#WorldPhotographyDay: Local photographer, Martin Barber wins in China
Martin works for SOS ProTec Sure as a sales marketing manager, is married to Shirley and they have two sons and four grandchildren.
MARTIN Barber, a member of both the Southern Suburbs Camera Club and Alberton Camera Club, recently won an International Photography Exhibition with his stunning photograph Midnight Stallion and a third place for Raining at The Station. The exhibition took place in China.
Martin said, “When visiting the Tsitsikamma Forest last year I took photos of the stallions which run wild there but when I looked at the photos they were too dark so I just left them. As it happened a few months later, when I was going through them again, I managed to lighten them and the top part of the stallion appeared. The photo Raining at The Station was taken at Sandstone Estate in the Orange Free State.
When he was nine years old Martin showed an interest in photography and his parents bought him a camera.
“In the first half an hour I used up a whole roll of film, 36 pictures, and after that I was limited by my parents to only one roll of film every month. I very soon became selective in what I photographed and I think that has certainly played a part in me getting the right pic,” he said.
In 2002 he bought his first digital camera.
“I remember thinking how far photography will go and just look how far it has come. Women were predominantly not as good as men at taking photographs before digitals came on the market. I think because the cameras were more technical and you really needed to understand that side, but with digital it’s become a lot easier and some women are making a name for themselves as fantastic photographers,” he added.
“I think SA has some of the best nature photographers in the world. I mean where else would you have such access to the Big Five? These photographers normally send their pics abroad for judging though,” added Martin.
Martin works for SOS ProTec Sure as a sales marketing manager, is married to Shirley and they have two sons and four grandchildren.
Do you photograph your family, especially the grandchildren?
“I have yes but I enjoy creative photography and I’m always looking for an unusual photo to take. One day I was walking through The Glen Shopping Centre and saw an elderly man with a long beard. I thought he’d make a great pic, so I asked him if he’d be prepared to pose for me in the studio. He did and the pic was a winner in an international competition.”
When you aren’t working or taking photographs, what do you enjoy?
“I don’t have any other hobby other than photography. It’s very time-consuming. We do enjoy eating out though and Little Italy in Glenanda is one of our favourite local restaurants.”
If you are interested in joining either the Southern Suburbs Camera Club (phone Karen on 083 259 0009) or Alberton Camera Club (Neil 082 900 1148).
Read:
Photography enthusiasts welcomed
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