Hey, I’m James.

I’m here for the simple joys in life—good times, great people, and creating art out of memories.

I absolutely love connecting with people and finding that sweet common ground, especially when it isn’t immediately obvious. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of so many amazing moments, turning them into timeless images.

I’m a big fan of all things arty & techy, spontaneous road trips, hikes, and beach days. Music festivals & raves? Heaven on earth. I'm a lifelong musician and have been playing piano since I was five years old. You might even spot me onstage sometime under my DJ alias, tames! I also love video games, anime & film, which inspire my artistic approach. My passion for cinema influences my cinematic editing style, bringing rich tones, intentional lighting, and storytelling compositions to my wedding photography—like stills from a movie.

I also have an amazing partner, Jamie, who teaches meditation & sound healing (yes, she does weddings!), and together we have a delightfully derpy chihuahua rescue named Robyn. :)

So, how did I get here? Let me tell you a story.

Back in college (I’m only 31, but it feels like forever ago), I started experiencing digestive issues that doctors couldn’t pinpoint. Turns out, it was IBD all along. Without a diagnosis at the time, nothing worked, and I found myself out of work and school just when life was supposed to be taking off.

To cope, I started taking landscape photos on my phone, escaping into nature whenever I could. I soon noticed that I felt way better when I was outside shooting, and before long, photography became both a creative outlet and a key part of my holistic healing process. I started gaining traction by sharing my photography on Instagram, and with the encouragement of some incredible people, I decided to pursue photography full-time.

One of those amazing humans was Blake Andrews—local legend, true homie, and founder of SLOtography. He saw something in me and mentored me for years, and we still work alongside each other at SLOtography.

Fast forward to today.

Nearly a decade later, I've had the honor & privilege of capturing 140+ weddings and being published in numerous blogs & publications, including The New York Times + Rock & Roll Bride! I still work with my talented SLOtography crew while running my own brand, which I launched in 2017 (you are here!).

On the side, I’m also a Certified Pro Airbnb Photographer and have shot countless Airbnbs across California. I’ve even hosted a few successful art shows featuring my landscape photography.

I love all types of photography, but weddings & elopements remain my passion. I’m a total sap for love, and it’s a joy to document one of life’s most beautiful moments.

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.

My values & approach.

I believe love is for everyone. In 2020, I became an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Certified Photographer through EquallyWed Pro, deepening my commitment to creating a safe space for couples of all identities, backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. I’m also a big believer in therapy & inner work, always striving to be a kinder and safer human, both in my personal life and in my business.

Put simply: I show up for my clients with my heart on my sleeve. Let’s create something beautiful together.

I can’t wait to meet you! ♥