Seattle photographer James Martin won the gold medal in the "Most Likely to Save the Planet" category at the 2010 Independent Publishers Book Awards for his two-year project, "Planet Ice," capturing the beauty of ice around the world. His winning photos, taken from the poles to the equator, document the retreat of ice in the face of climate change.

Award-winning portrait, nature and wedding photographer Natalie Fobes, whose work has been featured in such magazines as National Geographic and the Smithsonian, has been chosen as the latest subject of the "Creative Inspiration" documentary series for the online education company Lynda.com.

The hour-long film features the Seattle-based photographer's work and is divided into 14 segments chronicling different aspects of her career and life.

Seattle-based commercial photography studio Michael Craft Photography was recently named the official photographer for LeMay — America's Car Museum, in Tacoma, Wash.

Michael Craft will be providing photography services and will contribute to the museum's quarterly publication, Open Road magazine, as well as its website and brochures. The studio will also provide consulting for special publication projects, exhibits and educational outreach programs that involve photography.

John Keatley's website was recently selected as one of the top photography websites in the Photo District News American Photography Competition for the second year in a row.

In addition, Keatley's portrait of Annie Leibovitz was published as the opener for the current "PDN Faces" issue. His images of Steve Sarich, one of the leaders in the medical marijuana movement, were recently featured in the Seattle Weekly newspaper.

The International Color Awards Photography Masters Cup has awarded Seattle photographer Kristen Gill the 4th Annual Photography Masters Cup Nominee title in the portrait category.

Gill's winning piece, "Girl with Heart on Sleeve," and other finalists can be viewed at thecolorawards.com. This award show honors excellence in color photography.

For more of her work visit: kristengill.com

The winners of the first Epson International Pano Awards were recently announced. The overall winner was Bill Leigh Brewer of Los Angeles, who also placed first in the "Built Environment" category for his image "Speed of Light," which depicted a moving train speeding through the desert.

San Diego-based Cynthia Hedgecock won the amateur contest for her image "Storm Wave at Sunset."...

Hal Fischer, an independent consultant in the nonprofit sector since 1984, has been appointed interim director of the SF Camerawork Gallery.

Fischer has worked with organizations such as San Diego's Timken Museum of Art and San Francisco's Asian Art Museum and For-Site Foundation. He is also a recipient of National Endowment for the Arts fellowships in art criticism and photography.

Fischer will fill this position while SF Camerawork conducts a nationwide search for the gallery's next executive director through the end of the year.

Recently returned from Tibet, Phil Borges is now touring to promote his latest work, which focuses on the changing roles and lives of women on the Tibetan Plateau. Dedicating much of his work to advocate for the empowerment of women, Borges has released several books about this issue, including "Tibetan Portrait" and "Enduring Spirit."

On June 23, Borges will speak at Museum of History and Industry in Seattle to help with fundraising for Bridges to Understanding. For more information, visit bridges2understanding.org.