Photos win top travel award for 'unique vision'

A fisherman surveys the action down at the port in Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka. Photo / Babiche Martens

Herald photographer Babiche Martens has been named the Cathay Pacific Travel Photographer of the Year.

Her winning portfolio included images from Los Angeles and Sri Lanka, with many of the winning entries previously published in the Herald's Travel magazine.

The judges said that in a "medium that can attract cliches, Babiche's unique vision was refreshing", and praised an "educated eye that pushes the boundaries of the travel photography genre".

"She has been innovative with her choice of subject matter and composition, while also demonstrating excellent technical control and consistency," the judges commented.

"All of her images were perfectly exposed, resulting in strong saturated colours. We feel she has an educated eye that pushes the boundaries of the travel photography genre."

Martens, who shoots predominantly for Viva and Canvas magazines, said she was surprised with the award, but happy her style of travel photography had resonated with the judges.

"Travelling for me is about getting amongst the locals. I like going to public spaces and shooting the life and faces around me. It's a great way to get a visual sense of the culture."

The Cathay Pacific Travel Media Awards are organised by Travcom (New Zealand Travel Communicators) to celebrate excellence in travel writing and photography.