Martin Bissig – Action photographer based in Switzerland (Zürich, Bern, Lucerne, Zug)
Interview by Thomas Matthews
Martin, how did you become an action photographer?
Photography has always been a big passion of mine. Besides photography, I have always loved to be outdoors biking, hiking, camping and traveling. I had never planned to be an outdoor photographer, it merely was a combination of the things I love the most.
Is there as a specific field you love as an action photographer? I am mainly specialized in mountain bike photography. I also shoot skiing, hiking and trekking as well as many other outdoor and indoor activites. However, I am an active mountain biker myself therefore it’s my particular area and I love to do it the most.
Can you tell me about your clients? Being based in Switzerland, I have received many clients from the area, but also clients from Germany and Austria. I published a lot in international magazines. Each travel story I have shot has been published in 15 to 25 magazines all over the world.
Where do you like to take pictures the most? You see, Switzerland (Zürich, Bern, Zug, Lucerne) is the perfect playground of an action photographer. So, I am very fortunate to live close to the best shooting locations. However, I also love to travel. Some of my recent trips include Iran, Tibet and the Azores which are amazing locations.
What are your plans for the future? I hae many amazing things coming up, but I cannot say too much about them at the moment. One of the amazing things being an action photographer is that I get presented with new projects all over the world. There is always something exciting coming up, and I cannot wait for my next adventure.
How has action photography changed your life? Action photography has taken a big part of my life. My travels, my spare time, it is all somehow related to that topic. I could not imagine working a 9 to 5 job.
Any tips for newcomers who also would like to become an action photographer? Follow your dreams. Do what you love the most and have fun doing it. If you have fun, you will not get bored and your skills will improve. This is what I found worked best for me. If you get stuck doing things you do not like, you will not last long.
Is there as a specific field you love as an action photographer? I am mainly specialized in mountain bike photography. I also shoot skiing, hiking and trekking as well as many other outdoor and indoor activites. However, I am an active mountain biker myself therefore it’s my particular area and I love to do it the most.
Can you tell me about your clients? Being based in Switzerland, I have received many clients from the area, but also clients from Germany and Austria. I published a lot in international magazines. Each travel story I have shot has been published in 15 to 25 magazines all over the world.
Where do you like to take pictures the most? You see, Switzerland (Zürich, Bern, Zug, Lucerne) is the perfect playground of an action photographer. So, I am very fortunate to live close to the best shooting locations. However, I also love to travel. Some of my recent trips include Iran, Tibet and the Azores which are amazing locations.
What are your plans for the future? I hae many amazing things coming up, but I cannot say too much about them at the moment. One of the amazing things being an action photographer is that I get presented with new projects all over the world. There is always something exciting coming up, and I cannot wait for my next adventure.
How has action photography changed your life? Action photography has taken a big part of my life. My travels, my spare time, it is all somehow related to that topic. I could not imagine working a 9 to 5 job.
Any tips for newcomers who also would like to become an action photographer? Follow your dreams. Do what you love the most and have fun doing it. If you have fun, you will not get bored and your skills will improve. This is what I found worked best for me. If you get stuck doing things you do not like, you will not last long.