Today we’d like to introduce you to Christen Martin
Hi Christen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My career in media began with an internship in radio, driven by my deep love for music. I started in the production department of Atlanta’s country radio station, Kicks 101.5 (now New Country), where I discovered my passion for all things production.
After earning a degree in Communication with a concentration in Media Studies from Kennesaw State University, my husband’s job relocated us to Lafayette, Louisiana. There, I transitioned into video production, starting as a wedding videographer. Since then, I’ve held various roles in video production and currently work remotely as the Video Coordinator for the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy, based in Atlanta.
Photography has been a passion of mine long before I ever stepped into the world of audio production—I’ve had a camera in my hands for as long as I can remember, starting with a Polaroid back in the day. But when I received my first DSLR as a college graduation gift, my love for photography truly took off. After years of honing my craft, I decided to merge it with my production expertise and refine my skills even further. Last fall, I officially launched my own photography and videography business in Savannah, where we’ve called home for the past 7.5 years.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road by any means. After graduating from college and moving back to the Atlanta area from Lafayette—once again due to my husband’s job—I found myself navigating an incredibly saturated production market. Struggling to secure a position, I decided to pivot and explore a completely different path: nursing.
At the core of my career aspirations was a desire to help others, and in many ways, nursing fulfilled that. I loved my patients and the meaningful interactions I had with them. However, I ultimately realized that the practice of nursing didn’t align with my personality.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business originally began as a way to combine my love for Savannah’s history and culture with photography by offering a unique experience—a walking tour of downtown Savannah that doubles as a photo session. The idea came from my passion for playing tour guide whenever friends and family visited, something I always enjoyed. During the tour, I would share the rich history and culture of Savannah while capturing photos in some of the city’s most picturesque locations.
As I honed my photography skills by working with my nieces and nephews, I discovered a deep love for photographing high school seniors. Their energy, excitement, and anticipation for the future make each session so special.
At the same time, I found myself naturally stepping into marketing and branding photography and videography for small businesses around town—a niche I’ve come to absolutely love. Savannah’s vibrant small business community is one of the things that makes this city so special, and I take pride in contributing to its success through visual storytelling.
Most recently, I’ve expanded my services to include wedding videography, bringing me back to my roots. I’m thrilled to capture love stories in a city that holds such a special place in my heart.
What matters most to you? Why?
Enjoying life is what truly matters to me. About three years ago, my husband and I lost a close friend at just 34 years old to a fast-moving illness. That experience was a powerful reminder of how precious time is and the importance of fully embracing life’s moments. It’s one of the biggest reasons I wanted to start my own business—to have more control over my time and how I choose to spend it. It allows me to be more present with my little family—just my husband and our dog—who mean the world to me.
I love offering photography and videography services because they allow me to capture life’s most special moments—preserving memories that people can hold onto, especially in times of loss. I know firsthand how invaluable those memories can become.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hostesscitytravels.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostesscitytravelsnphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostesscitytravelsphotography
