Introduce yourself
Martin Beck is a Scottish–South African photographer who has called Dubai home for the past 20 years. Whether he’s working on high-profile commissions or diving into personal projects, Beck is constantly pushing artistic boundaries. For him, photography is about more than just visuals—it’s about connection. He’s drawn to how art builds community, creates networks, and brings people together to celebrate creativity in all its forms.
How has your photography evolved over the years?
Beck’s photography journey has been anything but linear—and that’s exactly what makes it so rich. He began as an in-house photographer at a magazine, where he spent two intense years immersed in the world of lighting, locations, teamwork, and production. “It was a huge challenge, being thrown in the deep end,” he says, “but I still recommend it to anyone starting out.” That experience laid the foundation for his confidence, technical skills, and industry connections.
Early in his career, Beck found himself photographing the South African music scene—posters, CD covers, and promo shoots. This world of sound and style still deeply inspires his creative outlook today.
Over the years, his focus shifted to lifestyle and commercial work, each with its own demands and rewards. Beck sees these two distinct chapters—music and commercial—as equally influential. Together, they’ve shaped him into the versatile, adaptive photographer that has armed him with a unique skill set and a deep well of industry knowledge.
What’s been a standout career moment for you?
One of Beck’s all-time favourite assignments was a three-week dream project traveling across Oman. From serene turtles and sweeping dunes to dramatic canyons, he had full creative freedom to tell Oman’s story through his lens. “With an incredible team by my side, it was one of those pinch-me moments that reminded me exactly why I do this. Projects like that make all the freelance hustle totally worth it.”
Was photography always the plan?
Not exactly—but the creative spark was always there. Growing up between Scotland and South Africa, Beck was constantly surrounded by cultural diversity and visual storytelling. Early on, he explored painting, record sleeve design, and dabbled in graphic design. A music lover at heart, he once imagined a future in music video direction.
But when he started photographing bands at the magazine, he realised photography could bring together all his interests—music, storytelling, and direction. Today, he thrives on being deeply involved in every project, contributing to both the visual and conceptual direction.
Who inspires your creativity?
Beck draws inspiration from everywhere—but especially from music and film. He cites Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, David LaChapelle, and Gregory Crewdson as major influences, admiring their ability to create bold, conceptual worlds that spark conversation.
Film has also been a huge part of his life, particularly the character-driven storytelling of Tim Burton. “There’s something magical about the playful-yet-serious tone in films like Edward Scissorhands or Beetlejuice,” he says. “Art should connect, surprise, and move people”.
Closer to home, Beck admires photographers such as Hywell Waters, Katerina Premfors and Adam Browning Hill for their innovation in lifestyle, beauty and advertising.
Can you tell us about any of your favourite personal projects?
Personal projects are Beck’s creative lifeline—a way to stay inspired amidst the demands of commercial work. One standout project, We Can Be Heroes, celebrates everyday heroism in playful, unexpected ways. Featuring regular people dressed as icons like Batman or Catwoman, the series flips the superhero stereotype. “Being a hero isn’t always dramatic,” he says. “Sometimes it’s just surviving a hard day or showing up when it counts.”
In Beck’s series, Superman is a smoker with a beer belly—far from the chiseled, idealised figure we expect. By photographing friends and strangers alike, he created a body of work that’s funny, raw, and thought-provoking. “Our real-life heroes in Dubai? They’re the delivery drivers, the road workers, the people who keep the city running.”
What still excites you about photography?
For Beck, photography has always been about connection—finding like-minded creatives who share a similar energy and mindset. “When you’re on the same wavelength with someone, ideas flow. That’s where the magic happens.”
Back in the day, it was the music that sparked his excitement. Now, it’s the scale and complexity of larger shoots. And yes, he still gets nervous before big jobs—but he welcomes that. “The nerves keep you sharp,” he says. “Your name’s on it. You have to deliver.”
He’s also open to new environments and how they might influence his work. A future move back to the UK, for example, could spark a whole new creative direction—perhaps tapping into Scotland’s wild landscapes or the underground music scene again. “Photography takes you places literally and creatively—that you never expected.”
How have you grown as an artist?
As Beck’s style has matured, so has his mindset. Working freelance in Dubai demands a constant hustle, and with trends quickly catching on, originality can be hard to maintain. Rather than chasing trends, Beck stays focused on making work that’s meaningful and authentic.
He’s a believer in simplicity. A mentor once told him, “Start with one light, then build,” and that minimalist approach still guides his process.
In an era dominated by digital tools, Beck prioritises craftsmanship. “If I can fix it on set rather than in Photoshop, I will,” he says. “That’s where the real magic happens.”
Even as the industry evolves, Beck is confident that true artists will keep pushing boundaries. For him, the key is staying curious, committed, and always carving out space for personal work and creative collaborations.
Add comment