Traveling with Ray Martin

Early last year we were honored to lead a trip for the Ray Martin. Winner of multiple Golden Logie awards and erstwhile host of Channel Nine, Midday Show and 60 minutes in Australia since the 70’s. Ray is now retired after many decades of television work, he now enjoys a quieter life behind the camera telling stories with his photography.

 Ray Martin joined us on a photography project to shoot with a brand new camera, so new that it hadn’t even been seen in a store before. The Lumix S1R he travelled with was still months away from being ready for production, and Ray had to simply work it out as the journey unfolded. While not yet ready for the general public, the camera did offer Ray immense joy with rich velvety tones, snappy autofocus response and 47MP of very fine detail. It was a good match for an experienced TV presenter who has lived his entire life as a storyteller. This time, his talents were needed behind the camera instead of in front of it. 

“Bhutan is a country of harmony,” explains Ray Martin, “where the people live in such a peaceful way with each other and with nature. Everywhere we travelled I was amazed at their harmony. We would hear music and prayers coming from a farmhouse as we drove past, and stop to join them. They welcomed us in and made us a part of their prayers. It’s the same for their appreciation of the wilderness, they make room for all living things and it comes from a place of kindness.” 

We greatly enjoyed being in his company, listening to his amazing stories, that unmistakable baritone voice and his sense of humor very much.