Martin San Diego is an independent documentary photographer from the Philippines. He is a multiple grantee of the National Geographic Society, a finalist of The Aftermath Project, an alumnus of the Angkor Photo Festival Workshops, a Diversify Photo member, a Visual Journalism graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University, and a fellow of the Konrad Adanauer Stiftung Media Programme Asia.

His work gravitates towards questioning the histories written by colonizers and victors. This is most evident in his ongoing long-term project on Filipino-Muslim youth and their relationship with militancy in Mindanao, southern Philippines.

Martin regularly contributes to The Washington Post and VICE News on notable Philippine issues – the Drug War, COVID-19 pandemic, and the environment. Nonprofits such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and various United Nations agencies commission him for missions around the country.

Martin is a co-founder of Campus Journalism Lab. He graduated with a degree in Computer Science from De La Salle University in 2013.

Martin is available for assignments and engagements in Asia and beyond.

Recognitions

2022
• Inside the Curve, Photo Book by The National Geographic Society — Contributing Photographer
• Inside the Curve, Travelling Exhibit by The National Geographic Society — Contributing Photographer
• The Aftermath Project Grant — Finalist

2021
• National Geographic Society COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Journalists — Recipient
• The Society of Publishers in Asia: Excellence in Reporting on Women’s Issues — Award for Excellence
• The Society of Publishers in Asia: Excellence in Video Reporting — Honorable Mention
• Edition365 Global Exhibit by The British Journal of Photography and 1854 — Exhibitor
• Fotomoto PH: Invitational Portraits Group Exhibit — Exhibitor

2020
• National Geographic Society COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Journalists — Recipient
• Diversify Photo — Member
• The Other Hundred: Healers — Winner

2019
• Angkor Photo Festival Workshops — Student
• International Photography Awards — Honorable Mention: Deeper Perspective

2018
• Asian Center for Journalism – Ateneo de Manila University — Student
• Konrad Adanauer Stiftung – Media Programme Asia — Fellow
• BARADO Group Exhibit with Tarzeer Pictures — Exhibitor

2017
• Visualizing Social Stories by Invisible Photographer Asia — Student
  
  

Select Publications & nonprofits

The Washington Post
Financial Times
The Guardian
VICE World News
Al Jazeera
South China Morning Post
Rappler
CNN Philippines
GRID Magazine
Ink! Global

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
International Committee of the Red Cross
  

Select Corporate

Nike
Parley
Jordan
Bartle Bogle Hegarty – Singapore
Shell (Pilipinas Shell Corporation Inc.)
Texas Instruments
American Express
Siemens
Max’s Group Inc.
Marco Polo Hotels
Ginebra San Miguel Inc.
Foodpanda
  
  
sandiego.martin@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +63 977 379 5815

Photo by Maitta Pugay