the things that I have learned along the way is you can't really ask an INFJ what their favorite is because favorites is a very unique word for us. So, I don't know if I have a favorite. I will say that a lot of songs that I gravitate toward have to do once again with water and I think maybe, yeah, I but you know, even just the sound of the ocean, I could be in there somewhere. Because the way I look at the ocean is something that is calm and inviting, it is also something that can be a force that will level something, it is also something that it can quietly cut through stone and form canyons. And when you stick your toes in it, the depth of it, you have no idea what the depth of it really is. You have no idea what it really contains. And it also like Bruce Lee brought out once it takes The shape of whatever it is so and it's also something that you really don't want to turn your back on. So in Bruce Lee's words “be like water,” my friend be like water.
John
That is awesome. Love that. Hey, can you tell us a fun fact about you? What's something that people really wouldn't know?
Marlana
I'm kind of addicted to the car auctions on television. That's another thing I can't really turn past. I have to watch a little bit of it.
John
Love it. Okay. That's awesome. Hey, we got four questions coming up for you.
Marlana
Okay.
John
All right. So what is the best piece of advice you were ever given? What would you say?
Marlana
This woman that I was in a mastermind group with, her mother or grandmother gave her this and it always stuck with me. And it was…Ask. You already to have ‘no’
John
good, good, good, good. All right. share one thing with us from your bucket list. What do you get on there?
Marlana
My bucket list usually consists of people I want to photograph.
John
Oh, cool.
Marlana
I would really love to spend some time with these people. I would really love to get to know these people. Some people that are on my bucket list; Angie Harmon, Reba, Dolly, Gladys Knight, Sophia Bush, these are some of the people that I would love to photograph.
John
That’s awesome. Well, hopefully they'll watch this.
Marlana
Yeah, that'd be great.
John
Okay, so when the toy companies finally get around to making an action figure of you, what two accessories will it come with?
Marlana
Definitely camera. Surprise. And a killer pair of shoes because I may or may not have a little shoe obsession. We don't have to define that right now. But you know, also I want a third one. I want like a Barbie car. I want a car. Especially with the Auto Auction thing in the mix. And I'd say probably something like late 50s. Jag x k 140. Burgundy convertible.
John
Yeah. Absolutely. Pretty drive by the ocean.
Marlana
Yeah, absolutely. With my camera and my heels.
John
Perfect! All right! Let's help people find you so you can make a difference in their lives. So how would they go about connecting with you?
Marlana
The best place to find me is my website, marlanasemenza.com. On there you have links to everything, my Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. You can see all that 100 episodes of this podcast on there. That's the best spot
John
Okay, good to hear that. So, connect with Marlana. But one thing, what's next for you?
Marlana
I just want to make art, I want to make a difference in people's lives. I want to help people reach their goals, their dreams and be seen the way they want to be seen.
John
Well, that of itself is an incredibly worthy mission and vision. Love it. You are awesome.
Marlana
Thank you.
John
Yes, anything else you want to cover?
Marlana
No I just want everybody to know I will be taking a little break from the show. So this will give you a chance to go back and watch all the episodes that you missed. And I suggest you start with John's, he was episode number one.
John
Well, thanks for that. Appreciate it, love talking with you as always. Make a difference, and we need more people making a difference out there. So, keep doing what you're doing.
Marlana
Thank you so very much