YORK photographer Marc McGarraghy has launched his first public exhibition to a packed gathering at the Fossgate Social cafe bar in York.

Local & Live showcases images in both colour and black and white of York and Yorkshire musicians, venues and festivals, including this year’s Apollo Festival in York, Music On The Rails at the National Railway Museum, York, and the Galtres Parklands Festival at Duncombe Park, Helmsley.

"They capture the passion and energy of local talent during their live performances to local audiences. You may even spot yourself in the audience!" says Marc, who runs Yellow Mustang Photography, so named because he owned a Mustang convertible when he lived in the United States for a while. "Mustangs, along with music, photography and California were and are big passions of mine."

Among the acts he has photographed are Chris Helme, Boss Caine, Beth McCarthy, The Rodeo Falls and Holy Moly And The Crackers from York and Levellers and The Jim Jones Revue from further afield.

The launch night saw York musicians Boss Caine, Toby Burras, from Unfinished Drawings, Lee Parry, from Finch And The Moon, Marck Whiley, of The Rodeo Falls, and Two Reasons Why perform to a venue bedecked with vibrant musical imagery.

"I've converted my lifetime passion for live music into a new-found talent for capturing the essence of 'being there'," says Marc, who has developed a growing reputation not only for the quality of his work, but for his tireless support of the Yorkshire and music scene.

Marc picked up a camera in earnest only three years ago and now uses his work to champion local talent, causes and events, specialising in music, people and event photography across York, Yorkshire and the north of England. More information can be found at yellowmustang.co.uk.

Local & Live runs at Fossgate Social, Fossgate, York, until January 5 2015.