Martin Bišof , NiSi Photographer
Martin Bišof is a Prague based pro photographer and photo workshops leader who loves true adventure and discovering new cultures. He is grateful that he could explore wonders from the depths of the Amazon rainforest to the high peaks of the Himalayas. Thanks to his company Inscape Photo Tours he can teach people from all over the world how to find the best spots, create a perfect composition and finalise their pictures in post-production. Seeing how students are growing and improving their creative skills is the best possible reward for him.
Martin’s Gear Bag
Filters: NiSi V7, ND64 1.8 6 stops, ND256 2.4 8 stops, ND1000 3.0 10 stops
Camera: Canon 5D Mark IVLenses: Canon 16-35 f/4 IS, Canon 70-200 f/4 IS, Canon 24-105 f/4 IS II, Canon 100-400mm f/4,5-5,6L IS II USM, Sigma Art 14mm f/1.8
Tripod: Tripod Gitzo Traveler GT1545
What got you into photography?
Martin: My journey into photography was quite indirect. Since elementary school, I was amazed by film effects so my first step led me into 3D. Focusing on graphic design and 3D engines I graduated from the University of Computer Graphics and Multimedia and worked in the industry for 7 years. However, I also love traveling and office work didn’t offer me all I needed. Later I realised that only photography gives me a combination of everything.
Talk me through your favourite shot with NiSi filters
Martin: When I was living in New Zealand I chose to live half year in Wanaka because there are so many possibilities for hikes and yeah, there is that Wanaka tree :). For a month I was visiting the location each frosty morning before sunrise, hoping for a mist and perfect separation. I had that picture in mind even before I arrived there for the first time. So after a month, I was finally lucky, that morning won me several international awards.
What is your dream location to photograph?
Martin: Landscape photography is not just about places but atmosphere and light play the critical role. Sometimes even a location behind your home may offer great opportunities when everything works together. But of course, a photographer’s life is easier at some locations :). I would love to explore more Himalayas and Africa because there are just endless photo opportunities and each picture is unique.
Every photographer has that one day when it all went wrong – tell us about yours.
My trip to Sri Lanka didn’t start well. The airline lost my bag with almost everything except my compact camera. Because we only had 5 days to explore we started the trip without my belongings right the next morning. With a terrible hangover, we jumped the lowest-class train heading somewhere into the highlands. Sitting on the floor with a bottle of water I suddenly saw a beautiful red tree through the open train doors. I leaned out and managed to take only one shot. That image is not perfect at all but it was published in National Geographic channels and many licenses of this picture have been sold.
