Finding your wedding photographer should feel exciting, not discouraging. Since launching my business in 2017, inclusive & compassionate service has been my top priority—documenting love in all its forms, across all backgrounds, identities, and body types. My mission isn’t just to capture love, but to spread love as much as I can.
I create a space where authenticity thrives—a safe, supportive environment where you can truly be yourself. And of course, we’ll have a whole lot of fun along the way! If that resonates with you, you’re in the right place.
Let’s connect and create something beautiful together.
i believe photography is for everyone.
“The thought and care put into each photograph is nothing short of magical.”
SARITA & JEDDY
Hey, I’m James!
I live for the simple joys in life—good food, good people, good times. I’m all about music festivals, road trips, and getting outside for a hike or camping trip. When I’m not capturing weddings, you might even catch me behind the decks, moonlighting as an underground DJ & music producer under my alias, tames!
I’m a goofy nerd at heart, always down to cozy up with a podcast, movie, or video game. And beyond all that, I’m lucky to share life with my amazing partner, Jamie, who offers soothing wellness experiences for couples on their wedding day (check her out)!
But above all, I love connecting with people and capturing their essence. It’s a privilege to be part of so many incredible moments, turning life’s biggest milestones into artful, lasting memories.
If you enjoy my work and feel like we’d vibe, let’s make it happen!
Reach out through the contact form below or DM me on Instagram: @jameslesterphoto
— As Seen On —
“We immediately felt comfortable to share and be vulnerable to be photographed.”
JEAN & DANIEL
my style
Soulful
Natural
Editorial
Light-Hearted
CINEMATIC
Most wedding photographers tend to lean toward one of two styles: "light & airy" or "dark & moody." My approach? Somewhere in the middle—timeless, cinematic, and true to the moment.
During our shoot, I’ll gently guide you through natural, effortless poses that highlight both your romance and playful candid moments. When it comes to editing, I take a cinematic approach, crafting each image from the ground up—no generic presets or shortcuts. This ensures that every gallery has its own unique aesthetic, designed to stand the test of time.
But more than anything, I want you to feel comfortable and have fun. I approach every session as a friend first because I truly believe the best photos happen when the energy is lighthearted, playful, and real. Who knows—you might even forget the camera is there. :)
But don’t just take my word for it—check out my entire catalog here and see if we’re the right fit!
Interested? HIT ME UP! I’d love to hear from you.
I typically respond within 24-48 hours, though response times may vary depending on the season. Thanks so much for your patience—I appreciate it!
Haley & Brian`s stunning wedding at Wolf Lakes Park, CA is now live on the blog. Privileged to witness their love at such a stunning venue. Special shoutout to White Claw for basically sponsoring this wedding lol. Check out the full blog post (link in bio) for more unforgettable moments. 📸 #WeddingPhotography #FresnoPhotographer #WhiteClawWeddings
If you or anyone you know is looking for a wedding photographer specializing in soulful, cinematic wedding photos that don`t things *too* seriously, I`d love to connect. 😊
Shoot me a DM or inquire directly through my website (link in bio).
Much love! 🥰
capturing the joy and the beauty of two best friends embarking on a lifetime journey together is what makes my work so fulfilling. 🙏🏻
cheers to all the love, laughter, and happily ever afters, my friends. 🥂💕
p.s. share this with your boo. 😘
#marryingmybestfriend #californiaweddingphotographer #loveandlaughter #bridetobevibes #engagementphotoideas
Happy engagement season! 🥰
I love getting to connect with couples in this way before their wedding day. Having time to chat, get comfortable in front of the camera and enjoy stunning sunset views…it’s always such a joy getting to capture these moments over a fun adventure together. 😊
Here’s a couple of recent engagement sessions from this winter season so far! Much love everyone. 💕
A little late to the new year’s reflections bandwagon as always, but dude 2024 was absolutely bonkers. I don’t know how I got through it, but I’m proud of myself for once. It’s been a delicate balancing act of keeping my head down, hustling hard & enjoying the fruits of my labor whenever a new achievement unlocked. I’ve long been observant to the cycles of good karma & blessings that manifest when you commit to your healing, learn your lessons, practice good communication + boundaries, feel your feelings, transmute your pain into art & spread love every day. While more subtly noticed when I was younger, these positive ripples are fully realized for me now and I am so grateful to be finally living my best life lately. That’s not to say it’s been an easy year though. Probably the hardest year ever tbh. Duality is wild lol. I worked my booty off everyday, wearing so many hats, capturing 37 weddings (new record!), dozens of airbnbs and other shoots, while putting basically all my free time into a budding music career. I also healed from a brutal two-year flare-up of ulcerative colitis (shout-out @cedarssinai), got off of mind-dulling anxiety medication, got my ADHD under better control after finally getting diagnosed last year & somehow made it out alive in this all-time busy time. There’s no sign of things slowing down either, but I feel confident in my ability to face the challenges that will inevitably come this year. I believe life never throws anything that you can’t overcome until it’s your time to leave this earth. So keep learning your lessons, keep making your art, keep in touch with community, tell your people you love them, tell yourself how loved you are & never ever give up on the ride my friends. The best is yet to come I promise. Love you all. Thank you so much for supporting me all these years. Happy New Year. 😘💕🌈
There’s really nothing quite like the fairytale vibes of @chateaunoland ~ always so happy when I get to work out here. Even better when I have the honor of documenting a beautiful wedding for a sweet, gracious (and fun!) couple like A&J. So stoked on how these turned out, and can’t wait to get the final gallery wrapped up soon! Congrats again 😊💕✨
Grateful for so much lately - too much for me to put into an Instagram post tbh. 😅
But I will say how grateful I am to K&C for inviting me to capture their sweet elopement on 11/11 ✨
We were due for rain all day, but the universe had other plans and blessed us up with the most beautiful winter sunset. Ahhh, moments like these…magic. 😌
Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season filled with beauty and quality time with loved ones. Much love. 💗
Nassim and Ben’s wedding at Ragged Point Inn was pure magic. With the breathtaking Big Sur cliffs and ocean as their backdrop, their day was filled with love, laughter, and beautiful cultural traditions. From the elegant sofreh aghd to the joyous dancing to the gorgeously sunny weather, every moment was wrapped in beauty and the kind of love that rekindles the soul. Here’s to a lifetime as vibrant as the coast that witnessed their vows. 🌊✨🥂 #BigSurWedding #RaggedPointInn #SofrehAghd #PersianWedding #CaliforniaWeddingPhotographer #WeddingTeaser #SLOtography
Shoutout to this wonderful vendor fam as well (def missing some peeps here) - couldn’t do any of this without you! ❤️
@slotography (me + @videobyrobin)
@storiestoldbyfilm
@realcrushevents
@raggedpointinn
Tangled up in you… 🌿💕✨
Sweet & mellow newlywed couples session with Ashley & Dylan after they tied the knot in OC the day before! They wanted green colors in their pics and, well, ain’t much green in the wild this time of year so we roamed around the Leaning Pine Arboretum at @calpoly instead. 😍
We connected instantly over our love of raves & dance music and had a lovely little walk thru these beautiful gardens. Gorgeous greenery & good vibes all around. I feel so blessed to have such a fun career where I get to meet such sweet & inspiring people. Congrats again, Ashley & Dylan! 🥰
Sarah & Niels def passed the #slocal vibe check - y’all are a fabulous couple! Thanks for having me! 😎🙌🏻
Such a fun time strolling thru @downtownslo (shout out @fremontslo + @buonatavolaslo + @booboorecords) as we captured couples portraits, before they later commemorated their love with a sweet lil elopement at the SLO Courthouse. We ultimately made our way to @novorestaurant for a lovely dinner party with the fam. I don’t shoot downtown often enough so it was inspiring finding new creative scenes to play with!
Thanks again you two cuties! 💕
