Meet Boris Martin of Boris Martin Photography in Alpharetta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Boris Martin.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My name is Boris Martin. I’m an Atlanta based photographer working in Film and Television productions.

I was born in Budapest, Hungary. Got my first viewfinder camera, an East German made Certo SL110, from my brother when I was around 8 or 10 yrs. old. (I still have that camera.)

I wasn’t instantly hooked on photography; I was a hyperactive kid. I was more about participating in whatever activity than watching it from the sidelines.

Taking pictures and creating images require being still and observant which I couldn’t really do at that time. Photography stuck with me though, I was shooting friends and family and the world around me whenever I slowed down enough…

Fast forward to 1994. I arrived to NYC on February 13th and my life in the States had begun.

First, I was shooting for a music photo agency and a couple of newspapers for a few years but I got derailed: I got involved with building custom streetfighter motorcycles and photography got demoted to hobby level again.

I moved to Atlanta in 2006 and more or less has been my primary place of residence ever since.

In the following years I was moving back and forth between NYC, Atlanta and Europe a few times, working on films and photography gigs, trying to decide where to settle down. During this time I started to work in the Film Industry in Budapest as a production driver for a while but I wanted to be closer to the action so I got into the Camera and Electrical Department as an electrician. That was fun but I wanted to do something more creative.

One day I got a phone call from a major Hollywood production filming in Budapest to see if I was available for assisting the still photographer on that movie. Of course I immediately jumped on the opportunity.

The photographer was Jonathan Prime, a London based shooter. Working with him was awesome, a real eye opener for me. I watched and studied him, how he moved, his workflow, his communication, everything.

Then and there I decided to pursue the career of a movie set still photographer and the rest, as they say, is history.

Since I started to work in this field I have been fortunate enough to work on many great and fun productions with some extraordinary and talented people. I hope many more will follow.

Samples of my work can be seen at borismartin.com or on Instagram @borismartinphoto.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It wasn’t smooth as no road is when you want to get into something as extremely competitive as photography. When you pick such a niche and specialized segment like unit stills photography it is definitely fun, interesting and a highly rewarding journey so far even when obstacles present themselves.

Having said that, I love my job with a passion. I am extremely determined and focused to reach my goals; it’s not easy to discourage me when I decide that I want to achieve or do something.

Sometimes I feel beaten and frustrated but it’s just part of the journey, I guess. The important thing is to have a positive outlook, getting up, keep inching toward achieving your goals and to know that everything will work out in the end.

At times, my main struggles were (are) second guessing and doubting myself. I never doubt my abilities but I always see more than one way to get things done which sometimes gives me a hard time to decide which way to proceed.

My other struggle is with networking and ‘marketing’ myself. That has been a real challenge.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Boris Martin Photography – what should we know?
When not working on a film or a TV show, I’m working on my personal fine art projects, creating high-end 360 virtual tours for various venues, businesses, museums, galleries, etc. I also shoot portraits, lifestyle, architecture videos, aerial videos and photos.

My virtual tours are very popular these days because using them people can actually ‘go’ to places and check them out without leaving the relative safety of their home.

I have a dedicated website for my ‘side’ business, magiclensmedia.net, where some of the samples of my work can be seen.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Playing successfully in this field, and in the Film/Entertainment Industry in particular, is definitely a team effort.

At first glance it may seem that still photographers are loners since they’re a department of one but in reality we are depending on everyone on set.

As one of my colleagues I look up to, action/still photographer Jasin Boland, said: we’re only as good as the access we create for ourselves.

For that access, the stills shooters have to be on the good side of people of the production.

Maintaining good, healthy relationships with all cast and crew is absolutely critical; you don’t want to work long hours day in and day out with people who dislike you or vice versa. It’s a cliché, but it’s true: the film set is like a family: you have to make it work for the common goal which is to create something great, something memorable, something that will have an impact on people’s lives.

So many people deserve credit for their help, encouragement, pointers, advice or just simply being a teammate.

Every single person I came in contact with in this industry, really, but If I must come up with names, I want to mention London based still photographer, Jonathan Prime. He was the first in trusting me and keeping me on the job far longer than he had to. He gave me pointers, resources and advices I still use.

After I joined the ICG Local 600 Union, fellow still photographer Hopper Stone was mentoring, guiding and helping me, for which I will be forever thankful. Local industry veteran photographer Guy D’Alema gave me invaluable practical lessons on how to navigate in this business and shared many of his inside stories with me. Los Angeles based stills photographer Frank Masi patiently answered all my questions, let me look into his workflow and how to work around A list stars, plus he loves motorcycles even more than I do.

I am extremely proud to call them colleagues and highly value their friendship. And of course the whole unit stills photography community for their daily inspiration,
infinite source of information, and for being awesome and fun!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.borismartin.com www.magiclensmedia.net
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @borismartinphoto

Image Credit:
Image of Boris Martin by Amanda Vohs. Movie stills by Boris Martin

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