#230: The Colorblind Award Winning Photographer That Photographed Muhhamad Ali, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, LeBron James & MANY more… w/ Marc Serota
Muhammad Ali. Lebron James. Tom Brady. Britney Spears. The Kardashians…
… he’s photographed them all.
As today’s guest, Marc Serota says, “It’s easier to say who I haven’t shot than it is to say who I have.”
I’m grateful to say that I actually first met today’s guest in person in beautiful Turks & Caicos at our buddy Al-B Hannemann’s event.
After spending several days snorkeling and sharing meals together, I quickly became enraptured by this man.
He’s TRULY lived a Beyond Curious life and has the wildest stories.
I’m talking things like:
- Risking his life to chase hurricanes, document war zones, riots, and natural disasters.
- Photographing dozens of Olympics, Super Bowls, NBA Finals…
- Spending quality time with the world’s biggest celebrities, politicians, and athletes
If you want to see his insane portfolio, you can check out his site right here:
I just found hours slipping by as we sat together and he shared mind blowing story after mind blowing story…
So of course, I had to bring him on the podcast ;)
I can’t wait for you to listen!
Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Marc Serota
Brandon introduces the episode with excitement, teasing incredible stories from the legendary photographer Marc Serota, who has captured some of the most iconic figures in sports and entertainment. From photographing Muhammad Ali, LeBron James, and Britney Spears to covering historic Super Bowls and Olympic events, Marc's career is nothing short of extraordinary.
02:18 - How Brandon Met Marc: Turks and Caicos & A Lifetime of Stories
Brandon shares how he met Marc at an event hosted by former pro beach volleyball player Albie Hanneman. Their conversations in Turks and Caicos left Brandon captivated by Marc’s storytelling and legendary career.
02:59 - Three Key Highlights to Look Forward To in This Episode
- What it was like to do a photoshoot with Muhammad Ali, Will Smith, Joe Frazier, and Mike Tyson.
- How to stay comfortable around high-profile people and make them feel at ease.
- Why being colorblind has actually helped Marc in his career as an award-winning photographer.
04:45 - Marc Serota’s Background: The Goat Hunter of Photography
A deep dive into Marc’s impressive bio—his work with Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and major leagues like the NBA, NFL, and NHL. He has covered four NBA Finals, two World Series championships, and numerous historic sporting events.
06:21 - The Super Bowl Shot That Changed Everything: John Elway’s Defining Moment
Marc shares an incredible story about how he captured a defining shot of John Elway’s Super Bowl victory, which later became a Sports Illustrated cover. He breaks down how he positioned himself in a unique way, separate from other photographers, to capture a legendary moment.
12:17 - The Philosophy of Being Different: Finding the Unseen Angles
Marc explains why he always seeks unique perspectives in his work. He shares how legendary photographers inspired him to go against the crowd and be in places where no one else was to capture iconic shots.
18:34 - Breaking into the Industry: The Miami Herald and a Wrestling Match
Marc tells the gripping story of how he hustled his way into an internship at the Miami Herald by sneaking into a wrestling event, capturing a dynamic shot of Hulk Hogan vs. Macho Man Randy Savage, and proving himself under pressure.
28:55 - The Unexpected Call That Changed His Life
Just when Marc thought he had lost his shot at the Miami Herald internship, he gets an unexpected call that puts his career on a whole new trajectory. A powerful lesson in perseverance.
33:11 - Shooting His First Celebrity: Eddie Murphy for Rolling Stone
Marc describes the nerves and excitement of shooting Eddie Murphy for Rolling Stone magazine. He shares how he discovered he was photographing the comedy legend only after hearing his iconic laugh.
41:07 - The Art of Making People Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Marc reveals his techniques for making high-profile figures feel at ease, emphasizing confidence, authenticity, and building trust through openness.
54:18 - The Legendary Camilo Villegas Shoot: A Photographer’s Triumph
A behind-the-scenes look at a Sports Illustrated shoot with golfer Camilo Villegas, who initially refused to cooperate. Marc explains how he used strategy and psychology to get the perfect shot.
1:01:05 - Photographing Muhammad Ali: A Career-Defining Moment
Marc shares the surreal experience of photographing Muhammad Ali at the historic Miami Beach Convention Center, where Ali fought Sonny Liston. Ali’s charisma and showmanship made it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Links & Resources:
- Marc Serota’s Website – Explore his photography portfolio.
- Follow Marc on Instagram – Behind-the-scenes shots and latest work.
This episode is packed with legendary stories, invaluable lessons in photography, and insights into how to navigate high-pressure environments. Don't miss it!