philip martins photography

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1 I S S U E N O I N T H E F R A M E philip martins photography 2 3 S E P T E M B E R contemporary - unique - exceptional I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : O P E N I N G N O T E 1 B A C K P A C K E R E U R O P E M A G A Z I N E P H O T O E S S A Y B O L I V I A P H O T O E S S A Y U R U G U A Y N E W I M A G E S W E L C O M E T O T H E N E W E D I T I O N O F I N T H E F R A M E In this issue I will publish a couple of photographic essays from South America, look at some photographic competitions I have recently taken part in, share an Insight into an image and bring you up-to-date with the latest goings on in the world of philip martins photography. If you have any comments about this edition of In the Frame or anything to do with philip martins photography, simply drop me a line using the feedback tool on my website or write to me at info@philipmartinsphotography.com Enjoy S H E L L W I L D L I F E P H O T O G R A P H E R O F T H E Y E A R A W A R D 5 Light pours through a window in St. Peters Basilica, Vatican City. N E W B O O K 8 I N S I G H T I N T O A N I M A G E S M I L E W I T H C E N T R O P H O T O G R A P H Y C O M P E T I T I O N 9 9 B A C K P A C K E R E U R O P E M A G A Z I N E Two of my photographic essays were recently published in Backpacker Europe Magazine. My essays showcase a selection of my images from the magical South American destinations of Uruguay and Bolivia. C H R I S T M A S O R D E R S 10 W E B S I T E C H A N G E S 10 Backpacker Europe Magazine is available in Dublin, Cork and Galway and also in London, Edinburgh, Paris, Berlin and Belfast. See Pages 2 and 3 of In The Frame for the full version of both photo essays and a selection of the images that accompanied the article. Sunset, Renvyle Beach, Co. Galway, Ireland

2 Page 2 P H O T O G R A P H I C E S S A Y - B O L I V I A Travel photographer Philip Martins recently spent five months traveling around South America taking in several countries enroute including Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. In a two part photographic series to be exhibited in Backpacker Magazine, Philip showcases some of his stunning images from two very distinct South American countries Bolivia and Uruguay both of which abound in natural beauty, friendly locals and amazing scenery. He kicks it off in Bolivia Lake Titicaca, on the border of Peru, is the worlds highest fresh water lake at an altitude of 3,820m above sea level. Isla del Sol is one of the most popular destination for backpackers heading to the area and here you can check out Inca ruins, go for breathtaking walks or simply sit back and take in the views whilst mixing with the local Islanders. Driving into La Paz at dusk is an awe inspiring sight. Back dropped with the snowcapped Mt. Illimani rising to 6,402m, the Sunset at San Juan del sprawling capital, the highest in the world Rosario, Salar de Uyuni at 3,660m above sea level, makes you dizzy just looking at. But once down on ground level, the city opens up and reveals bustling markets, quirky cafes, galleries and friendly locals all determined to show you a great time. And if you are after some high adrenaline adventure, jump on a mountain biking tour that takes you down the world s most dangerous road and live to tell the tale. The Hallucinogenic salt plains of Salar de Uyuni Once you feel like you have had enough of the high altitude madness that is La Paz, jump on 45 minute flight to the other end of the spectrum to the township of Rurrenabaque set right in the heart of Bolivia s pampas and lowland region. Here you can kick back and relax by taking a number of jungle tours into the papas region and get back to nature. Go bird watching for Toucans, fishing for Piranha, day hikes looking for Anaconda or just lie back in a James's Flamingos hammock and watch the (Phoenicoparrus jamesi) sunset over one of Bolivia s most magical places. And finally, a trip to Bolivia is not complete without heading south to see the vast expanse and almost mystical Salar de Uyuni region. Salar de Uyuni is a 12,000sq km expanse of salt plains, active and extinct volcanoes, glistening lagoons and flamingos and all rising to an altitude of over 5,000m above sea level. It really has to be seen to be believed. All the colour from the Rosario Festival, La Paz Colourful fishing boats, Lake Titicaca Ask anybody who has been to Bolivia and they will tell you it is a country not to be missed. From the jaw dropping heights of the capital La Paz, to the tranquil beauty of Lake Titicaca, the pampas lowland region and mystical Salar de Uyuni, you simply can t go wrong and that s only the half of it! Getting there and about Mode of transport in Bolivia range from so called luxury tourist buses to local mini buses called Micros. Flights to Rurrenabaque from La Paz will set you back around US$ return with Amazonas Airways.

3 Page 3 P H O T O G R A P H I C E S S A Y - U R U G U A Y The wonderful Teatro Solis in downtown Montevideo In the 2 nd of a two part photographic series on South America, travel photographer Philip Martins caught up with a long time Uruguayan friend who was more than happy to show him around his native country and treat him to the delights of one of South America s most underrated destinations. Sunrise over the lighthouse at José Ignacio on Uruguay s Atlantic Coast You could be mistaken for believing that when you arrive in Montevideo, Uruguay s capital, that you have left the continent of South America and landed back in Europe. Compared to most South American cities, Montevideo feels sophisticated with its laid back vibe, fine restaurants and its fantastic colonial architecture in the picturesque historical centre of Ciudad Vieja. A trip to Montevideo is not complete without heading down to Mercado del Puerto on a Saturday morning to soak up the atmosphere, share a beer or two with friendly locals and sample some of Uruguay s culinary delights from the Asado (bbq). And if you thought the best steaks in the world are over the Rio de la Plata in Buenos Aires, well you haven t tried one of the Uruguayan varieties! Fortaleza de Santa Teresa just Heading east from Montevideo, the Atlantic Ocean offers outside Punta del Este in the up some of the most relaxing and laid back beach towns Parque Nacional Santa Teresa in South America that appear to have stood the test of time. One of these towns, Punta del Diablo, is a beautiful example of this. With its dirt road leading to the town, its wooden beach shacks, old fishing boats anchored on the beach and local surfers making use of the Atlantic swell, you could spend days One of the many here just soaking up the sun and getting away from it all. colorful cottages dotted around the West of Montevideo is the colonial trail which ends at Colonia cobbled stone laneways of Colonia del del Sacramento on the shores of the Rio de la Plata. For the romantics out there, this place is as good as it gets with its cobbled stone laneways, colonial buildings, outstanding Sacramento restaurants and river views. You simply won t want to leave. Uruguay is one of those countries that tends to be overlooked by backpackers in favor of the more star studded destinations such as Argentina, Peru and Brazil. But the lack of Gringos should be an instant appeal to One of the many Asado s anybody looking to get off the beaten track in (bbq s) at the Mercado del South America. And if you do you ll be greeted Puerto in Montevideo by friendly locals, amazing beach scenes, great food and wine and all in 1 st world surroundings at 3 rd world prices. What more could you ask for? Getting there and about Getting around Uruguay couldn t be easier. The bus system is excellent, frequent and on time or you could even hire a car for your stay as it is like driving anywhere in Europe (except there doesn t seem to be a speed Old world charm in Colonia del limit!). Flights from Buenos Aires depart several times a day to Montevideo and will Sacramento set you back around US$ one way with Aerolineas Argentinas and take about 40 minutes. Alternatively you can get the ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia or Montevideo for around US$50.00 which takes around 2 hours.

4 Page 4 L A T E S T I M A G E S U P L O A D E D T O P H I L I P M A R T I N S P H O T O G R A P H Y. C O M - W I L S O N S P R O M O N T O R Y N A T I O N A L P A R K A N D T H E G R E A T O C E A N R O A D I have recently added some new images to both my Signature Series and Travel Portfolio online galleries. The new photographs in my collection come from the very beautiful Wilsons Promontory National Park and the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. You can check these out online at or by clicking on the following links - Wilsons Promontory Signature Series - Wilsons promontory Travel portfolio - Great Ocean Road Signature Series - Great Ocean Road Travel portfolio.

5 Page S H E L L W I L D L I F E P H O T O G R A P H E R O F T H E Y E A R A W A R D I recently received confirmation that six of my entries into this years Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year award made it through to the semi final stages of judging. This was the first year that I have entered the competition and although I was not a winner this year, I am extremely proud to have made it to the semi final stage, and hopefully I can go one better next year. Over the next few pages of this edition of In the Frame, you can view my entries that made it though to the semi final stage, along with the description of the photograph that was also submitted. You can also view the photographs on my website by clicking here. The Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year award is organised by the Natural History Museum, London, and the BBC Wildlife Magazine and this year received over 32,000 entries from over 3,000 photographers worldwide - more than ever before. The winning and commended photographs will be exhibited at the Natural History Museum, London, from the 31st October until 26th April More information on the competition can be found here. Image Title: James s Flamingo Category: Animals in their Environment The James s Flamingo (Phoeenicopterus jamesi) that inhabit Laguna Colorada in the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, have to be one of the toughest and resilient birds on the planet. You cant help but admire these delicate and beautiful birds for managing to survive up here in these harsh and often freezing conditions. The James s Flamingo spend most of their day standing around in the icy red waters of Laguna Colorada eating the algae from which they get the majority of their daily energy needs. It truly was a spectacular sight to see so many of these beautiful birds in one of the world s most incredible locations. Equipment: Canon D20 + EFS 17-85mm IS USM. F /640 F/5.6 - ISO 100 I N T H E F R A M E

6 Page S H E L L W I L D L I F E P H O T O G R A P H E R O F T H E Y E A R A W A R D Image Title: Zorro Andino Category: Animal Behavior - Mammals Whilst travelling across the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, I came across this Culpeo (Pseudalopex culpaeus), commonly known as Zorro Andino or Andean Fox. The behavior of this particular Andean Fox was strange in that it did not seem to mind the fact that several people were standing around taking photographs of it. With thousands of visitors flocking to the Salar de Uyuni every year, it may be that the wildlife of the area has become more tolerant towards humans. Or it could just be that this little one was inquisitive and was just as interested in us as we were in it. Either way, I was delighted to photograph this beautiful animal in such a stunning environment. Equipment: Canon D20 + EFS 17-85mm IS USM. F /250 F/7.1 - ISO 100 Image Title: Approaching Storm Category: One Earth Award I stood in awe as I watched this massive cloud band and thunderstorm develop in the Rio de la Plata and slowly roll towards the holiday resort of Punta del Este on Uruguay s South East coast. Within the space of half and hour, the scene went from a majestical sunset over the Rio de la Plata to one of total darkness which would eventually blanket and engulf the glitzy apartment buildings that rise up out of Punta del Este. But just as amazing as the storm itself was the fact that it did not produce a single drop of rain and as soon as it hit the coast it dissipated without a trace. This phenomenon, known locally as Pampero Wind, is becoming more regular in the area resulting from a build up of humidity and atmospheric pressure and highlights how vulnerable South American coastal populations are to the El Niño effect. Equipment: Canon D20 + EFS 17-85mm IS USM. F /50 F/7.1 - ISO 400

7 Page S H E L L W I L D L I F E P H O T O G R A P H E R O F T H E Y E A R A W A R D Image Title: Dance of the James s Flamingo Category: Animal Behavior - Birds The rare, delicate and extremely beautiful James s Flamingo (Phoenicopterus jamesi) that inhabit the lagoons of Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, display their colourful feathers here in one of the animals many exotic rituals. I managed to take this image from the bank of Laguna Hedionda, one of the magical lagoons in the area where the flamingo s congregate and feed off the algae within the mineral rich water. Their gregarious and social nature makes them fascinating to observe and photograph. Equipment: Canon D20 + EFS mm IS USM. F /1600 F/5.6 - ISO 100 Image Title: Lone Tree Category: In Praise of Plants At the top of the Valle de Frances in Patagonia s Torres del Paine National Park, the thick vegetation and plant life that grows in the valley slowly disappears after being continually exposed to the harsh elements of this region. Bushfires also pose a threat to the flora in this harsh terrain. This lone tree trunk is all that s left of what was once a thriving vegetation after bushfires swept through the area. Standing resiliently, it is a stark reminder of the fragile beauty of this national park. Equipment: Canon D20 + EFS 17-85mm IS USM. F /125 F/8 - ISO 100

8 Page S H E L L W I L D L I F E P H O T O G R A P H E R O F T H E Y E A R A W A R D Image Title: Cobra Anaconda Category: Animal Portraits On a day when it was quite cool and overcast, the chances of sighting, let alone photographing, the elusive Cobra Anaconda in the Bolivian Pampas near the Yacumba River were very small. But I was in luck this day because after about 4 hours of searching and with fading light, my expert guide surprised me by spotting this extraordinary reptile. To be able to get so close to this beautiful animal and watch it in its natural environment was a very special moment. To my amazement, when I processed the image several weeks later, I noticed that I had inadvertently captured a tick sitting on the head of the Anaconda. Equipment: Canon D20 + EFS mm IS USM. F /100 F/5.6 - ISO 100 N E W B O O K O U T S O O N... I M A G E S F R O M B R A Z I L My first photographic publication, currently entitled Brazil, is scheduled for release in early The book is a culmination of several months hard work and will showcase a collection of my stunning images from South Americas largest country. The book will be priced at $ and will have a limited print run of only 100 copies and comes signed by the photographer, complete with a certificate of Authenticity, making it an ideal investment for collectors of fine art and documentary style photography The coffee table publication will be completed in a hand stitched bound hardcover and dust jacket, and the images printed on fine satin 170 stock for an optimum finish. You can pre-order your copy today by dropping me a line at info@philipmartinsphotography.com.

9 Page 9 I N S I G H T I N T O A N I M A G E - S T R E E T S C E N E, K A T H M A N D U, N E P A L Each issue of In The Frame, I ll give you an insight into some of my favourite images that I have taken over the years. Photographs can be interpreted in many ways and hundreds of questions can be asked about one single image. But at the end of the day, without the photographers version of events, it all comes down to the imagination and interpretation of the viewer. In Kathmandu, just about anything goes...and this day was no exception. Whilst wondering the streets of the main business district of Kathmandu, I came across this cow, just taking it easy on the side walk whilst men in business suits casually passed it by without blinking an eye. Unusual you say? In Nepal cows are treated with the utmost respect - untouchable and holy - and roam the streets on a daily basis, usually in search of food. In a country that is often racked with political and social turmoil, I often wonder what ever became of the poor old cow who was just hanging out downtown! L O C A L F I N A L I S T S M I L E W I T H C E N T R O P O R T R A I T P H O T O G R A P H Y C O M P E T I T I O N For the 2nd year running I have been selected as one of 20 local finalists in the Smile with Centro Portrait Photography competition, for my entry, which is cheekily entitled Bums. The photograph was shot in the remote beach village of Jericoacoara which is situated on Brazil s north east coast. As a local finalist at Bendigo s Centro Lansell Shopping Centre, I am now in the running to win a Sony digital camera and printer for best local photo and also the national first prize of $10,000. My entry for this years competition will be exhibited at Centro Lansell, Bendigo until Friday 3rd October. The winner of Best Local Photo and the overall National Winner will be announced on 3rd of October. In 2007, I was awarded Best Local Photo for my entry entitled Wrapped Up. Check out that winning image here. If you see an image on my website that you would like to know more about, drop me a line and I ll endeavour to give you an Insight into that photograph in my next issue of In The Frame. I N T H E F R A M E

10 philip martins photography contemporary - unique - exceptional 5/66 Montague Street South Melbourne Victoria. Australia H M E info@philipmartinsphotography.com W G E T Y O U R P R I N T O R D E R S I N F O R C H R I S T M A S. Its that time of year again...yep Christmas is just over 3 months away! All of my photographs in both the Signature Series and travel portfolio galleries are available for purchase and make for ideal gifts for family and friends, and investments for collectors of fine art photographic prints. Gift vouchers are also available. The recipients of the gift voucher can then simply go online and select the print that would fit to their home décor or interest and have it shipped to their door. Various sized prints are available so log onto to place your order for a print or gift voucher today. N E W W E B S I T E U P G R A D E C O M I N G S O O N... Based in Melbourne, Philip is an affiliate member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers and specialises travel, wedding & commercial photography, image licensing and fine art photographic prints. In addition, he is also available for parties, portrait sittings and music related photography as well as photographing business equipment for company brochures and websites and digital image re-touching. If you are interested in hiring Philip for a commissioned assignment, whether it be for a travel or commercial related project, please contact him directly via the contact page of his website he will be happy to provide a quote needs without obligation. philipmartinsphotography.com is undergoing a makeover and upgrade in the very near future. The new look website will have several new features including: Paypal integration for ordering and purchasing prints online in a safe and secure environment Commercial & Wedding client login access to enable private viewing & purchasing of images A new wedding portfolio gallery If you don't wish to receive future issues of In The Frame, please reply to me and I ll remove you from my mailing list. Larger images for improved viewing Wider selection of print sizes for purchasing Fresh new colour scheme Keep an eye out for the changes which should be taking place over the next couple of months.