photographer of week writeup

The photographer I choose to research was Bob Martin. Bob Martin is a sports photographer specializing in action shots. Bob was born in England and first got his photos published in 1988. He claims that he wasn't interested in sports but his talent with sports photography brought him to fame as he appeared in prestigious publictions such as Sports Illustrated, TIME, Life, Newsweek, New York Times, Stern, Paris Match, Bunte, and many more. During his 30 year career Bob shot every major sporting event from the last 15 summer and winter olympics, and during the london olympics his was selected as the Photo Chief. What stands out to me most about Bob is how he captures his images in such incredible angles. This is what I would say his claim to fame. Bob said himself he trys to be different and separate himself from other photographers, which is what makes him so successful.
“Sports photography became less about capturing the moment –because that was relatively easy now—and more about being a ‘proper’ photographer. And that’s when I blossomed. Suddenly I had time to think about the picture, the background, the context, the colors—and I began to plan everything in minute detail to get in the best positions for shooting interesting and unique pictures.”

Bob is very well prepared, and always places himself in positions where he can capture the best shots. He study's his subjects and even when the events aren't going on, he is still working and thinking about the best places he needs to be while actually shooting.

Here is a prime example of him doing this. This is actually my favorite photo Bob has shot. In this photo you can see how Bob made the effect of the shadows being in the place where you normally would see the runners photographed, and I just love this perspective. Bob in his book the 1/1000 actually talked about how in order to capture this photo he was at the track the day before looking at the shadows, and he figured out exactly where he needed to be to get this photo.

http://www.bobmartin.com
https://www.adorama.com/alc/meet-a-pro-elite-sports-photographer-bob-martin