Hey, I’m James.

I'm here the simple things in life: good things, good times, good people.

I absolutely adore connecting with people and discovering that sweet common ground, especially when it might not seem so obvious at first. I feel incredibly lucky to hang out with so many cool people during some of their biggest moments and make art out of memories.

Big fan of all things arty & techy, getting outside for a hike, beach day, or a spontaneous road trip. Music festivals & raves are like heaven on earth to me...I even masquerade as an underground DJ + music producer when I'm not too busy with weddings, lol! I am also blessed with a beautiful + supportive partner named Jamie who teaches meditation & provides wonderfully soothing sound healing (yes, she does weddings!). Together, we are going on five years together and are the proud parents of a delightfully derpy chihuahua rescue named Robyn. :)

Sooo how did I become a photographer?

Okay, story time:

Back in my college days (I'm only 31 but this feels like forever ago okayyy), I began having digestive issues that local doctors just couldn't pinpoint (spoiler alert: it was ulcerative colitis all along). Without an accurate diagnosis at the time, I didn't respond to any medications that were thrown my way, and ultimately found myself out of work & school when it felt like life was just getting started. Dark days indeed... ;)

Anyway, I started taking landscape photos on my phone as a way to cope & escape into nature's beauty. I also noticed my gut felt better whenever I was in nature doing this new photo thing I loved so much, and so I started a new journey of holistic healing and eventually got my health back to a good place. I began building a decent following on Instagram for my iPhoneography (it's a thing), and eventually, with the support + encouragement of some amazing humans, I decided to pursue photography as a full-time career. One of those amazing humans was Blake Andrews, local legend, true homie & founder of SLOtography, who for some reason believed in my weird ass and became my mentor for many years.

What's that? Credentials?

Sure thing!

Nearly a decade later, I have had the honor & privilege of capturing 140+ weddings, and have been published in numerous blogs & publications, including The New York Times + Rock & Roll Bride! I continue to serve at SLOtography with the rest of our talented little crew, and have been building & running my own brand from 2017 on (you are here).

Side note: in 2019, I became a Certified Pro Airbnb Photographer and have had captured countless Airbnbs all across California. I have even put on a handful of successful art shows featuring my landscape photography as well.

I definitely enjoy photoshoots of many different kinds, but weddings & elopements have remained my passion & discipline. I’m a total sap for love and it's a joy to document the most beautiful thing in the world.

I’m also a lifelong ally of love in all its expressions, and in my sessions I strive to create a safe space for people of all identities, backgrounds, shapes & sizes to be their fullest & realest selves. In 2020, I took this commitment a step further by becoming a LGBTQ+ Inclusive Certified Photographer with EquallyWed Pro and continue to learn how to be a better ally for my LGBTQ+ couples & beloved friends in the community.

Lastly, I'm a big proponent of therapy & inner work, and am personally devoted to continuously exploring how I can be a kinder, safer human. I believe this is a critical practice for the betterment of business, but more importantly the betterment of humanity.

Put simply, I promise to show up for each of my clients with my heart on my sleeve. Now let's go create some beautifully authentic images together.

I can't wait to get to know you. ♥