After just six months of posting videos, he has amassed a following of over 100,000 people, with his posts reaching millions of views.
Marq, 30, moved to the UK from South Africa in 2006, originally living in London but settling in Falkirk.
He was made redundant from his role at a pension company in June and decided to focus full-time on his passion for photography.
The photographer Marq Cravo poses for a photograph on Buchanan Street, Glasgow. (Image: Colin Mearns)
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Marq has gained a massive following on Instagram and TikTok thanks to his portraits of people. (Image: Colin Mearns)
Marq explained how he made the jump. He said: “I thought about it and I didn’t want to go back into an office job.
“I enjoyed taking pictures of people. I enjoy going out and meeting new people, so I decided to try it and see how it goes.
“The first video I posted back on June 21 got about 100,000 views within about two to three days, and I thought if there’s any sign, this must be it, and I just went with it.”
He had started the account a few years ago, but losing his previous job gave him the chance to pursue creating videos and photos as more than a hobby.
It also has helped him come out of his shell, Marq explained: “I was a massive introvert. I would never put myself in any situation where I had to speak to people, to be honest.
“It was a brilliant way for me to get out there. To take pictures of people and build up a portfolio while becoming a better photographer, but it has also helped me become more confident in myself.”
That confidence has made him a well-known face on Buchanan Street, his usual patch, where he can be seen a few days a week.
Marq’s soft-spoken approach helps him talk most people round, and he backs it up with a set-piece opening statement that always includes a compliment followed up by an assurance that he’s not trying to sell anything.
Marq’s red cover on his camera means he’s been spotted more frequently as he’s gained followers as he tells us I was made redundant, now I take photos of people in Glasgow (Image: Colin Mearns)
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People often flock to the comments on his posts to say they’d love to be selected by Marq while walking the busy street.
Marq has some specifics that he looks out for, he explained: “Just everyone and anyone.
“But some things do catch my eye, someone might have funky hair, someone might have nice eyes, someone might be wearing a cool jacket, someone might be wearing cool shoes.
“I like red because it stands out against the rustic colours of the street. It just pops.”
Marq’s love for all things red extends to his own appearance; he has a red cover on his camera, which he says has become more recognisable than he is.
He laughed as he said: “A lot more people these days spot the camera and I see them point and say to their friends, ‘that’s the guy’, which is funny.”
Marq’s favourite part of the job is the people he meets; while he does take bookings, he gets the most from the encounters with strangers.
He explained: “It’s more rewarding for me to take pictures of strangers out in the world because it might be someone who never likes having their picture taken.
“It’s nice to show that person that they’ve got something to offer, and I find that more rewarding than a paid job.
“I think that’s why I enjoy doing what I do, because it’s bringing a smile to someone’s face.
“You never know what someone might be going through.”