About
About Martin Osner and the Photography School
Martin Osner is a multi award winning fine art photographer, educator, and founder of the Martin Osner Photography School. With over 35 years of experience, Martin has helped thousands of students master the craft of photography through structured courses, creative mentorship and a deep passion for teaching.
Since the early 1990s
A Legacy of Photography Education
Martin Osner's commitment to photography education began over three decades ago. In the early 1990s, he co-founded the National College of Photography in South Africa, one of the country's first dedicated institutions for full time professional photography training. His vision was to create a space where aspiring photographers could receive structured, in depth instruction that combined technical excellence with creative development.
As a lecturer and curriculum leader, Martin helped shape the direction of photography education in South Africa. Many of the students he taught during those years went on to become professional photographers, educators and artists in their own right.
From a college to a school of his own
After more than a decade of formal academic leadership, Martin moved toward a more personal, mentorship driven model of teaching. He established the Martin Osner Photography School, offering hands on workshops, personal coaching and, in time, fully developed online courses. His goal was to make high quality photography education more accessible, not only locally, but globally.
How the school teaches today
Today the school blends the discipline of classical training with the freedom of creative exploration, helping students build confidence behind the camera while developing a visual voice of their own. His approach pairs technical clarity with creative freedom, and guides learners to confidence and purpose at every level.
Beyond the classroom
More Than a Photographer
Beyond his role as an educator, Martin Osner is an established artist whose work has been exhibited internationally and collected by clients worldwide. He is the co-owner and curator of the Osner galleries in South Africa, where he works alongside his daughter, the artist Samantha Lee Osner.
His work reminds students and collectors alike that photography is not only about what we see, but how we choose to see it. To explore Martin's full biography and his work as an artist, visit his own website.
Watch
Interview with Martin Osner
In this interview with photographer and host Martin Kluge, Martin Osner reflects on his creative journey, how his teaching has evolved, and how photography has shaped his life. An inspiring watch for anyone curious about the man behind the camera, and the school.
