I've been a professional freelance photographer since 1978 when I had a card printed
saying that's what I am.
Most of my work is in music and theatre, the images being used by musicians, agents, actors, magazines, books,
newspapers, cd/record sleeves, and exhibitions.
Exhibitions have been largely
at my own expense, which is why I look grumpy in my picture. On the other hand I am happy
to talk sponsorship
for the next one.
I also photograph weddings,
Here's an impartial view (from my agent):
"...marc marnie is one of Scotland's leading contemporary photographers.
His portfolio reads like a Who's Who of the most influential musicians of the
last 50 years. Over the decade or so that he has been working in Scotland he
has photographed many legendary performers including Ray Charles, Miles Davis,
James Brown, Pat Metheny, Stephane Grappelli, Elvin Jones, Junior Wells, Buddy
Guy, Dizzy Gillespie, Albert King, B.B.King, Chuck Berry... the list goes on. He works mainly, though not exclusively, in black and white, to create
striking and memorable pictures.
He has a passionate interest in the music and the musicians, and this is reflected
in the photographs, whether capturing the excitement of the live performance
or the quiet (and not so quiet!) intimacy of backstage or creating an image
in the studio; whether working with a legend or an unknown musician." (Morag .Neil)
Equipment:
For nineteen years I used Nikon cameras (FM and FE) and I loved them.
With
the advent of new technology, and
Nikon's overdue F5 I moved to the excellent Canon EOS1n & the less useful EOS5.
in 2003 I went digital with the Canon
10D.
By
April 2007 I finally accepted that film was over and dismantled my beloved darkroom.
In October '07 I bought a Canon 5D and lenses: 50mm f/1.4 .....
17-35mm f/2.8 .....
28-70mm f2.8..... and 80-200mm f/2.8
I seldom use a flash (except in bright sunlight) but carried a Canon Speedlite 580EZ.
In the first month the 5D failed but responded to being reset. After ten months of disappointing results the camera failed entirely.
Three times it was returned to Canon and each time it came back faulty.
In November 2008 my dealer, Calumet, took up Canon's slack and gave me outstanding support in a move back to Nikon.
I now use a D700 body, a 24-80 f/2.8 lens, an 80-200 f/2.8 lens and a Speedlight SB900.
It feels like coming home.
I always carry earplugs and a bottle opener. Sometimes
I forget the earplugs as I never use them.
And don't talk to me about new nanny state laws requiring photographers to wear earplugs in the pit.
Just don't.