Yuki Ayase

I cannot believe I have not reviewed Marlo yet! Marlo is a very talented, dependable, casual, and down-to-earth photographer whom you would want for your next cosplay shoot (and beyond)! 

I have received Marlo's services 20+ times because of their work as well as how easy it is to work with them. I have worked with them for both at-con and out-of-con shoots, including a shoot at a professional studio.

Marlo was my photographer for my very first cosplay shoot when I was very nervous and did not know what to expect. Marlo made me smile, provided guidance on how I should pose, and made me feel very at ease. The feeling at ease part is crucial during the shoot. You have to feel fully secure and comfortable with your photographer, because if you are not, you can immediately see that in the photos. (I had one bad experience with a different photographer with whom I did not feel at ease, and as a result, I looked rigid and nervous in the photos, even though the photographer was highly talented.)

If you are a cosplayer looking for a photographer, especially if this is your first time hiring one and nervous about it, look no further! I only had good experiences with Marlo, more than 20 times! Highly recommended! (2025)

Bridie Damisch

Marlo is an absolute joy to work with and I highly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to do so, to take it. Not only is Marlo really good at post-production, with editing and quick turnaround times, Marlo also gives fantastic direction during shoots! Marlo knows how to make clients look and feel amazing, calling out the slightest tweaks to head or hand position, demonstrating some more complicated pose ideas, and even directing gaze to get the most flattering images possible.

On top of that? Marlo is so kind and flexible! We were able to move the time of our shoot around because Marlo wasn't booked full that day, and I am incredibly grateful Marlo was willing to do that!

Finally, Marlo comes to the table with ideas, taking the time to get to know the source material you're cosplaying from, or even just knowing the type of pictures you would want from different shoots because Marlo is a professional in every sense of the word.

I look forward to continuously working with Marlo! (2025)

Nicole Vexiala Camp

It's going to be hard, but I'll try my best at explaining why ANYONE looking to get professional photos done for cosplays or just in general should work with Marlo! Marlo made my first experience working with a photographer in a shoot so easy that it felt more like I was hanging out with a friend. Between keeping an open mind to my ideas and adding their own, I walked away with more photos that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE than I imagined. Marlo is also flexible and understanding because originally I was going to do a shoot with a friend, but unexpected events happened where it ended up being only myself, which Marlo just rolled with the change of plans like a PRO! Seriously, if you want BEAUTIFULLY GORGEOUS photos done by a sweetheart, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING work with Marlo! I know I plan to hit Marlo up for many more shoots to come whenever possible and will continue to recommend them to everyone until I'm blue in the face! (2018)

MANKANSHOKU

My experience shooting at FD Photo Studio with the Marvelous Marlo Louden: 100% would recommend you book Marlo for all your future shoots!! 

Marlo was not only punctual and well beyond prepared for our shoot, but also very fun to talk too throughout the time we were there (which was about two hours) and was able to clearly understand the tone we were going for with some of the reference photos / playlist we provided in advance :) 

I would rate Marlo 10 freshly baked chocolate chip cookies out of 10!! Book Marlo immediately!!! (2023)

Shannon Collins

It’s always a pleasure to work with Marlo! Marlo is very professional and makes all the photo sessions very fun. I am horrible when it comes to posing, and Marlo always has the best suggestions on how to pose. The photos always come out so wonderful. 

Marlo is very talented and I highly recommend booking Marlo for your next shoot! (2025)

Maddie Coffey

Marlo is so unbelievably talented at what they does, no matter the character Marlo has this ability to photograph you in a way that it looks like you got ripped out of an anime, video game, etc. Marlo is really good about calling out adjustments and poses to make sure every photo and angle is flattering. 

Marlo's editing skills are off the charts, their ability to operate a camera in general is just really impressive, and all around Marlo such a fun and polite person to work with. Highly highly recommend them. (2020)

Alexandra Lewandoski

 I had an amazing experience! Marlo was very clear about the process, so I knew exactly when to expect the final photos. The session itself was amazing; Marlo was so helpful and gave great direction for posing. I highly recommend and will likely be hiring again! (2020)

Leanne Check

Marlo is one of the best photographers I’ve ever worked with! Marlo takes the time and effort to get the best shots possible for her client. Marlo's ability to make their clients feel at ease and comfortable immediately going into and throughout the session is honestly the best mark in their professionalism. 

Marlo truly cares about their clientele I will always recommend Marlo to anyone looking for a photographer who doesn’t only get amazing shots but who also helps you feel confident and has fun! (2020)

Anatole Todd 

Worked with Marlo at Youmacon and the experience was lovely! The pictures came out beautiful and they returned them very quickly. Marlo gave me some great tips to help my poses, and the way that the lighting turned out in the photos is awesome. I would absolutely recommend Marlo to everyone and work with them again. (2017)

Melissa Eva

Incredibly patient and friendly! Marlo does amazing work every time! Would recommend to any cosplayer! (2024)

Tohru Nguyen

Marlo sets up a friendly, comfortable work environment. Marlo will work with you on your level, one-on-one, and guide you. Marlo is talented and dependable. There is no better photog I could ask for. (2023)

 Summer Kay McDaniel 

For having never done a photo shoot before in my life, Marlo made me feel extremely comfortable and the whole experience was a blast! Marlo is so friendly and easy-going. Marlo made a once daunting thing really casual and comfortable for me! Marlo is very dependable and I loved every photo I got back! Very excited to work with them more in the future! (2025)

RoseyG

Marlo is one of my favorite photographers I’ve ever worked with. The dedication to their craft is very inspiring. I felt safe and comfortable in their space as a model. I admire their versatility on different fandoms, and I always felt like they were prepared for our shoots. The quality of the photos also speak for themselves! I love the crisp and vibrate colors that they are able to capture. I highly recommend them for a professional, comfortable, and creative space to work with!! I hope they can come to the west coast more! (2025)

Rook

Marlo is such an incredible photographer to work with! From vibes, sense of direction with the shoot, listening to my ideas, and helping me feel like all the effort put into my costumes really shines through in the ways I envisioned - even if I didn’t always know how to fully articulate them. It only took one shoot for me to decide if I ever want to really show off my hard work or just look cool in general who to book 😎 Cannot recommend enough!!!! (2025)

Liz

Working with Marlo is like hanging out with a friend who knows all of your best angles! It’s always a great time and I know I’m going to love the results. 10/10 always stalk their page when I schedule a con to see if Marlo is offering shoots. (2025)

Maura

Marlo is one of the best photographers that I have ever worked with. I always have issues with coming up with poses, and Marlo is so sweet and always has advice and thoughts on how to make an amazing shoot. I’ve never been disappointed with my photos, they are honestly some of the prettiest photos I have. I 100% recommend hiring Marlo for your photographer. (2025)

Silver Valkyrie

If you are looking for a photographer you need to book with Marlo. They make you feel comfortable, beautiful and confident. It is always have a wonderful time and I will now always book with them. I have an amazing experience and feel so happy and amazed by the photos. 10/10 rating but I want to give more. (2025)

KarpCosplay

I've worked with Marlo a handful of times now, and absolutely adore their work! I appreciate the attention to detail that goes into editing the photos, especially in regards to wigs (during one of our shoots, my wig got tangled in my fan prior and I didn't notice until much later, but Marlo fixed up the wig in editing without me even bringing it up). Marlo is also fantastic at posing, and has a really strong sense of composition as well. The photos always turn out incredible, and working with them is always such a joy! (2025)

Em

Marlo was a truly spectacular photographer to work with. From the moment I arrived at the location for the shoot they were extremely kind and very professional. They made sure I was comfortable the whole time and helped so much with posing and making sure to get a range of shots. It was so hard going through and narrowing down which pictures I wanted edited because there were SO many good shots. Marlo was not only kind, professional, and easy to work with but also made me feel absolutely beautiful. I would recommend anyone considering it to just go for it. You won’t regret it. (2025)

Makenna

Marlo is one of the best photographers I’ve worked with! Originally, I admired their work from their beautiful cosplay photography! When I was pregnant, I was curious if Marlo did Maternity Photography and I was so excited to find out they did! I appreciated how clear and concise the process was to set up the photoshoot and loved getting their opinion on ideas for things like what to wear. The shoot itself was wonderful! Marlo came ready to go and ideas for what shoots where and all we had to do is smile! Finally, it was easy to use Marlo's site to select our photos, but hard to choose as there were so many good ones! I will definitely be using Marlo again! (2025)

Igirisu

Marlo was recommended to me by a friend and I absolutely LOVED getting to meet and shoot with them at Anime Magic! They really helped bring my Ramona Flowers cosplay to life and helped capture the aesthetic I strived to create with the imagery. I'm looking forward to shooting with and supporting Marlo in the near future! (2025)

Taryn

I'm lucky to have worked with Marlo more than once and each shoot was met with respect, kindness and so much fun. They have so much passion and talent for what they do and know how you make you feel and look good in your cosplay/whatever your being photographed for. I was shy and felt nervous about not knowing how to pose before working together, but they immediately make you feel so comfortable and will direct you how to pose with ease! Everything down to the final photo edits, price and overall experience is a 10 out of 10. I always look forward to working with Marlo and cannot recommend them and their services enough! (2025)

Robin

I was still new at cosplay photography when I first met Marlo. I was really nervous but they talked me through different poses and helped me make adjustments. I instantly felt comfortable. I have booked a photoshoot with them every chance I get. Always has fair pricing and I have never disliked a photo presented to me, even the unedited ones. It’s also so hard to just choose 6. I highly recommend Marlo to anyone that asks for a recommendation. (2025)

Skitty

When I was looking to book my first cosplay photoshoot, I really wanted to work with Marlo due to the amazing portfolio I had seen on Instagram! The photoshoot didn’t disappoint and Marlo was able to offer fantastic advice on how to pose when I was unsure of what to do. Every return in the gallery was top notch, and I also want to give a shoutout for the clear communication before, during, and after photoshoots, all of which helps me as a cosplayer feel comfortable! Will definitely be booking again in the future :) (2025)

OhMitsooki

Marlo is incredible to work with and really makes you feel comfortable! 

I booked with Marlo at my second KatsuCon and ever since then, I always book a session with Marlo when I attend Katsu. I am always in love with the work Marlo gives back to me. A big plus for me is Marlo gives clear directions on posing or adjusting so you look FIRE! (2024)

Laura Noigebauer

I was looking for a new headshot photographer for new theater headshots and was pointed in Marlo's direction and boy am I glad I was! Every inch of the experience was a joy!

Communication was fabulous, the shoot itself was fun. I felt like I was shooting with an old friend. 

Marlo was incredibly easy to work with and the pictures turned out stunning! Marlo was worth every penny I paid without a single doubt! If you have any photography needs I cannot recommend enough! (2017)

Justin Lavellan

I was hesitant to do another cosplay photographer after a bad experience last year, but since Marlo had many good reviews and a good portfolio, I gave them a shot. Marlo was very open with communication, replied quickly, and let me take over my own shoot, letting me do whatever poses I wanted (with a few ideas of their own). After it was over, Marlo took only a short amount of time to get back to me to pick the ones I wanted edited fully, and I loved the work they did. If you are a cosplayer looking for someone to take a shoot at your next con, I'd pick Marlo. (2018)

Sabrina Leung

Marlo was an absolute pleasure to work with. I was so thrilled with their work on our first set that I booked with them again for another set and both came out spectacular. Marlo certainly has an eye for posing, flattering angles, and gives good tips for beginners like me. Marlo's turnaround time for pics were amazing and they made sure to communicate throughout the process to make sure I was satisfied with each picture. Marlo's genuinely a great photographer and person to work with! Book with Marlo, you will absolutely not regret it! (2017)

Raelin Kujo 

Marlo is amazing to work with! I had a blast working with them. Marlo's very good at getting great shots and knows their stuff especially regarding angles and posing. Marlo is very down to Earth and made me feel comfortable during the shoot when I was initially nervous. After the shoot you get to choose your photos too which I admire! I felt very confident with the pictures and the edits are amazing!! I know that if I go to the same conventions as Marlo I'll definitely be booking Marlo again (2019)

Jane Potter 

Marlo. Is. Incredible!! Our shoot was so much fun, Marlo is such a nice person. Marlo knew what poses I should try, and exactly what angles and lights would look best. My photos were returned super fast and I was amazed at how beautiful they were! Thank you Marlo! (2024)

Emily Loeffeler Koch 

Marlo is absolutely great! Marlo was super professional and really captured my fiancé and my happiness in our engagement photo shoot. I can’t wait to use their photos for our save the dates and wedding website! Thanks Marlo <3 (2016)

Bee Amemura 

Marlo really is a skilled photographer. Marlo makes sure the model is comfortable and knows how to get their best angle. I've worked with Marlo since 2016 and NEVER had a disappointing shot. All of the photos you get back are absolutely breathtaking and make you feel beautiful. Recommend 100% (2025)

Ashley Anna Marie 

Completely professional and very friendly. I have done many shoots with Marlo and it is super easy to work with them. Marlo gives great directions with how to pose my body and turn my face. Marlo knows how to capture the beauty in all of their clients. I'm looking forward to working with them in the future! (2025)

Jessica Buettner

I have worked with Marlo a few times and Marlo really knows what they're doing. From posing and camera angles to lighting and structure, Marlo's photos become true works of art and I'm glad I get to work with them.

You should totally do a photoshoot with Marlo because it will totally be worth it in the end! (2017)

Hillary Young

Perfect photographer! Knows how to direct someone's pose in a comprehensible way & doing it kindly.

Very communicative before/after the shoot with examples, progress, and delivering of finished edits. (Speaking of which, amazing edits as well!) (2017)

Amanda Johnson

I've worked with Marlo for a long time and Marlo has done nothing but amazing work! 100/10 rating!! (2016)

YesIAmACosplayer

Marlo is always a pleasure to work with. Marlo really works with you to recreate any ideas/poses you have in mind. Marlo is very good at coaching you during the photoshoot and really knows which angles/poses will bring out the best photo results! Marlo always makes you feel comfortable. Shoots with them are always fun! Can’t wait to work with Marlo again in the future. (2023)

Leila Ben Belfadhel

Takes excellent pictures, is always ready to talk and figure out what you want and perfectly highlights the best parts of you and your cosplay! 10/10 will shoot every time I can! (2017)

Tori Orichan Harmon

Honestly one of the first photographers I've had the opportunity to be in a shoot with! They truly capture the beauty of everyone photographed. They also have such a positive and friendly attitude. All I can say is thank you and I highly recommend this photographer for others too. (2017)

Shanice Kit Oviatt

Every time I work with Marlo, I am reminded how beautiful and unique I am and how great my cosplays are. Marlo captures beauty and is such a pleasure to work with. Marlo is my go to as they help instruct you for the perfect shot. (2017)

Gavin Myles Reiner

Extremely talented, friendly, and cooperative, it has always been a wonderful time shooting with Marlo, and they will help you make sure you nail that pose that compliments your cosplay best, definitely recommend booking!! (2019)

Dani Mastriani 

How have I not written a review yet?? Marlo is a dream to work with! I always feel comfortable working with them, which I think is a #1 priority when booking a photographer. I have literally not booked anyone else since Marlo started photographing LOL. Marlo not only works with your ideas, but will also provide their own ideas (very helpful when you don't know wtf you're doing like me!) I've shot with Marlo several times now and have definitely noticed improvement in their skills every time we work together - I'm so excited to see what's in store for the future! (2018)

Morgan Buckner

Best photographer ever! If I had the funds, I'd literally fly them out just for my wedding, no lie. They're so easy to work with and super creative! 10/10 would book again. (2019)

Note: I did fly out to shoot this clients wedding :) <3

Emily Chen

Best photographer ever 10/10 I would recommend. (2018)

Nina

I absolutely loved working with Marlo! Marlo understood my vision of the poses I wanted to capture as well as providing more ideas for pictures that I absolutely love. Marlo was super fun to work with and the photos I got back were amazing. I loved all of them, but the photos I ordered with special effects are on another level. I highly recommend them! (2025)

Marshall Lee

Marlo is a constant joy to work with and is so diverse in their skill set! There's no other photographer that has made me feel so comfortable and confident in a shoot. 

If you are looking for an amazing photo experience with stunning results, I can only recommend to book with Marlo! (2025)

SleepiRoo

Awesome! I'm super awkward at posing and Marlo helped me out it each time! Super nice too! (2025)

Tohma

Marlo is an amazing photographer! Not only are the photos some of my favorite images ever, but I never have to worry about posing or trying to come up with the best way to stand. I'm not very good at coming up with good shots but I just follow Marlo's direction and everything turns out perfectly. I trust Marlo's judgement with everything. Super kind and the session is always fun and fulfilling. Hoping to have many more photography sessions in the future! (2025)

Crystal

Marlo is truly an absolute delight to work with. For me I'm awkward and that shows up usually when I do photos, but Marlo brings out the best with making the experience fun and enjoyable. For me I would always recommend Marlo. 10/10 (2026)

Julian Abel Konstantin

Such a kind, caring, and amazing photographer! Really cares for their clients and the outcomes are stellar! (2022)

Anastasia V Sweets

I can’t wait to do another shoot with Marlo. Marlo's imagery is very soft and crisp. Marlo is a professional at their craft and makes you feel very comfortable. (2018)

Olivia Clove

Marlo is a total sweetheart and very talented! I shoot with Marlo every con and have a great time and the photos get back in a timely manner. (2017)

Erin

I book Marlo for almost every con we overlap at! They always make me feel comfortable, communicate clearly before, during and after the convention so there's no guessing about when what where. They guide you into posing so easily, and if you come with pose ideas or photos, Marlo can help tell you how to make it human and photograph well. (2026)

Twifairy

I love getting the opportunity to work with Marlo!

He's really set a new standard of professionalism for photographers for me. If you're lucky enough to work on a shoot of something Marlo is personally passionate about, their creativity and skill really shine at their brightest, but all of their work is so beautiful and vivid.

I recommend Marlo to friends every chance I get! (2026)

Jess

Marlo is my go-to photographer when booking shoots. They go above and beyond with creating the clients vision via researching the characters ahead of time, allowing their clients to select the final photos, and taking time and care into every edit. Marlo creates a comfortable yet professional shooting environment both at cons and on unique location shoots and their passion and effort truly shines through their work. They are great at adapting to their client's comfort and experience level, and overall they are my #1 suggestion when I hear of people looking for photographers to work with! (2026)

Colorfulkitten Cosplay

Marlo did a great job of shooting a large Sailor Moon swimsuit group at ColossalCon in 2022! We received great group photos and each person got a good amount of individual time for solo photos despite the amount of people in the shoot. I personally needed some extra time with my photos because the sun was making me squint, but Marlo was patient enough to make sure I got some good shots in the end! (2025)

Nick Lowery

Marlo is so nice to work with and photos are the bomb! (2022)

Daynah Grant

Marlo is very nice and knows how to direct you while taking pictures, Plus the finished pictures look great. (2023)

Whitney Lowery

Absolutely wonderful to work with! Pictures are always amazing! ♡ (2019)

Bunny Quinzel

Marlo is crazy talented and super fun to work with! (2020)