The new couch surfing site wiped out my profile from back in 2008. Working on updating it!

Here's my story.
I did the college route thing, then worked in the corporate world in IT. I just didn't find it rewarding. I opened up a real estate company in SoCal at the wrong time, the real estate bust and I was out of it within the year. I started teaching because I loved inspiring the kids, but I got fired from teaching because of political crap with the principal. I didn't know what I wanted to do next. So I backpacked the US for 6 weeks trying to "find myself."

I travelled through NYC, DC, Baltimore, Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, Seattle and Portland. Just me and my backpack and a Nikon dSLR to document my trip. That was my first experience with couch surfing and it was pretty awesome! I took pictures of my travels and all the cool things I did. And when I returned to Dallas, I shared the images with friends and family.

They said my pictures were pretty good. I asked them, "Good enough to get paid?" And the reply was, "I think so..." So... BOOM, I decided that would be my next profession! No experience, no training, nothing, just and idea to pursue it.

To say the least, it has been incredible and a blessing. Because of photography, I've travelled more, photographed interesting people, capture amazing parties, weddings, everything! I've seen my work in various magazines and publications and it's a pretty incredible feeling, but even more important is that humble feeling that I get when I see my work on people's walls or in their offices because they will cherish and pass on those images. It's truly a remarkable and rewarding feeling.

www.jamesedward.com
www.facebook.com/jamesedward
Instagram: thejamesedward

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Man, I love the spirt of the couch surfing community. I enjoy the camaraderie, if I travel to a new city, i'm happy exploring on my own, but it makes it much cooler and memorable when a local shows me around sharing stories. The exchange, the interaction, the story sharing - it all adds to the travel experience.

Interests

• photography
• partying
• traveling
• backpacking
• surfing

Music, Movies, and Books

I like pop, top 40, country music.
I watch all kinds of movies, but some of my favorites are Titanic, Wedding Ringer, Notebook, Star Wars, Avengers, etc.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I wake up - to me that's amazing; I take nothing for granted knowing it can all be gone in the blink of an eye. I backpacked Europe for 5 weeks with a great friend. I loved the experience so much, I took my little brother and we backpacked mainly Italy for 5 weeks. I've been to China, I've travelled through Chile. The adventures I could share are amazing and numerous. And then throw in my US adventures and I could write a movie! Partying in Vegas or Los Angeles, exploring San Francisco, Key West, the New England states, etc. It just goes on and on and on.
I live for this stuff.

Teach, Learn, Share

I love sharing and listening. I get excited about everything because it's an experience.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I"m respectful and tidy. I don't need much, just a couch or a floor with a blanket and pillow. I love sharing and listening. I get excited about everything because it's an experience.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States