(written by Black Sea MAP STEM Scholars)
Job role
Martin is the expedition photographer. He documents the day-to-day activity of the crew at work.
Responsibilities of the role
Martin must capture key events and pictures that can be used to advertise the importance of the Black Sea MAP. He must ensure that he captures appropriate and professional shots that can be used to influence and intrigue many people who may be reading an article about the Black Sea.
Subjects studied at school
Geology, Physics and Biology.
Career route
After school Martin spent two years on a full-time photography course in Bournemouth. Beginning his career as a photographer, he was contracted to a chemical science facility for eight months, where he would take photos of the experiments.
He contacted a photographer he respected and asked for a placement at his company. He was given a one-week placement at the company. Six months passed by, and he was then offered a full-time job.
Career highlight so far
Martin’s career highlight was when he spent one month within a secluded village in mountains of Yemen. He needed to travel 150 miles up an iced-over river to reach the village. Once he arrived, he spent the month regularly taking photos of the village people’s celebrations. He enjoys regularly meeting many new people from all different kinds of backgrounds.
What skills are important in this job?
A photographer must be very approachable and extremely friendly with all their clients so they feel comfortable. Each client must be treated with equal respect to achieve amazing shots.
Most challenging career moment
Photographing the Arctic Ocean due to the intense conditions that he and his team had to face. For example -40⁰C and chilling winds that left the crew and camera equipment unable to work for more than 20 minutes at a time!
One piece of advice for keen photographers
Never quit on your dreams; keep striving for every success until you reach your goals. If you’re in a job that doesn’t suit you, think “What best interests me?” and aim for that job.
