Meet Marc Piscotty | Freelance photographer, amateur mixologist/chef and lover of the outdoors

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marc Piscotty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marc, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I’d say that I’m a bit of a dichotomy when it comes to risk taking…In active pursuits like mountain biking or snowboarding I’m all about it but when it comes to my career I’ve always been way more conservative. I remember when I was working full-time at the local newspaper years ago and I had a pretty good idea of where the industry was headed and I still struggled to get the courage to quit a full-time gig with plenty of benefits to step into the world of freelancing. It’s not like it hasn’t had it challenges especially in the last few years of Covid but honestly it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It allows for a much more balanced work/life existence which I value much more than money, fame or recognition at this point in my life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I studied and worked in newspaper photography for years both in New Mexico and Colorado as well as multiple summer internships across the country. Journalism isn’t any easy job by any means but it was rewarding as hell…Some of the things I got to witness first hand were incredible and I felt like every day was an education. From the Columbine shooting to a Winter Olympics to the Democratic National Convention it was a front row seat to history many days. All of that was tough to leave behind for sure but my life/work balance was pretty skewed in the wrong direction. I’ve pursued food and drink, action and lifestyle photography as well as corporate work but what makes me feel the most alive and creative is a personal project I’ve pursued on roadside capillas during numerous trips to Mexico (https://www.marcpiscotty.com/gallery/Mexican-Capilla-Project/G00003oISFQ19VWI). I feel like for any artist having a personal project that is done for nothing more than the pursuit of something that you’re passionate about is crucial. Every time I get the chance to work on that project I feel recharged even though I’ve never made a penny off of it…It’s paid me back in ways that no amount of money ever could.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m much more of a mountains and trails type but a few of the places I enjoy in or very close to Denver include a concert at Red Rocks on a perfect summer evening, exploring a few of the funkier corridors in Denver including South Broadway and Colfax Avenue…The independent and artistic vibe definitely still exists in Denver you just have to search a bit harder for it these days. I’d definitely also get them out to some of the trails in the foothills around town including Lair of the Bear or Mount Falcon…What other major cities can you ride world class trails with a distant view of downtown?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The three people that I credit most with where I am are three of the women I’ve been closest to in my life…First is my mom who has always been one of my biggest supporters even when others within my own family doubted my career choices. The second would be my ex she pushed me when I needed it most to make the career choice to go freelance. I doubted my decision to leave a full-time job and she talked me off the ledge of changing my mind last minute and for that I’m forever thankful. The third is my current partner of almost eight years. We’ve both gone thru challenges in our respective careers but she has been there to support and prop me up when I’ve needed it most and continues to be one of the most positive people I know even in the face of massive adversity.

Website: www.marcpiscotty.com

Instagram: @mpiscotty

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/marcpiscotty/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarcPiscottyPhotography

Image Credits
All photos copyright Marc Piscotty