Ethan Birmingham - Blog Post #8

 Week 8 Blog Post - November 13th - November 17th

----- Photographer of the Week -----

Bob Martin

Background 

    Born in 1959 and raised in the United Kingdom, Bob Martin got his passion for photography when he was young. When Martin first started taking pictures, he had little interest in sports photography and was mainly interested in having images so he could use the darkroom at his school. Over time, Martin realized the potential for action shots in sports photography and decided to shoot sports events at his school. After Martin had gone through school, he worked at multiple publications before venturing out as a freelance photographer. During the 1980's, Martin began to focus more on sports photography, a decision that would ultimately lead to a renowned career in photojournalism. 

Style and Strengths

    Bob Martin is best known for his captivating action shots and intimate portraits of some of the world's most famous athletes. Martin has established himself as one of the best in sports photography by having a terrific sense of where to be for a photo. The composition of Martin's photos gives the viewer a sense of place and makes one feel present with the athlete or event in the frame. One of the most defining traits of Martin's photography is the use of color and light in his work. Martin's images are almost solely recognizable based on the vibrancy of the subject and their surrounding area. Martin also has a skill for capturing the intensity and beauty of sport and showcasing the emotions of the athletes he shoots.

Achievements and Accolades 

    During his career, Bob Martin has received over 60 awards for his photography. Martin has been awarded the prestigious title of SJA British Sports Photographer of the Year on three occasions - 1992,1998, and 2001. Perhaps the biggest of his accomplishments came in 2005 when he was awarded first prize in the Sports category by World Press Photo for his shot of Spanish swimmer Xavi Torres at the 2004 Paralympics. Martin has also had the honor of having his work published in a multitude of popular publications such as Time, L'Équipe, and Sports Illustrated. Over the last forty years, Martin has accomplished the impressive feat of shooting at the last fifteen Olympic games. On top of his photography at the Olympics, Martin has also shot at some of the most recognized sporting events in the world, such as the World Cup, Tour De France, and Wimbledon.

My Personal Favorite 

   Out of all of Bob Martin's spectacular photos, my favorite one would have to be the photo of Roger Federer at Roland Garros. As an avid observer of the tennis world and a follower of some of the biggest names in the sport, this image instantly piqued my interest. When Roger Federer played tennis, he always brought a level of elegance to his style of play. This photo perfectly captures a glimpse into the beauty and grace that Federer established during his illustrious career on the court. The lighting in the picture is exceptional as both Federer and the clay court stand out against the gloomy and gray sky.

Works Cited/More Info






    

 





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