Marilyn is one of the co-founders and the lead photographer of johny mellow sports. 

As a competitive runner, cyclist, cross-country skier and tri-athlete, a Fargo Marathon trainer for the Red River Runners, and the Vice President of Marketing for Lake Agassiz Pacers, she saw a need for an event photographer in this area that would take pictures of racers and have them available for the participant to purchase. 

As the mother of three, she also saw the need for a photographer for the parents who are not present at an event or who are too involved in the activity to worry about taking pictures. Hence, her long time dream of turning a hobby into a career has begun.

Marilyn feels passionate about reaping the benefits of an active life style and has decided to make a donation to every event she takes pictures for to show her support. She encourages all to stay active, stay healthy, stay true.

ARTIST STATEMENT

 “Athletes Among Us” 

I am an athlete and an artist. When getting ready to start a race or capturing the intangible in a photograph, my blood races through my veins and I begin to sweat.  Whether I am racing that day or photographing, I know that at that exact moment being among these athletes is purely incredible.  The surge of passion and courage, focus and strength, fill the air; it excites me and fills my soul with positive energy. This is what I do. This is who I am.  

What is more satisfying than photographing what I see? Being able to share and celebrate the moment. I am honored to present to you a collection of photographs that celebrate the beauty and positive elements of athleticism in the Fargo Moorhead area, “Athletes Among Us”.  The images are as varied as athletes are unique, from an eight year old swimmer to a fierier shoeing a horse.  

Out of respect for the athlete and a desire to capture what is real I prefer to use my 70-200mm zoom lens on my Canon 20D digital camera whenever possible; I become irrelevant, invisible, as unnoticeable as the red fox behind a tree. My existence means nothing to the outside world, a world that I am so intently focusing on. In fact, I lose myself in the process. And it is at that moment I know I am capturing truth, the heart and passion of an athlete.