About Magic Moments Photography

My name is Martin and I am passionate about photography!

Magic Moments Photography is a showcase for my work, capturing those special moments in time.

A bit of history

My first camera (the name of which I have long since forgotten) was a 35mm compact film camera. I remember taking a whole roll of film of a group of skydivers. They all appeared like dots when it was developed; not what I was expecting. But, at the age of 13, I had a lot to learn!

At the age of 17, I bought my first 35mm SLR camera (a Pentax) equipped with a zoom lens, and I took to it like a duck to water. I took that camera everywhere, and soon found out that, whilst people thought that you miss out on being involved when you see the world through a lens, in reality, those little details are captured at the moment the shutter clicked. And the magic moments are there for all to see.

My photography took me from inspiring sunsets to early morning starts helping out a friend with his hot air balloon - getting aerial photographs of the sun rise over Bristol to boot - and any motor sport events I could get to - with a preference for the two wheeled kind.

I moved on to a Canon EOS 100 with a few Canon lenses for what was becoming a very busy time for me taking photographs for friends and family. My first big job as a semi-professional photographer was to photograph a close friend's engagement party: all went to plan and I even made a little money.

Back to the digital present

Now I use a Canon EOS 5D and 40D with several L-series lenses. The switch to digital has put me in control of the whole process, with raw image capture, and a bias to getting the photograph right at the time of capture. The digital format and the amazing detail and crispness of the images are superb.

I have the ability to capture stunning panoramic landscapes and natural portraits printed using an Epson STYLUS PRO 4880 printer with roll media paper and Ilford Galerie paper or on to stretched canvas (which has proved a big hit).

And now with the ability to produce a beutifully printed coffee table book or cherished moments in a Wedding Book, gone are the days of photographs falling out of your album.

My career as photographer has gone from strength to strength, including:

• making and selling photographic greeting cards to local shops
• taking photographs for a town council to be used in their tourist information
• photographing portraits of pets, children and families
• taking part in two exhibitions, one of which was in aid of the Campaign for the Preservation of Rural England (CPRE)
• winning first prize two years running in the garden photogprahy competition at Forde Abbey
• photographing at the Longleat International Horse Trials for the event organisers
• photorgaphing for Woolbridge Motor Club and Torbay Motor Club at Hill Climb events including Wiscombe Park, Gurston Down and Mamhead for several seasons
• supplying images to Bristol Motor Club for their publications and donating images to the Ferrari Owners Club for their Children In Need Calendar
• photographing at various events, including weddings, black-tie balls (in support of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance) and parties - using our on-site printing service offering high quality photographs on the day

I have completed several weddings and I am taking in bookings already for next year.

When I have spare time, I still continue my passion of landscape and wildlife photography, the changing seasons, the amazing weather, the beautiful birds: all really inspire me to capture those wondrous MAGIC MOMENTS.