Photographer James P Campbell led an adventurous, creative life. Much of his work has gone unnoticed or has not been attributed to him. During a career stretching from the 1890s to the 1930s he was present with his camera at a number of important events in Australian and world history, some of which are still in the news today. He bicycled through the Victorian Alps capturing its scenic delights, produced images to promote Australia abroad, photographed the everyday activities of soldiers on Gallipoli, recorded the involvement of the Australian Light Horse in the Middle East, and documented the growth of the SEC and Yallourn under Sir John Monash. He pursued photography as art, often to his own detriment. The resultant portfolio of images can be found in public and private collections throughout Australia and no doubt beyond. This is the story of Campbell’s life and substantial photographic legacy.