Custom Photography

They helped us so much along the way! They had great ideas for poses for the wedding day, and for our engagement pictures!

I would recommend Mike and Marian Linett for wedding photography, but I will never have to. All people need to do is look at the wonderful and magical pictures of our engagement, bridal portraits and wedding. I got engaged on Christmas eve in 2009, and my mother and I began planning my wedding immediately. We knew we wanted to handle the 'big' things first. We started attending every local bridal show available. There were so many vendors that promised so many things, but one particular vendor stuck out to me. Mike and Marian Linett have a display like no other, and I would see them at EVERY bridal show. Every time, I would notice more and more that I liked about them. Their personality, their friendliness, professionalism and works of art were like no other photographers around. I hired them and I was very excited to work with professionals who knew exactly what they were doing, and knew exactly what I wanted. They welcomed us into their home/studio where I felt important, comfortable and at ease. They were so flexible with options, pricing and requests; I knew I was going to get what I had always dreamed. We started with our engagement session in Downtown Portsmouth. I had chosen this location and Mike shared that he loved it as well and knew exactly what would work for us and our personality. My fiance and I had no idea what to expect, and I was a little anxious because I was worried my fiance doesn't always enjoy his picture being taken. Mike was prompt and professional the entire time. He had a vision, yet still executed every vision that we had as well. The session was enjoyable and just long enough for everyone. Mike got every beautiful picture completed in a timely manner and my fiance was in a good mood and enjoyed himself! We got proofs and our cd within 2 weeks from the pictures and we loved them all! I knew immediately that we had made the right choice when hiring Mike and Marian and I couldn't wait to work with them again. The next event was my bridal portrait session. The session took place at the Chrysler Museum of Art and Mike and Marian both attended and were amazing. Mike was set up with all of his equipment and ready to go as soon as I was dressed. Marian was there and fixed my dress, veil and stance at Mike's every request. This made the session go smoothly and stress free. The two even brought two flower bouquets incase I forgot mine, and a towel to help keep my dress clean. They think of everything! The bridal portraits brought tears to my eyes. The results were better than I could have ever expected and there were so many to choose from. Selecting one picture for the enlarged bridal portrait to be displayed at the wedding reception was the most difficult thing to do! And at the wedding, EVERY guest greeted me and told me how beautiful my bridal portrait was, it was a wonderful feeling. And finally, the wedding! Mike was there from the beginning. He captured all of the moments that I couldn't witness myself, like the guys getting ready or the quiet, peaceful, pre-wedding moments in the sanctuary. He also was there in my room with all of the ladies as we were getting ready and capturing those moments that will live forever in his pictures. Mike called us exactly 10 days after the wedding to tell us that the cd was ready! My new husband and I immediately went to Mike and Marian's where we found our entire wedding day and night being displayed on their tv. We sat and talked and reminisced about the most amazing day of our lives. Mike enjoyed the wedding as much as we did and we felt like we were the most important wedding they have ever done. They were so professional and personable and the pictures were absolutely amazing. I now have these wonderful treasures that I am able to share with my family and friends this Christmas season. I will never regret the decision to hire such wonderful, professional and fantastic photographers to capture this past year of my life and all of these memories!

Marion and Michael Linett, what can I say...what a beautiful setting in the mountains of Skyline Drive on a wonderful November Sunday late afternoon as the sun was about to set. Wow!! Custom Photography went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that the special day went well for my daughter and new son- in -law. This is a day that The Linetts have made so special to our family. They fit right in the all of the guest. My thank you can't be big enough for Custom Photography for their fine work that they did. I am so looking forward to my second daughter to have her big day because Custom Photography will be in it from the start to finish.......Thanks Again

I have know the Linnetts for a long time and know what great work they do! That's why I choose them to do my wedding (1996), my son's Bar Mitzvah (2005) and just recently, my daughter's Bat Mitzvah (2011). They really capture those special moments, you know, the ones you don't pose for! Although, the posed picture are great, too! They really know how to take pictures with the perfect lighting so that all the colors look so crisp and vibrant. I always give them a great reference for any event that needs photographed.

Custom photography was in the family. my sister in law had them 10 years ago and still had the best pictures ever. Mike did a awesome job. I am saying this is the main part of our wedding will stay with us forever and money was well worth it.

Mike and Marion are some of the most personable, easy to work with and fun people we have ever met! They actually shot my sisters wedding in 1996 and I was so excited to find out that they were still in business when I got engaged! They made every part of the photos simple and enjoyable from the engagement shot to the bridal portrait to the ceremony! They were very accommodating when it came to scheduling the shoots and viewing the prints! Mike did our engagement photos and had us laughing the entire time! The location was beautiful and he knew the perfect places to have us pose! They both did the bridal shots and worked as the perfect team! Mike took the pics and Marion directed the setup! Marion came to the wedding itself! She was so accommodating with ALL our requests for group shots! She also took some great shots of the reception that I never even got to see! She fit right into the family and didn't feel like a photographer. She took a ton of photos and captured everything perfectly! Your wedding photos are the one item that you will cherish forever and Custom Photography is the best choice to capture those memories!

Marian and Mike are the best! They are kind, caring, and very professional. Due to occupational relocations, my daughter and son-in-law had to change their wedding plans several times. Mike and Marian were so accommodating. They reassured us that the changes would not affect the joy of that day. The images are absolutely beautiful. We can’t wait to share them with our family and friends. We highly recommend Custom Photography. Thank you Marian and Mike for everything!

The Linetts of Custom Photography meet any challenge. During spring and summer, our couple planned what was to be the most picture perfect Outer Banks soundside wedding...a pier extending out with a gazebo at the end...hoping for sunset shots which would long be remembered. After Hurricane Irene, our "wedding site" was a mass of rubbish with whatever had washed up. The real estate company and property owners did their best - we also assisted in the clean-up. With many logged hours, there was still the hope of the "sunset wedding". but The Weather Channel again predicted extensive rain and all plans shifted to a rental tent. On the day of the wedding, the "R" word (rain) was not in our vocabulary and we proceeded with expectations for the best. No matter what the weather man dealt, the property and the house were still intact with beautiful backgrounds for portraits. In pouring rain and water squishing around our ankles, we wondered what wedding pictures would look like. The weather might have dampened our spirits...but happiness will shine in the wedding album. Marian's pictures tell the story of a wonderful wedding with smiles and a most festive celebration. Compliments to the Linetts...photographically our soggy day was a indeed a ray of sunshine!

Mike and Marian are the most amazing people. My daughter had given us some photographers to call. Their name had been first on the list. We were blessed to find them. They work right out from their home. They are both very professional. Our wedding took place on Aug. 20th 2011. Marian was already there and everything was set up. Our wedding was outside and it had started raining but, that did not stop Marian. The rain stopped and the sun came out and Marian was still on the go. Our reception took place on the Spirit Of Norfolk. For the next 4hrs Marian was faster than a streak of lightning. No matter were we went Marian was there. Every picture that she took was like a master piece. Thank you Marian and Mike for being wonderful people and having our best interest at heart.

Mike did our wedding on August 20th, 2011, it was wonderful. He was so great and had everything planned and ready to go.

We had the most beautiful beach wedding, and Mike captured the ecstatic moments perfectly! We can't thank him enough for the awesome photos which will remind us always of this special day! If you want someone who will do a fantastic job on your wedding day, contact Mike so that he can continue to make many, many people blissfully happy. I think that is his mission in life, and he fulfills it so well. Thank you, Mike and Marian! Love, Tom and Debbie

We were very satisfied with the pictures taken of Sanduy and I on the beach, with the pictures taken of our daughter's wedding and of the pictures of our 50th wedding Anniversary party.

Custom Photography... I am not sure where to begin. My mother and I went to one of the local bridal shows and we were getting real tired of being there because every time we turned around a photographer was trying to make us sit down with them and pushing prices on us. We were about to leave but we met Mike Linett and he was different than the others. We were first in awe by the display of pictures that Custom Photography had, but also by Mike's approach to us. He was very kind and not pushy at all. He showed us what Custom Photography had to offer and gave us some information to take home. Long story short, we chose Custom Photography to capture my wedding day and my husband and I could not be happier with that decision. Custom Photography has so much to offer and at reasonable prices. Mike and Marian are two of the most fun people to work with. They genuinely have a passion for photography and they cater to the customers needs. Mike and Marian were very flexible and we loved the fact that we received an engagement photo shoot, the bridal portraits, and the wedding photography. The best part about working with Custom Photography was that every time I called them, they knew exactly who I was. They take great pride in what they do. To future brides: I am sure you have heard this before, but your wedding day flies by and when its over you can't believe how quick it went by. My husband and I are so grateful for the work that Custom Photography has done for us, because with all the fabulous pictures we feel as though we can relive our wedding day at any time in slow motion.

Mike and Marian have been absolutely wonderful from the first time we met! They took one of the most important parts of planning my wedding and made it effortless and comfortable. I am not one of thos people that love to have their picture taken, but Mike made it so much fun for my fiance and myself. We actually enjoyed it and our engagement pictures turned out wonderful. Mike always knows where to put us and what angle to use to make sure we will love our pictures. He is so professional and talented. I can't wait for my bridal portraits in September! Thank you Mike and Marian!!!!

Mike and Marian are a joy to work with. The day we first met they were so friendly and pleasant. They made me feel very comfortable and it was like we knew each other all our lives. Their work is beautiful!! I've had people tell me how beautiful the pictures turn out. Mike photographed my wedding and he had people laughing and even got my mother-in-law to smile. That was a task all on it's own. (smile) They both were wonderful and full of energy!!! I would use them over and over. GREAT WORK!!!!

Marian and Mike Linett of Custom Photography are the absolute best! My daughter's wedding was on the Outer Banks of NC and they knew the most wonderful places to go for the best sunset shots and beach shots. They are energetic, produce the best in photography and offer an air of total professionalism that cannot be surpassed. Her wedding was documented by a lbeautiful leather bound album that she can treasure forever. You cannot go wrong if you have the Linetts capture your most important event!

David and I met the Linetts at a bridal show in Norfolk and were impressed from the very beginning with their quality of work. Since we were having our wedding at Duck, NC, we were impressed that they were responsive to making our small intimate affair a top priority, particularly since we were getting married on a Tuesday, a day usually not chosen for weddings, but great for our close friends and out of town family. Mike and Marian both assisted us greatly with contacts in that area to make our day so special. Not only are they great at photography, but they are like "long-time" friends you've known forever. Mike's eye for perfection makes every photo you view feel like you are re-living the moment. Marian is so easy and willing to accomodate your every wish, even when you are so nervous, yet so excited. Our families loved them and the afternoon was so great and the photos and portraits they produced for us are outstanding. They don't rush the moment and don't work on a time-factor like so many photographers do. They are "with you to the end" to quote Mike. All I can do is applaud them for their outstanding work, their kindness, and for making our wedding day so special. They are the best!! Catlin

Our wedding, Friday, April 15, 2011, will long be remembered. Who would get married on tax return day! Mike photographed our ceremony and had more patience than anyone could imagine. My bridesmaids all ran late due to hairstyles which we should have never chosen. The groomsmen were late because they did not listen when everyone told them to thoroughly check what was in their tux bags before leaving the store. Mike's suggestion was to just lay out all the tux and everybody try on each piece until they found something that actually fit - that was the solution. We have wedding and reception pictures that we don't even remember. Mike is just a little over 5 foot tall and the amazing part is that his party pictures cover the entire dance floor. That is because he brings a ladder and works with multiple lights - his pictures look like what you see in a bridal magazine. For this one day in our lives, we felt like models because Mike made us all feel so comfortable and photographed us at angles that make us all look slender (and I am not a single digit size) ! From the time, we first met Mike and Marian at the January bridal shows, I knew we were meant to be together. They open their home studio and make you feel comfortable from the time you secure their services all the way through the wedding, and the best part, was being able to view all our wedding images on the wide screen computer in their living room. Thanks for being a part of our wedding.

In 20 milliion words, how would the Coopers describe the services received from Mike and Marian Linnett? Just let me explain, 20 million words can't describe this duo!!!! They understand, they listen, and they DELIVER!!! What we say to this date is simply PERFECTION. Mike and Marian took me and my now spouses relationship extremely seriously from engagement to the finish line! They respected our wishes, they considered our desires, and they gave their sincerest advice when as a couple, we were not making the best decisions concerning photography. Most importantly, Mike and Marian, they got to know us, understand us, and built a relationship with us. We built a two-fold trusting relationship, full of forthrightness. They worked within our constraints and budget. Our family and friends are still raving about how this duo really worked the ballroom at our wedding event to capture some of the most memorable moments of our lives. When it came to final deliverables, Mike and Marian planned and executed right on schedule. With their due diligence, me and my husband would select them as photographers without pause!! I enjoy their inviting personalities and accommodations. This great couple even went so far as to visit to our home to deliver our albums, and the final product was far beyond our expectations. Both Mike and Marian made sure I was all glamerous and my husband was as handsome as "brush up" can make one. This happened during engagement, bridal, and wedding photo shoots. This duo even went so far as to offer recommendations on how to get extra albums produced in a costly fashion for our extended families. Mike and Marian also captured the most terrific photos of my wedding party and wedding guests. If we could do this over again, hands down, Mike and Marian are our photographers, FIRST, LAST, and ALWAYS.....and from now until eternity. Best to them both! Michon and Derrick Cooper We sincerely love, appreciate, and are sincerely planning on Mike and Marian for our 2 year anniversary photo shoots. We highly recommend Mike and Marian. And the single most thing that stood out for us as an engaged couple, THEY ANSWER PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS IMMEDIATELY AND PROMPTLY, they understood us, they worked with us, they met our budget and timelines. They made us look beautiful in all of our scenerios (engagement, bridal, and wedding)...

The Linetts are not only great photographers, but most important they are great people to work with. We first met in the mid 90's and Marian was my photographer. Their services were later needed for another wedding, and this time, Mike captured the memories. A 20x24 canvas beach portrait of our blended family now hangs in our home and will be a cherished keepsake for many years to come. Without the photographs from both these special times, we would not have the smiles and happy faces of parents who enjoyed being a part of these celebrations. Best description of Marian and Mike would be not just friends, but part of our family!