Vicky Martin, please introduce yourself

I am a professional Fine Art Photographer from the UK. I have been developing my professional career in photography since 2008 after I was awarded a prestigious bursary. My work has been published and exhibited nationally and internationally, from Europe to the USA in solo and group shows, and has garnered awards and nominations including Portrait Photographer of The Year 2020 at the Minimalist Photography Awards, Finalist at the Lensculture Art Photography Awards 2019, Winner of the Professional Beauty and Fashion Category at the Chromatic Awards 2018, Winner of the All About Photo Magazine Colors issue 2018, Winner of the Single Image in the Professional Fine Art Category at the 12th Julia Margaret Cameron Awards 2018 and Winner of the Professional Fine Art Series at 2016 Fine Art Photography Awards.

Where do you live, does your place of residence inspire you to take pictures?

I am based in Staffordshire in the UK, I generally use my studio for portraits like Selfhood and (great) Expectations but when I do use locations such as “Not In Kansas” and “Curiouser and Curiouser” I find inspiration in new places that I encounter on my travels - locations that stand out and make me stop and think wow!

Do you have a photographic background?

My first introduction to photography was whilst studying art and design at college in the 90s, it was part of the curriculum and I fell completely in love, it just seemed such a natural fit for me creatively. I then went on to study photography solely and realized that this was what I wanted to do with my life.

How comes that you are interested in photography?

Photography is a unique art form that has allowed me to creatively find my voice and place in the world. I find it a very challenging and rewarding art form to be creative in.

Which photographer has inspired your photography?

I like the work of many photographers in different genres but I particularly like the work of Edward Steichen, Cindy Sherman, and Gregory Crewdson.

Why do you work in black and white/color?

I initially started in the 90s photographing in black and white but later moved on to color and find it is a different way of photographing, I try to utilize the color in my photographs to benefit the overall narrative. It is a big consideration of mine when planning any shot to think about how the colors in the image will work together.

How do you prepare for a photo?

Preparation for a photograph can be a long process from the initial idea particularly if the photograph requires a unique location. Sourcing props and costumes can be time-consuming especially if I need to make and create something. Determination, perseverance, and adrenaline play a big part!

What are your technique and creative process?

I start with an initial idea for a photograph, I then think through how to achieve the image in my mind. Then consideration is given to locations, outfits, colors, and how everything will work together. The crucial stage is then conceptualizing how to take single image ideas and develop them into a series. I enjoy all aspects of the creative process.

Which projects would you like to tackle?

I have a project in mind that would involve quite grand locations but would require a big budget too so that will remain in the idea stage for now, but I am currently working on a new series of portraits with a cinema-inspired brief.

What do you do in your life besides photography?

I love to travel, which invariably involves photography and l enjoy watching films especially the classics and enjoy reading, I find inspiration for my work in all the things I enjoy! I guess you could say that I eat, sleep and breathe photography!