Martin Hartley

As a mentor and environmental advocate, Martin’s influence reaches far beyond his images. His commitment to raising awareness about climate change and how we are all connected to the Arctic Sea Ice serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation.

His versatility as a photographer is evident in his ability to capture both sweeping landscapes and intimate portraits with equal skill and passion.

Through his expeditions and collaborations, Martin continues to make a significant impact on our understanding of the natural world and the challenges it faces. His work not only informs and educates but also inspires action and a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation..

His recognition by Time Magazine as "a hero of the environment" speaks to the impact and importance of his work in raising awareness and inspiring positive change.

Accolades, awards expeditions and exhibitions

Accolades

“If you haven’t got Martin Hartley as your polar photographer then you haven’t got the best one there is!”

Sir Ranulph Fiennes, The World’s Greatest Living Explorer

“In the world of polar photography there are today few better-known exponents of the art than Martin Hartley, he is perhaps the most outstanding polar photographer of his generation."

Nick Smith UK Editor Explorers journal

"Unlike Ponting, who typically would return home when the real expedition started, Martin digs in and drags the viewers of his photographs into the heart of the journey. In the cold, inhospitable environment of the Arctic Ocean, where most people would be happy to just survive, he brings back pictures that are often beautiful, but also terrifying in their depiction of the effort involved."

Dan Westergren, National Geographic

"British photographer Martin Hartley is arguably the world’s leading polar photographer."

Keith Wilson Editor Outdoor Photography

"One of the leading geographical photographers of our day."

Executive Director of Earthwatch and former Deputy director of the Royal Geographical Society, Nigel Winser

"If there is a modern Ponting or Hurley then it is Martin Hartley, one of the very few photographers whose work you simply assume will be superb."

Contributing editor to the Explorers Journal, and former editor of Geographical, Nick Smith

Awards

• Time Magazine Hero of the Environment
• Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year Runner up
• High Asia Portrait Awards winner
• 40 Most Influential Nature Photographers, Outdoor Photography magazine
• Travel Photographer of the year Portrait of Adventure winner
• Travel Photographer of the Year Spirit of Adventure winner
• Portrait of Humanity Magnum Photo and British Journal of Photography Winner

Photography exhibitions

• Christie’s, London UK
• Wilson Centre Washington DC USA
• National Maritime Museum, London UK
• Royal Geographical Society, London UK
• Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge UK
• Iniziative Culturali, Trieste Italy
• COP 15 Copenhagen Denmark
• Ice Bear Trafalgar Square London
• London Climate action week London