Martin Middlebrook

Martin Middlebrook originally trained as a wildlife artist before commencing a career as a commercial photographer. He has become well known for his creative approach to photography, producing stunning black and white images across an array of subjects. Last year Martin was commissioned by the Government of Afghanistan to produce an exhibition and book for the Kabul International Conference, a series of images that have recently exhibited at the British Museum in London. Martin also writes for many of the UK’s leading photography magazines, including being lead columnist for Professional Photographer Magazine.

In October 2011, Martin decided to close down his world in a leafy provincial English town in and embark upon a long held ambition, to put aside his career as a commercial photographer in the UK, and set up home in Kabul, with the avowed intent to establish himself as an internationally recognised photojournalist.

As an already respected writer he decided to chronicle the experience of his day-to-day life in his online ‘Kabul Diaries’. What follows is a hilarious, humane, poignant and moving narrative of the struggles of leaving behind 20 years of established family and friends, flying in Helicopter Gunships over Helmand, nearly dying twice inside 30 minutes in a Kabul massacre, and countless other satirically observed experiences that together provide more than a life half filled.

His diaries and images can be viewed online at www.martinmiddlebrook.com