TOM MARTIN

We speak to Canon pro photographer Tom before TPS 2021

TOM IS an advertising and editorial photographer from Leeds, UK. His journey into photography started in the music industry, shooting regular gigs for NME and Kerrang! Magazine and working with bands like The Stone Roses and Elbow. Now shooting a variety of commercial commissions and personal projects his work is distinctly recognizable for its unique, colorful take on portraiture and reportage. Tom has been commissioned extensively by Canon and traveled all around the world creating imagery for them, as well as a range of other major brand clients and agencies.

How did you start your photographic journey?

When I was little I would collect music and skateboarding magazines and loved all the pictures in them, everything I liked was always very visual. I got the chance to try developing my own black & white film rolls on a college course as a teenager and almost instantly knew that was what I was good at and wanted to do from then on.

What attracted you to the music industry for photography?

I initially started photographing gigs and musicians, because that was what I was passionate about as a student. But soon after I started looking into the world of advertising I loved everything I saw, I adore the big bold colors and how endlessly creative ad campaigns have to be. For me, it is the most interesting part of the photographic industry.

Can you tell us what was your big break that took your photography and your career to the next level?