ABOUT ME
Life Behind the lens :)
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. :)
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! ♥
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!
What a wonderful wedding weekend spent with these two lovelies! ☺️💍
From their intimate elopement ceremony with their closest loved ones, to a vibey reception party with the full squad the day after, Justin & Paul threw a helluva party at @calipasowineryandvilla 😊🙌🏻🌈
It was so sweet getting to capture all the fun, the love, and the laughs — including the most unexpectedly hilarious “perfect timing” moment ever during the wedding toasts…let’s just say love was in the air for sure lol. 🐶💘😆
Hope everyone is doing well out there! 🙏🏻 I for one am stoked to have a rare weekend off after what’s been a very busy wedding season so far — it’s time to leave the creative lair, touch some grass, cruise to San Diego and catch one of my fave artists @sanholobeats with my future rave wifey @harmonic.holistics — San Diego homies hit us up if you’re around this weekend!
Love y’all!💗
Lastly, shout out to our amazing vendor team:
Venue: @calipasowineryandvilla
Coordinator: @paso_weddingsmith
Photo: @jameslesterphoto // @slotography
Live Band/DJ: @weareblitznation
Cocktail Bar: @cartsidecocktails
Dessert: @cider_creek
Rentals: @allaboutevents + @taylor_rental
Diana & Chris’s wedding day was pure magic — a cliffside first look, the sweetest pup, and a moody coastal sunset that made for stunning romantic portraits of these two. From heartfelt vows to a full-out dance party under the stars, it was such a joy capturing the love these two share. Hope you enjoy a little peek into their gorgeous celebration!
Planner: @idoeventscentralcoast
Venue/Catering: @raggedpointinn
Photography: @jameslesterphoto + @makayla_grogan_photographer
Band: @luckydevilsband
Rentals: @gycrentals
Dress: @blushingbridesocal
Just wrapped up posting Sarah & Niels` unforgettable courthouse wedding in San Luis Obispo to the blog! Their love, spontaneity, and unique twists melted my heart! 📸 #WeddingPhotography #SanLuisObispoWedding #LoveStory
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! 🥰
Shanaya & Joshua brought Texas heat to the California coast 🤠 From windswept moments by the sea to moody magic in the dunes, every frame was pure romance. Sunset skies, cowboy hats, and the sweetest love — these two made for an unforgettable engagement photoshoot. 🤍🔥🖤
Julia & Rudy’s wedding at Dallidet Adobe in SLO was pure magic — a day filled with heartfelt vows, tender glances, and love that radiated from start to finish ✨ So honored to capture the beginning of their forever 🤍 #sneakpeeks
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