biography

Raymond Martinez

I felt a passion for photography at a very young age when I discovered the exhibitions of the Rencontres d’Arles. After an early career in the nuclear industry, I chose in 1984 to become a photographer. I was Lucien Clergue’s assistant who guided me in my desire to express myself through images.

The profession of photographer allowed me to produce many reports but also publicity shots or even fashion photographies.

Over time, my eye became more personal and artistic. These creations have been presented at exhibitions that have punctuated my career as a professional photographer. Today, I continue to present my creative images. Moreover, I like to share my know-how by holding photography courses. During these lessons, I had the idea to set up the “phototourism” concept, that is to say the opportunity to learn how to take photos of typical landscapes here in this wonderful region of Provence. It is the perfect conjugation of tourism via the photography.

I am also a correspondent for the daily  La Provence.

In 2020, the crisis linked to Covid19 has strongly affected my professional activity. To bounce back, I acquired a drone and I trained as a professional drone pilot. I now make photographs and videos of the Earth seen from the sky.

From 2022 onwards, my research into the work of Vincent van Gogh, begun in 2012, came to the fore. This culminated, in 2024, in the publication of the book “Sur les Traces de Vincent van Gogh” and a conference at the Van Gogh Foundation in Arles.