Martin Bonnici Photography

This is a link for anyone wishing to do any guided photowalks that I offer here in the Maltese Islands.

I'm usually extremely busy, so I am very limited as to when I can offer to run them. For that reason I can only offer these photowalks on demand.

Martin Bonnici Photography Guided Photowalks. Photography

It have been a few years since I posted in BeHance, I thought I would start posting there again.

For those interested, here is a link of images from our last Tuscany trip.

Tuscany Photography

The Times of Malta did this full page article with me ten years ago. It seems like it was a few hours ago.

I hope you are all doing well.

Merry Christmas everyone.

In Service of the Duke.

Some days ago, I was asked to shoot some decorations for one of the great European Knightly Orders. This is one of the Royal House Orders of HRH Dom Duarte Pio Duke of Braganza head of the Royal Portuguese house.

These decorations were developed in Malta through the initiatives and very hard work of Angelo Musa and Marco Spiteri Binett, Delegates for the Order in Italy and Malta.

The decorations: "The artistic transformation has been skilfully brought to life by the exceptionally talented Maltese Heraldic artist, Chev. Andrea Sacco Baldacchino, whose unique and attractive style has elevated the visual appeal and relevance of these prestigious decorations". (Chev. Marco Spiteri Binett, Delegate of Malta).

I proudly played the smallest part by photographing these images for the Order.

Please note, these images are the copyright of ©RISMA Casamari and are not for copy.

Photos by Martin Bonnici Photography
©RISMA Casamari. All Rights Reserved.

Villa Bella Vista Gallicano, Lucca. (more to come, this is entry 1)

I have been so hectic busy of late, I haven’t had time to work on some of my own work or to post a thing.

This is a trip I went on recently to Tuscany, Tuscany is where some of my original family roots lay. I can say without a doubt I love this region so much, it makes my heart hurt. Maybe this is a typical artistic thing to say.

For those of you who have been to Italy and enjoyed it, you will know that Italy has one place more beautiful than the next. I find it so beautiful that I often do not even know how to put it in to words. That being the case, it is good I’m a photographer because hopefully my work can bring out a glimpse of its deep beauty.

Oh and did I say truffles? Some of my favourite things/flavours/ scents.

More Images to come.

Come visit: www.martinbonniciphotography.com

Licensed Tour Guide.

Images may not be copied without written permission.
Watermarks must not be removed for any reason.

©Martin Bonnici Photography. All rights reserved.

Hi folks

Well, after about 8 years. I will be coming back to Melbourne for some weeks.

I'm looking at offering a couple of dates for photo workshops/photowalks.

The dates will be the afternoon of Saturday the 6th and the morning of Sunday the 7th of January 2024. At this point these will be the only dates I will be offering.

I'm looking at offering vouchers, so they could be used as Christmas presents as well. The only thing for vouchers, they will have to be redeemed on one of the 2 dates I am offering.

I will be conducting these through the streets of the city of Melbourne.

There will be more information to come.

I will only be accepting 10 people per date and each day will be about 3 to 4 hours in duration.

If you are interested or know someone who could be, please don't hesitate to drop me a PM.

Martin.

Happy St. Valentine's Day.





Come visit: www.martinbonniciphotography.com

Licensed Tour Guide.

Images may not be copied without written permission.
Watermarks must not be removed for any reason.
©Martin Bonnici Photography. All rights reserved.

Happy New Year to my friends of the Orthodox faith. I wish you and your families a blessed, healthy happy and prosperous new year.

Merry Christmas all of my friends in the Orthodox faith. 🎄

Wishing you, your families and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
Martin.

Hi everyone, I hope you are well. I am on the road here in the Bavarian Alps, some work and some play.

I thought I would share a few images with you of this spectacular area.These images are in Bavaria at Königssee which is one of the truly beautiful parts of Europe.

These images in particular are around St. Bartholomä.






Come visit: www.martinbonniciphotography.com

Licensed Tour Guide.

Images may not be copied without written permission.

Watermarks must not be removed for any reason.

©Martin Bonnici Photography. All rights reserved.

Non Omnis Moriar book launch at the Wignacourt Museum in Rabat.



Last night being the 25th of November 2022 was the launch of Non Omnis Moriar. In my 30 years of professional photography and exhibition work, I would say this launch was a resounding success. It felt like a lesson in how to do a very classy and culturally rich book launch properly. It was very hard worked on, well planned, properly excecuted and attended from start to finish.



In my opinion, this project is an impressive example of what can be achieved when people are all involved in a project for the right reasons and just want something to succeed. Huge kudos to the Wignacourt Museum directors for their backing Petra Caruana Dingli and Mario Gauci on this huge undertaking and quest to carry on the work of Dun Gwann Azzopardi recently passed. Also huge kudos to all of the contributors of this information and historical saturated book.



This stunning book Non Omnis Moriar- Essays in Memory of Dun Gwann Azzopardi’, was edited by Petra Caruana Dingli and Mario Gauci, and published by the Wignacourt Museum.



The subject matter is broad and the contributors wrote amazing essays that in the end realised the many years of hard and tenacious work of Dun Gwann Azzopardi.



I am among many that counted Dun Gwann as being a good friend. He always offered me assistance when ever I needed and I was always glad to reciprocate the gestures. With that said, I felt very lucky and proud to be a contributing photographer with one of my images used on the front cover. I wish to pay special attention and gratuitude to Judith, Petra and Mario for taking the time to properly credit me for my work and for the acknowledgments. I know this seems like a simple thing but seemingly it is not. It’s very rare that people follow through or do the right thing regarding proper crediting and following through on giving a book for ones work these days.



These images include: the book, a few of the vital acknowledgments and credits. 

For more details come and check

Come visit: www.martinbonniciphotography.com

Images may not be copied without written permission. 


Watermarks must not be removed for any reason.
©Martin Bonnici Photography. All rights reserved.


On the road in Germany.

On the road can mean many things to many people. Basically it can mean work or play or often at times, a bit of both. especially in my case. Even when I am on a rare break once I pull my cameras out it changes to work no matter what.

In my 30 years as a professional full time photographer specialising in travel, cultural tourism and photojournalism (just to name a few genres of board styles of work) AND now licensed guide, I see all different types of people out doing their thing. As much as one can, get out there and explore life in your own way.

Enjoy your weekend and week ahead.
Martin

Come on a unique tour with me in Malta, you wlil love it. DM me for more details.
Martin.






Licensed Tour Guide.

*Remember you must credit me properly if you repost any of my images.

*Please note “NONE: of my images are for commercial or business pages without proper prior permission from me.

©Martin Bonnici Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Unfortunately I can’t show some of the truly fascinating images I shot over the weekend in the Capuchin Friary. The reason is because FB would most likely take them down, proving the fools in charge are like a tub of Yoghurt except, Yoghurt has culture.



WIth the above said, these are a few of the images of the Franciscan Capuchins who came to Malta in the last quarter of the 1500s. Their first Friary was built by Grand Master Verdalle (of the Knights of Malta) outside the city walls of Valletta in (Floriana).



For more details come and check
Come visit: www.martinbonniciphotography.com


Images may not be copied without written permission. 

Watermarks must not be removed for any reason.

©Martin Bonnici Photography. All rights reserved.


Monastic Spaces. Rabat, Malta.

Walking through the calmness of the Dominican Monastery is a gift to ones self.

There is a lot of cultural history that fills every space both seen and unseen in this amazing building. This monastery was established circa 1450. 



For more details come and check
Come visit: www.martinbonniciphotography.com


Images may not be copied without written permission. 


Watermarks must not be removed for any reason.
©Martin Bonnici Photography. All rights reserved.


Back in April I had posted about some work as part of the Vitézi Rend organising committee Malta. We had organised for HI&RH Joseph Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen, Archduke of Austria, Royal Prince of Hungary, his family and for the Seat of Order of Vitéz (Hungarian: Vitézi Rend) to come to Malta. We also had visitors from various countries which ended up being a great cultural exchange for Malta, Hungary, Germany, Sweden.��

The program was full from start to finish. The program started with a wreath laying ceremony for the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 we then visited various sites throughout Valletta, Rabat and Mdina. This program culminated in an investiture into the Vitézi Rend of a number of people into both Hereditary categories of Justice and Grace.

��I have to say that each of us worked as a very tight team and we also worked in with a lot of great people and facilities here in Malta. Without their assistance these cultural visits would not be possible.
��
For those interested in the link to photos of the Vitézi Rend visit to Malta on their website:�http://www.vitezi-rend.com/en/malta-2022/��

For more details come and check
Come visit: www.martinbonniciphotography.com

Images may not be copied without written permission.
Watermarks must not be removed for any reason.�

©Martin Bonnici Photography. All rights reserved.��

With special thanks to:
� ��

Locations in:

Malta – March, 2022 - Vitézi Rend

Oh I have been extremely busy which is why I have not been posting on IG or FB .

I shot this image some weeks ago and I am only getting to it now.

As some of you know, yes I shoot portraits. I don’t post many here on Insta due to privacy agreements with my clients.

This image is from a great fun collaboration with good friend Agnes from .

As usual, we had a tonne of laughs, thanks to Agnes and our team work, we produced some lovely images.

For me the art of photography encompasses much more than pressing some buttons. In my case it is over 30 years of study and professional experience, various life inspirations and working in with good people to bring me to any one point. Then it comes down to team work and keeping things fun and enjoyable as much as possible.

This photoshoot with Agnes is inspired in part by baroque art and the Mediterranean in general. I hope you enjoy our collaboration.

Agnes is a meditation and Yoga Practitioner, I would highly recommend heading over to her page and say hi.

Thanks for another fun morning and fantastic collaborative photoshoot Agnes.

For this image I used the natural morning light.

Licensed Tourist guide in Malta







*Remember you must credit me properly if you repost any of my images.

*Please note “NONE: of my images are for commercial or business pages without proper prior permission from me.

©Martin Bonnici Photography. All Rights Reserved.
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Rare images of St. Paul’s Grotto, the altars of St. Trophimus and St. Paul and the Crypts under the Wignacourt Museum all fully dressed for His Holiness Pope Francis visit to the St. Paul's Grotto 2022

For more details come and check
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Images may not be copied without written permission.
Watermarks must not be removed for any reason.

©Martin Bonnici Photography. All rights reserved.

Dreaming of Summer moments.

I am longing to insert myself into this photo once again, anywhere calm.

Doing some more morning photo shoots from model, tourist or some events to sea and landscapes photos.

I just wanted to post something calm. I hope you are all well in these complicated times.

Sending you some good vibes.
Martin.

For more details come and
Come visit: www.martinbonniciphotography.com

Image may not be copied without written permission.

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©Martin Bonnici Photography. All rights reserved.

Today, at a small ceremony.

On the occasion of the 1st year anniversary of the demise of Dun Gwann, a bust in his memory is now on display at the Wignacourt Museum . We invite the public to come view his bust by sculptor Chris Ebejer

Photo credit

Hi folks, I thought I would share this link.

On page 48 of this magazine, is a chunk of my thesis of my Tourist Guides Course that I did here in Malta at the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS).

As some of you would know, I have been doing my own brand of photography workshops and walking tours since 2006. As with “everything" I ever achieve, it always comes with the generous assistance of others. Completing this course and thesis is no exception, special thanks to Judith, ITS lecturers, my sister and a few class mates. Only with their constant help, I past and obtained my guides license last year.

As a bonus for me, my photo is also on the cover of the Futurouristic is the official journal/magazine of the ITS. I’ve been a working professional photographer around the world since 1992. I have had a few covers in my time, each one feels special, this one feels particularly amazing.

Yes I have been running these tours since last year and I absolutely love doing so. For more info you can go to my website

https://issuu.com/instituteoftourismstudies/docs/futouristic_issue_3_online/1?ff&fbclid=IwAR1gac-dQkYCGJZplJDo223qyk9A2MGYctjmux6HGaYRlPhn52NVToExs9s

Futouristic Issue 3 Read Futouristic Issue 3 by Instituteoftourismstudies on Issuu and browse thousands of other publications on our platform. Start here!

The Main Nave, Saint John’s Co - Cathedral.

The splender of Saint John’s Co - Cathedral is very hard to properly describe.

A cathedral bought and paid for by the Knights of St. John (aka the knights of Malta).

As I am sure I have said with other images of this site on my page before it is a cathedral and also a cemitary, a war memorial and an amazing 3D work of baroque art.

I highly recommend and encourage all people to pay this site a visit.

For more details come and
Come visit: www.martinbonniciphotography.com

Image may not be copied without written permission.
Watermarks must not be removed for any reason.

©Martin Bonnici Photography. All rights reserved.

Bad Reichenhall

The grounds around Burg Gruttenstein above the town of Bad Reichenhall. The early snow makes for a calm serene ambience and walk.

For more of my work come and visit: www.martinbonniciphotography.com

Images may not be copied without written permission.
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©Martin Bonnici Photography. All rights reserved.

Burg Gruttenstein

Burg Gruttenstein built circa 12th century perched on the hill above the beautiful Bavarian alpine town of Bad Reichenhall. When open, this small Castle has an amazing little Christmas Market. I can’t highly recommend all of this area of Bavaria highly enough to visit and explore.

For more of my work come and visit: www.martinbonniciphotography.com

Images may not be copied without written permission.

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©Martin Bonnici Photography. All rights reserved.

Hi folks I am slowly getting through my editing from my last Bavarian trip.

As I finished this image of the Krumperl running through the alpine town of Berchtesgaden, I thought I would give a bit of an explanation as there is understandably a lot of general misconceptions about this tradition.

On the 5th and 6th of December, it is the feast of St. Nicholas. In the Bavarian town of Berchtesgaden, the tradition of Krumperl accompanying St. Nicholas is many centuries old. Once St. Nicholas and the Kramperl enter ones house, St. Nicholas reads the ledger of good deeds of the children and also the not so good deeds. In this moment when bad deeds are read out, the Kramperl growls, snarls and snorts, it is thought that the Kramperl will take the naughty children away in a basket. In reality the Kramperl are great with the children. However, remember thinking about the imaginary monsters under your bed? Well, when youngsters see a Kramperl they are not some fictitious abstract thing but they are very real. With all of the above said, it can keep the kids on the straight and narrow and the parents have that "Ace Card” up their selves… it’s better to behave. hahaha

Here in Berchtesgaden, not all Krumperl are Krampus. There are different types of Krumperl such as, Buttnmandln dressed in straw, Gangerl with small bells these guys can really run fast. Last of all then what is more widely known as Kramperl with the big bells such as in this image. Yes, all of them will whip you so have your running shoes on.

On the streets on the 5th and 6th of December during Advent in Berchtesgaden, the fun begins as St. Nicholas and Krumperl go through the streets, pubs, cafes and restaurants. For the adults and youth on the streets enjoying the Christmas Markets, one can most likely expect to be whipped or see someone getting whipped with the platted wicker whips (on the legs) and or have once face smeared with mix of coal and grease. Now, although copping some of that platted wicker across the legs doesn’t feel the best, it isn’t so bad unless, you are unlucky OR if you are silly enough to be taunting any of the Krumperl. Especially if they catch you, then they will lay it on you. To some of the older youth, they wear the red marks left by the wicker whip as a badge of honour… Not me, I leg it unless I am shooting as I do most years. Some years I cop it and some I get away with it.

This type of event is actually a general European Alpine tradition not only German, it falls on different dates depending on where one is from. This specific image is of the Berchtesgaden tradition. It is unclear where this Krampus/Kramperl tradition actually started and there are numerous theories that are only theories at best. In this Bavarian town, this is a Christian tradition many hundreds of years old.

To simply try to explain these traditions in a sanitised, clinical or distorted manner, one will miss the warmth of culture and ambiance of this whole Christmas season which can not be denied. For this particular image, it is a part of this Bavarian alpine town culture, culture is always made up of many micro threads that weave into community. In the end they make up the vibrant colour of the different micro traditions and cultures that make up Europe in General.

For more of my work come and visit: www.martinbonniciphotography.com

Images may not be copied without written permission.

Watermarks must not be removed for any reason.
©Martin Bonnici Photography. All rights reserved.