Born in London and raised in Sydney, Australia, Martyn studied fine art and literature at Sydney University. After finishing school, he visited New York City, and this trip made a lasting impression: the music and the clubs, but mostly the city and its people. After shooting fashion in Paris and London, he eventually began taking pictures of what really interested him: interiors. In 1994, Martyn became one of the founding photographers for Elle Decoration and, along with famed editor Ilse Crawford, created a new way of looking at interiors and objects. In 1999, he moved to New York, where he currently lives. Martyn's portfolio includes editorial features in the most prominent magazines, such as Vanity Fair, British Vogue, W and House & Garden. Martyn's work also features in high-profile advertising campaigns for Gucci, MAC Cosmetics, and Vera Wang.