Who’s more interesting to photograph than a rockstar?

Photography By Marc Giuffre

New York City photographer Marc Giuffre opens up about documenting the city’s hedonistic underground culture, his struggle to call himself an artist, and the story about Tyson Ritter of The All-American Rejects with a banana.

New York City, USA

How did you begin your journey as a photographer?

I got my first camera in 2022, a few months after I moved to Brooklyn. It was a bulky film point and shoot that I got on eBay. I didn’t have much of a creative side but when I moved to Brooklyn, I found myself surrounded by creatives and it seemed like everyone and their mother had a film camera. It felt like something I could mess around with without being a “real photographer” or an “artist”. I started taking photos here and there, with no mandate or specific subject matter in mind but seemed to gravitate towards taking portraits of my friends at bars. I had no expectation that it’d evolve to become a defining trait of myself, but here we are now.

What have you learned along the way?

I’ve learned so much, but also feel like I know nothing. I don’t consider myself to be very technical as a photographer. I think a lot of the things I’ve learned are more softer skills - like how to direct someone or the best place to stand at a show or when to click the shutter in a quick moment or how to approach someone for a photo. Taking photos teaches me about myself too, like why I gravitate towards specific photos or subjects. It’s interesting to notice my own trends and patterns as I build more of an archive.

How would you describe your style?

I’d describe it as flashy, high energy, animated, and showcases some form of hedonistic and expressive culture. I like to capture people who are passionate, creative, and enjoy expressing themselves whether it’s through their physical appearance or their posing. People have told me my photos are “indie sleaze” or capture “sex, drugs, and rock n roll”, which… does not feel inaccurate.

What makes your perspective unique?

Living in NYC and (now) being in the mix and presence of so many creative and artistic people, I’m lucky that I’m able to take photos of such interesting subjects regularly. Getting to take photos of a band performing, for example, but then also being able to take photos at their after party as a friend gives an extra layer of trust and intimacy and access which ultimately lends itself to more fun photos in my opinion. I sometimes think my lack of technical training and use of only a point and shoot might help my perspective as well, since it leads me to only focus on the subject rather than my gear and setup too much.

Your work largely focuses on portraits, music, and nightlife in New York City. Why does this subject matter inspire you?

I’ve always been a big fan of music and going out - I love going to shows and parties and meeting new people. Once I started taking photos, it intersected with the time that I discovered the local music scene which was the perfect recipe for wanting to intentionally take photos in these spaces. The subjects themselves I think are just the most cool, interesting people to exist. Who’s more interesting to photograph than a rockstar?

Tell the story behind one of your images.

The photo of Tyson Ritter of The All-American Rejects holding the banana is from one of my favorite shoots I’ve ever done. He was so cool and down to mess around and had total trust to see my vision through. I brought a few props from home, including the banana, and presented them kind of timidly, like “hey feel free to say yes or not to any of these..” and before I could even finish the sentence he goes “yes to all of them, whatever you want to do.” I’ve been a fan of his band since elementary school and to get to create a fun shoot with him was a dream. He’s my favorite type of person to shoot - someone who’s down to lean into it and have fun with it.

What is your process like?

I do a mix of planned and unplanned. There are some shows/parties that I go to with the intention to focus on taking photos at while other times my focus is to just have fun and photos are a byproduct. I usually go to at least a couple shows/parties per week and will get photos at them, but lately I’ve been trying to schedule more editorial style photoshoots as well and I’ve been particularly enjoying those. I love having an hour with someone to look around a room and come up with ideas and poses and different props to use. I’ve been gravitating towards more posed and directed photos these days since I think it gives me more freedom to be creative and ultimately creates the best photos.

What are some struggles you experienced along your photography journey? How did you overcome them?

I’m constantly re-evaluating the photos I’m taking and whether they feel authentic to me. There was a time about a year ago that I felt like the photography I was doing was cheap and bullshit and I should do something REAL like street photography. I walked around South Williamsburg and shot a roll of “street photography” and hated the process of it. I realized that I didn’t want to spend my day walking around alone sneakily taking photos of people that ultimately turned out shitty anyway. I realized how much more fun I have taking photos at shows, parties, at a friend’s apartment, etc and that that’s part of it for me - I want to take photos in spaces that I feel I belong at and enjoy spending my time in.

What is it like being an artist in New York City? How does the city inspire your work?

It’s funny you ask this because I’m still struggling to call myself an artist. It took me a while to call myself a photographer. I’m getting there though. I do think NYC is incredibly inspiring. I almost don’t know how I wasn’t always doing this. I don’t know how I was content not being involved in a creative scene and outlet in my early 20s. The city breeds so much possibility and excitement and it feels like a shame to not take advantage of it and get involved creatively. I think I just needed to get exposed to it to realize what I was missing. I had some photos in a book that was in Japan and my friend who created the book told me that some of the Japanese locals saw my photos and said it made them want to visit NYC, which felt like a huge compliment. So I do think there’s an element of “THIS is NYC” in my photos which comes from my inspiration of just existing in this magnificent city.

If you wanted to take someone from out of town on a night in the city, what would that night look like?

Ok an ideal night might look something like this - We start with a couple drinks at a cheap dive bar to get the night started (Duck Duck is my closest local favorite). Then we go to a show, ideally at Baby’s All Right since that’s my favorite venue. We meet friends there, we jump around, we take photos. We hangout for a bit after the show to socialize. Then we Citibike (my favorite means of transportation) to a house party. There’s nothing better than a house party in my opinion. Even better if a band is playing at it but that doesn’t happen as often as I’d like. We rinse and repeat - dance, drink, socialize, take photos. Around 4am-ish it’s time to leave. The last time an out of towner was visiting, we ended our night with chopped cheeses from my local bodega and watched the sunrise over the skyline on my roof while listening to music, and I think that was the perfect night cap. This results in a solid night of fun and music and I (we?) hopefully shot at least 1-2 rolls to be happy about.

Which up and coming New York City bands should we check out?

My favorite local band is The Dutch Kills. They’ve become good friends of mine and they’re so awesome both on and off the stage.

If you could photograph nightlife in another city you have never visited, which city would you choose and why?

I’ve never been to Philly but I’ve heard there’s a good DIY music scene there and so many great bands have come out of there. I’d spend a lot of time in basements photographing people moshing and crowd surfing I bet. I’m sure I’d have fun photographing there, but I really can’t imagine living anywhere other than NYC.

What's next for you?

I’m finishing up a photo series that will be turned into my first photo book, hopefully in the Fall. I’m hoping that opens the door for me to make more photo books after that, likely more archival coffee table books rather than a specific theme like this one is. Past that, I want to continue shooting nightlife but do more editorial style shoots since I think that’s where I can shine creatively and really MAKE photos more than just take photos.