I've been a professional freelance photographer since I had a card printed
that said that's what I am. Most of my work is in music and theatre, film &
T.V. - 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.
Here is 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
and 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." (M.Neil)
Equipment:
For nineteen years I used Nikon cameras (FM and FE) and I loved them. But with
the advent of new technology, which to me still means auto focus lenses, and
with Nikon's seemingly permanent air of secrecy concerning the overdue F5 I
gave up waiting, took a deep breath, and changed my gear entirely over to Canon EOS1n & EOS5. The 5 was nice and quiet for poetry readings and such but I had to give it up as the shutter release reaction time was just too slow. Missed too many pictures.
In 2003 I went digital - bought the Canon
10D. I still used the EOS1n as main body for shooting black and white. In April 2007 I sold the 1n and dismantled my darkroom. Burned that bridge so there can be no going back. Now
The lenses I use are: 50mm f/1.4 -
80-200mm f/2.8 - 17-35mm f/2.8 - 28-70mm f2.8, all are
Canon ultrasonics and absolutely incredible after the twenty year old Nikkor
prime lenses I had worn into the ground.
I seldom use a flash but carry a Speedlite 540EZ which I find very easy to
use.
Lastly I always carry earplugs and a bottle opener. Sometimes
I forget the earplugs.
Equipment:
For nineteen years I used Nikon cameras (FM and FE) and I loved them. But with
the advent of new technology, which to me still means auto focus lenses, and
with Nikon's seemingly permanent air of secrecy concerning the overdue F5 I
gave up waiting, took a deep breath, and changed my gear entirely over to Canon EOS1n & EOS5. The 5 was nice and quiet for poetry readings and such but I had to give it up as the shutter release reaction time was just too slow. Missed too many pictures.