Martin Priestley was born in Otley, West Yorkshire. His interest in photography began when using his father’s old Praktica SLR camera. A keen hiker and cyclist, he was drawn towards landscape photography.

Though initially self taught, Martin also has formal qualifications. He completed a photographic degree course at Leeds Metropolitan University.

Martin’s work has appeared in publications including The Guardian, Amateur Photographer, Practical Photography, Digital Photo and The Architects' Journal. In 2009 Martin was commissioned by The Churches Conservation Trust in a major project to photograph their properties.

Martin uses digital and film equipment, though the bulk of his work is now taken using the former.