A Love Letter to New York Dear New York, ​ For 20 unforgettable years, you were my playground, my laboratory, and my sanctuary. Within your vibrant streets, I evolved from a naïve, inexperienced young lady, and transformed into a confident, wiser, street-smart, empathetic, comfortable in my own skin middle-aged woman.​ ​I shaped my career with you, starting as a dog walker for rich folks in the Upper West Side, until I found my very first job as a Tour Guide at the United Nations, working directly for Ban Ki Moon until I landed a job that I fulfill me at UNICEF. There and along the way, I forged lifelong friendships - my chosen family - who made every moment brighter. We shared laughter, tears, and countless adventures, creating an unbreakable bond that transcends time and distance. ​ Your global landscape broadened my perspectives, sharpened my skills, and fueled my passion for making a difference and finding my life purpose. Your diversity - a kaleidoscope of cultures, ideas, and experiences - opened my heart to acceptance, understanding, and the beauty of difference. You taught me to embrace change, adapt to uncertainty, and find solace in the impermanence of life. ​ Your dynamic dating scene taught me resilience, self-discovery, and the value of true connection. Through trials and errors, I discovered my own strength, learned to navigate complex relationships, and ultimately found my partner in crime - a love that has been the anchor of my life. Don’t get me wrong, I did want to leave you many times, on those hot humid summer days, feeling the intense energy of your nasty, but equally interesting subway, navigating the sidewalks through mountains of trash piled up, getting overwhelmed by the crowds, honks, noise and pissed off dudes screaming at each other…..so I did leave you, and moved to the suburbs looking for more peace and greenery, however not far enough for not being able to keep enjoying you, your smells, your dynamism, and countless sources of stimulation. As I bid farewell, I'm filled with gratitude for the lessons, challenges, and adventures. Your energy will stay with me forever - a reminder of the growth, exploration, and transformation that defined my two decades in this incredible city. ​ ​ I’m proud that I managed to make it and become part of you, and I’m honored to call myself a New Yorker who managed to embrace every moment with you; good and bad. You are incredible, you are magical, you are YOU, the best city in the world. With my eyes closed and my heart open, I embark on a new chapter. New York, you'll always be the city that made me - a city that will forever hold a piece of my heart. I’m going for now, but rest assured that I’ll come back someday. ​ Istanbul....here I come!!!! ​ November 3rd, 2024 ​ MORE PHOTOS OF NEW YORK HERE BACK TO TOP

PEOPLE “The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.” — Andy Warhol Tokyo, Japan Barcelona, Spain Paris, France Paris, France Kyoto, Japan New Dehli, India San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Paris, France Nara, Japan Jaipur, India Nara, Japan Prague, Czech Republic Bali, Indonesia Jaipur, India Jaipur, India Jaipur, India Kyoto, Japan Bali, Indonesia Villa de Leyva, Colombia San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Catskills, New York, USA Bali, Indonesia China Town, New York, USA Jaipur, India Little Havana, Miami, USA San Miguel de Allende, Mexico London, UK Burning Man, Black Rock City, USA Agra, India Jaipur, India Florence, Italy New Dehli, India Jaipur, India Agra, India Dubai, United Arab Emirates Berlin, Germany New Dehli, India Salem, USA Burning Man, Black Rock City, USA Kyoto, Japan Tokyo, Japan Berlin, Germany East Berlin, Germany Sahara Desert, Morocco Marrakesh, Morocco Marrakesh, Morocco Murano, Italy Bali, Indonesia Sahara Desert, Morocco Central Park - New York, USA Boqueria Market - Barcelona, Spain BACK TO TOP

The World Through My Eyes Incredible Moments Captured Forever ​ Yellowstone, USA Nairobi, Kenya Kyoto, Japan Yellowstone, USA London, UK Yellowstone, USA Paris, France Yellowstone, USA Nairobi, Kenya Yellowstone, USA Masai Mara, Kenya New York, USA Nairobi, Kenya London, UK Masai Mara, Kenya New York, USA London, UK Kyoto, Japan Amboseli, Kenya Tokyo, Japan Bali, Indonesia Yellowstone, USA Nairobi, Kenya Kyoto, Japan Yellowstone, USA London, UK Yellowstone, USA Paris, France Yellowstone, USA Nairobi, Kenya Yellowstone, USA Masai Mara, Kenya New York, USA Nairobi, Kenya London, UK Masai Mara, Kenya New York, USA London, UK Kyoto, Japan Amboseli, Kenya Tokyo, Japan Bali, Indonesia Since 2000, I've been embarking on journeys to capture the splendor and distinct features of each local destination. Travel photography is an adventure that thrills and challenges me every step of the way. I want to photograph as much of the world as I possibly can, and share the treasures of this incredible planet with whoever visits this site. ​

THE KENYAN WEDDING ​ From Istanbul to Nairobi, love knows no borders! Celebrating the union of two cultures in a beautiful and colorful Kenyan-Turkish wedding. Kenyan weddings are a celebration of love, family, and culture. They are often vibrant and colorful affairs, with traditional outfits and dances that reflect the country's rich history and traditions. From the joyful moments of the bride and groom getting ready, to the emotional exchange of vows, to the exuberant dancing that follows the ceremony, every step of a Kenyan wedding is filled with special moments to be captured. One of the traditions that takes place in many tribes in Kenya is that several girls are covered with coloful African print shawls and are all assembled in front of the groom, who is then required to move around, look at the girls and pick the one he thinks is his bride. The practice is called "Hiding the Bride" and is usually done to add some excitement and fun to the wedding ceremony.​ Once the groom correctly identifies his bride, the couple is then untied and allowed to have their first dance together as husband and wife. Thankfully the groom chose right! In some Kenyan cultures, this practice is also accompanied by traditional songs, dances, and drum beats, which add to the celebration and excitement of the wedding ceremony. Overall, the practice of hiding the bride is an engaging and entertaining aspect of Kenyan wedding traditions that has been passed down from generation to generation. BACK TO TOP

ELEPHANTS "Roaming with Giants: Exploring the Majestic Elephants of the African Savannah" "We are blessed to have these magnificent creatures on our planet, and we have a responsibility to protect them." - Jane Goodall, primatologist and conservationist BACK TO TOP

THE SAMBURU PEOPLE - KENYA They are Samburu, I met them in Diani beach and hung out with them for a few hours before asking them for the pictures. Fascinating people, men’s names all start with “L” and women’s with “N”. In order of appearance are Loitipa, Luke, Lekuraki, Lorian, and Lekerde. ​ ​ ​ The Samburu are semi-nomadic pastoralists, their lives revolve around their cattle (as well as sheep, goats, and camels ). The traditional Samburu diet consists mostly of milk and sometimes blood from their cows. The blood is collected by making a tiny nick in the cow's jugular, and draining the blood into a cup. The wound is then quickly sealed with hot ash. Meat is only consumed on special occasions. The north-central region in which the Samburu live is a dry, somewhat barren land, and villages have to relocate regularly to ensure their cattle can feed. These settlements are called manyattas. The huts are constructed so that they are easily dismantled and portable when the Samburu move to a new location. The red clothes wrapped around like a skirt are called shukka. This is enhanced with many colorful beaded necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Both men and women wear jewelry although only the women make it. The Samburu also paint their faces using striking patterns to accentuate their facial features. ​ They told me that lately, they have been under pressure from the government to settle into permanent villages. They have been extremely reluctant to do so since obviously permanent settlement would disrupt their entire way of life. The area they live in is very arid and it's difficult to grow crops to sustain a permanent site. This means that sedentary Samburu will become dependent on others for their survival. Samburu families who have been forced to settle will often send their adult men to the cities to work as guards. This is a form of employment that has evolved naturally because of their strong reputation as warriors. ​ Neighboring tribes, admiring the beauty of the Samburu people, called them Samburu meaning "butterfly." The Samburu refer to themselves as the loikop, which is generally thought to translate as "owners of the land." I usually prefer to be behind the camera, but they were the ones who asked me for the last photo. ​ Diani Beach, Kenya 2023 BACK TO TOP

CONTACT I would love to hear from you! Use the form below to leave me a comment or if you'd like to acquire a print copy of any of the photos. HEIDY MARTINEZ sublime767@gmail.com WhatsApp +1-646-338-7425 First Name Last Name Email Subject Leave me a message... Submit Thanks for submitting!

LIONS In the golden savannah, where the sun beats down and the tall grasses sway with a whispering sound Lurks a creature of grace, with a mighty roar The king of the jungle, fierce and strong and raw. With a sleek golden coat, and eyes full of fire He prowls through the night, with a regal desire To rule over his kingdom, to protect and to reign The lion is a symbol of power and fame. But it's not just the males who deserve our awe For the lioness too, is a force to be saw A fierce and loyal mother, with instincts honed sharp She'll protect her cubs, with a motherly heart. ​ Together they hunt, in a synchronized dance. Their power and grace, a captivating trance. In the wilds they roam, in their natural pride The lions of Africa, a majestic sight to behold with pride. BACK TO TOP

ORANGUTANS "men of the forest" From high in the treetops that are my home I'm lost and afraid, I feel so alone. Our forest was huge once covering miles It was full of life, and my mother smiles. They are moving in closer to the men with the fire. Clearing my home, with their greed and desire. ​ These men killed my mother, it broke my heart I'm scared as I watch them, pull my home apart. So many of my kind have been killed in this way. We cannot stop them, we have no say. Someone, please help us, we really need you Stop destroying us and our forest, for your cheaper food. by Valentino Rodrigues, aged 10 Kalimantan, Indonesia 2018 BACK TO TOP

OTHER CREATURES "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." - Albert Einstein "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir BACK TO TOP

STREET “What strange phenomena we find in a great city, all we need do is stroll about with our eyes open. Life swarms with innocent monsters.” ― Charles Baudelaire Prague, Czech Republic London, UK Paris, France Berlin, Germany Burano, Italy Jaipur, India Kyoto, Japan New York, USA London, UK Paris, France London, UK New York, USA Agra, India London, UK Paris, France Tokyo, Japan Paris, France East Berlin, Germany Louvre Museum, Paris, France New York, USA Prague, Czech Republic Barcelona, Spain Kyoto, Japan Paris, France Mysore, India Miami Beach, USA San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Willemstad, Curaçao Seattle, USA Dallas, USA Dallas, USA Dallas, USA Tokyo, Japan Tokyo, Japan Tokyo, Japan Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Cartagena de Indias, Colombia San Miguel de Allende, Mexico San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Willemstad, Curaçao Marrakesh, Morocco Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai, United Arab Emirates BACK TO TOP

PORTRAITS “A thing that you see in my pictures is that I was not afraid to fall in love with these people.” – Annie Leibovitz Turkana, Kenya Bali, Indonesia Bali, Indonesia New York, USA Turkana, Kenya Bali, Indonesia New York, USA Kalimantan, Indonesia New York, USA Bali, Indonesia Kalimantan, Indonesia Tokyo, Japan Masai Village, Kenya Masai Village, Kenya Masai Village, Kenya Masai Village, Kenya Masai Village, Kenya Masai Village, Kenya Masai Village, Kenya Masai Village, Kenya Bali, Indonesia Turkana, Kenya Turkana, Kenya Turkana, Kenya Olympic National Park, USA Bali, Indonesia Muscat, Oman Muscat, Oman Kyoto, Japan Amalfi, Italy Milan, Italy Bogota, Colombia Agra, India Agra, India Agra, India Bwindi, Uganda Bwindi, Uganda BACK TO TOP