James Martin Travel Writing and Photography - The Professional Vagabond

Professional Travel Writer and Photographer for Hire

I'm James Martin, and I write, photograph--and wander--for a living.

If you're looking for a writer, then you know you need your copy done right. You need it fast. You need it to stand out. You might even need professional quality digital pictures to complete the story.

I can supply vivid copy and crisp 8.2 megapixel images using top quality Canon glass.

Samples of my work can be accessed by clicking the links to the right.

My Beat

Right now I spend half a year on the west coast of California, and half a year at my house in northern Tuscany.

I have been writing about Europe almost daily for four years as writer, editor and photographer for the New York Times owned About.com Europe for Visitors site, and along the years I've made many contacts and have a vast amount of resources at my disposal for digging out the most interesting information on Europe.

My Past

I've worn quite a few hats in my life, including those of electrical engineer, archaeologist, race car driver, cook, photographer and writer. I've written about everything from Soap Operas to eating iguanas in Nicaragua.

I have a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Bradley University. I've done graduate work in Archaeology at UCLA and again in Anthropology at San Francisco State University.

I've spent 17 years photographing race cars, and three years driving them. Photography is easier on the pocketbook.

I founded a company that does archaeological research in Nicaragua. Our research techniques at the time earned us a nomination for a Computerworld Smithsonian Award.

I've written travel brochures, short stories, and travel articles for print and web. I review hotels and restaurants.

In 2006 I provided daily blog coverage of the Winter Olympics in Torino for About.com.

Need something? Contact me.

What I do Best

Travel writing and photography, specializing in:

  • food and markets
  • people and places
  • humor
  • archaeology and archaeological sites