Q&A with Marlyn McInnes
Where are you based?
I am very fortunate to live on a farm in Glenisla, Perthshire where I have so much on my doorstep to photograph. Whether it is wildlife, farm animals, landscape, my beautiful fell ponies or a mixture of my pet dogs and the talented working farm dogs.
Where does the name Corrievanoch come from?
When I decided to take my photography more seriously, I thought I needed a name other than my own name and my partner James said to me why don’t you use Corrievanoch as that is one of the corries on Mount Blair. I loved the name and there was no further debating about it.
When did you start your photography venture and why?
I have always loved photography from a young age and in the last 7 years I have taken it more seriously. I do not know where it comes from, but I was forever snapping away and still am, improving and learning all the time.
Where did you learn photography?
I taught myself with a 35mm film camera before I got my first digital camera in 2006. Digital cameras were amazing you could delete any photo, see instantly what you had taken and not wait for your film to be developed to find you had cropped the head of the person. I joined the Kirriemuir Photography Club where I have learnt so much more, as well as use online courses, You Tube and plenty of practise.
Which camera do you use?
Seven years ago, I used a Panasonic FZ72 bridge camera, which was a Christmas present from James. I have to say it was an amazing camera and have taken some of my best photos with that camera including the mountain hare and the Forter Castle snow scene. I have now upgraded to a Canon 90D which has the option to change lenses depending on what I am photographing.
Favourite animal to photograph?
Now this is a very difficult question which I do struggle to answer, my passion is my fell ponies, and they are great to take photos of with their long manes and full of character. Also red deer, red squirrels, dogs, sheep, cows and so on … see I told you I struggle to answer this question…
What is your favourite photo that you have taken?
I have taken so many thousands of photos however my favourite recent photograph is of my beautiful fell mare Amy taken in the snow February this year.
Where can people buy your images?
My Facebook and Instagram Page – Corrievanoch Photography by Marlyn McInnes. I post all my photos there and you can just contact me for more information. I am looking into a website as I do have a few customer bookings coming up, including 2 weddings, so this would be useful for clients to login to view their photographs and purchase direct.
What are your top tips for amateur photographers?
If you love photography, you do not need expensive equipment, only a passion for what you see and an eye for it. Lots of people take lovely photos with their mobile phones these days and some have small digital cameras, others have the best camera you can buy, however, it is what you see and what you love that counts.
