Photography

As a student, the stars led me not only to travel but also to photography. Since then, the two have been inseparably linked, complemented by presenting my images in presentations, books, and exhibitions. Just as the world has changed over five decades, camera and projection technology has changed as well. Yet photography remains my motivation to set out again and again, to meet people and experience landscapes as a geographer.

Here you will find tips on travel photography, photographic equipment, image composition, finding subjects, and photographing people.

Mount Everest und Nupse spiegeln die Abenddämmerung wieder

Seven Tips for Travel Photos

Travel photography is a broad field, but it's always the same factors that determine whether photos turn out well. I've outlined seven of them here.

Take better photos

Michael Martin sitzt auf einem Boot im Pantanal in Brasilien

Equipment for Travel Photography

Cameras and lenses have fascinated me ever since I was a student. Over the past fifty years, I have witnessed two technological revolutions: the transition from analog to digital and the rise of camera drones.

Tips on equipment

Zwei Königspinguine laufen auf einem Hügel in Südgeorgien

Composition

Good cameras and lenses are certainly an important prerequisite for good photos, but what really matters is the photographer’s experience and eye, as well as a feel for the right moment.

Information on Image Composition

Michael Martin schleppt Kameraausrüstung ins Dead Vlei in Namibia

The Search for Subjects

Much comes down to experience and intuition; little is planned. As a traveling photographer, I am always on the move, scanning my surroundings for subjects and situations. When the moment is right, I pause, reach for my camera, and do my best.

Finding a Subject

Portrait Photography

Photographing people has a lot to do with trust and closeness. At its best, my camera serves as a bridge between cultures.

To Portrait Photography