By Don White, CV&T Staff Writer

She’s only 4’9” tall, but don’t be surprised if Marla Marrs one day stands among the giants of photography.
The 18-year-old Estill High senior is already well on her way. Type her name into Google and you’ll find a portfolio filled with images earning high praise from her peers. A long-time interest in art led to her taking up photography about two years ago. After starting out with her mom’s digital camera, she acquired her own Canon Powershot SD800 IS and began taking seriously what had started as a hobby.
She’s not certain, but feels her first subject was a flower.
One thing for certain, her abilities began to blossom right away as she experimented with portraits, landscapes, and in a wide variety of other areas. Her favorite?
“I’m not exactly sure what I like most yet. I don’t feel like I’ve been shooting long enough to know, so I’m still experimenting in all areas.
“If I had to pick something, I’d have to go with macro, abstract, and landscapes,” she said.
The Estill native and daughter of Fred and Brenda Marrs maintains a 3.5 grade point average and takes yearbook photos with her Canon Rebel XSi. After high school, Marla plans to major in graphic design and minor in photography. She is considering schools close to home, plus an art institute or Savannah College of Art and Design.
Among her goals is to have a job she would enjoy.
“My dream job would be to shoot for National Geographic or something along those lines. I’d like to travel, learn about different people and their cultures, and shoot the different things I’d see along the way,” she explained.
Norway is already on her list of planned destinations because of the Northern Lights.
“From the photos I’ve seen of Norway, it’s a beautiful place,” she said.
Take a look at her website, and you won’t have any trouble picturing this petite photographer fulfilling her big ambitions.

(Check out Marla’s photos on page A-18 of the Sept. 17 issue of the Citizen Voice & Times on your local newstands.)