FAQ's
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I’m a photographer for the people! My mission is to make photography accessible to everyone—all shapes, sizes, identities, and backgrounds. Whether you're planning a traditional religious ceremony, a modern and eccentric wedding, or an intimate elopement, I love working with couples from all walks of life. I’m deeply committed to inclusivity, and in 2020, I took this commitment further by becoming an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Certified vendor through EquallyWed, the nation’s top LGBTQ+ wedding planning website. Whoever you are, I’m here to celebrate your love and ensure you have an incredible experience working with me. :)
Yes! I LOVE traveling for weddings. When you inquire, just mention your wedding location, and if it's outside of SLO County, I’ll provide a travel fee quote based on the venue distance. Many locations require no additional fee. :)
Simply get in touch with some details about yourselves and your wedding, and I’ll take it from there! If you’re still deciding on a package, we can chat until we find the right coverage option for you. Once confirmed, I’ll send over a contract via my client portal for review. After signing, you’ll submit a 50% retainer to officially reserve your date. Then, I’m all yours, and we can start planning the details!
Absolutely! I always love putting faces to names and getting to know each other before the big day. If you're local to SLO County, we can meet in person; otherwise, we can set up a video call via Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype—whatever works best for you!
My goal is to create a relaxed and comfortable environment where you and your partner can be yourselves. I guide you through simple yet elegant poses while also encouraging natural moments. My approach results in a mix of lighthearted candids and romantic, cinematic portraits.
At weddings, I do more than just take photos—I’m your photographer, guide, occasional bouquet-holder, and hype man all in one. I provide direction when needed but also give you space to enjoy the moment and have fun.
Not quite! Capturing the photos is just the beginning. The majority of my work happens in post-production, where I carefully sort and edit your images. I take great pride in crafting a unique look for every session, ensuring your final images are beautiful, timeless, and true to the emotions of the day.
Yes! The editing process is always a collaboration. If you have a specific style or aesthetic in mind, please let me know upfront. I’m happy to tailor the tonality and overall feel to match your vision.
Delivery time ranges from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on your package. For weddings with coverage over 8 hours, I send a sneak peek gallery within 7 days!
Your final images will be hosted on my website indefinitely, where you can access, review, and download them in full resolution.
The final image count varies based on coverage time, but I typically deliver a minimum of 50+ final edited images per hour of coverage. Total galleries range from 100 to 500+ images.
Yes! Once you receive your images, you can order premium-quality prints and wall art directly from your gallery, fulfilled by BayPhoto Lab in Santa Cruz, CA. These prints are of the highest quality and come with a satisfaction guarantee.
You can also design your own wedding album, or I can create a custom-designed album for you for an additional fee. Inquire for details!
Absolutely! Your final images are securely hosted on my website indefinitely. Additionally, I back up all client images on archival hard drives for one year. During this time, if you need to review outtakes or find a missing image, just reach out!
To maintain storage efficiency, outtakes are erased after one year. However, your final edited images are backed up indefinitely in my archives, so if anything ever happens to the online gallery, I can still provide your photos upon request
I deliver all images that meet my quality standards: technically correct, important to the story, and artistically strong.Outtakes include test shots, duplicates, blinks, or unflattering images. If you ever have questions about this process, just ask!
Yes! In addition to weddings, I offer portrait, real estate, landscape, concert & festival photography. Inquire for details.
Interested? HIT US UP! We’d love to hear from you.
We typically respond within 24-48 hours, though response times may vary depending on the season. Thanks for your patience!
the sweetest day celebrating lauren & harley at @thegardensatpeacockfarms — fun fact: harley is my brother’s childhood friend & so he got to be his best man...’twas a lovely reunion! 🤗
cheers to the happy couple! 💛
#sneakpeeks
also shout out to @makayla_grogan_photographer for the support 📸
hi! 👋🏻
i’m back from a lil social media detox to share these lovely sneaks from rena & rob’s special day. 🤩
i feel so lucky to collaborate with truly inspiring & genuinely kind-hearted couples like these two sweeties! 🥰
it kinda blows my mind that i’ve now documented something like 180 weddings, and still my heart races with adrenaline & joy every time i get to do this for folks. 🔥
so—
from the bottom of my heart
thank you.
🥹🙏🏻
happy holidays y’all. ❤️
love,
james
two brides are better than one!! 💞
i had the absolute best time celebrating olivia & felicity last weekend. 🥰
weather was effin perfect & vibes were on point from the pre-ceremony hustle bustle all the way to their iconic tunnel exit at the end of the night. 🪩👯♀️
everyone was just so incredibly present and wholly supportive of the love shared between these two radiant soulmates. ✨
these sneak peeks barely scratch the surface of all the magic. 😍
congrats again olivia & felicity!!! ❤️❤️❤️
venue: @almond_springs
coordination: @almond_springs
photo: @jameslesterphoto + @makayla_grogan_photographer
muah: @thequeensbees
dj/lighting: @dj.recspin
bartending: Justin Johnson Mobile Bartending
photobooth: @picturethisslo
catering: @diezels__bbq_llc
draping: @draping_bykim
rentals: @slopartyrentals
wind swept & overflowing with love 🌬️
feeling so grateful to share so many special adventures & memories with such lovely humans 💟
my health hasn`t been the best lately but my work always gives me life ☺️
have a great week everyone ✨
Captured a beautiful and fun-filled elopement of Tina & Kendrick at Santa Barbara Courthouse. Despite overcast at Leadbetter Beach, we were untamed and free to roam, creating magical moments with each click!📷 #SantaBarbaraWedding #ElopementLove #BeachWeddingPhotography
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! 🥰
Experience the magic of saying `I do` at Harmony Wedding Chapel, where intimate charm meets whimsical wonder. This little treasure in Harmony, California, gives you a backdrop of rolling hills, lush gardens, and even free-roaming cows! #WeddingPhotography #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! 🥰
hi! here’s a few favorites of megan & ally on the sweetest day 💚
hope everyone is hangin’ in there 🦥
📍: @campoceanpines
🗒️: @heatherhansenevents
💇♀️: @thequeensbees
💐: @lori_boe_floral
📸: @jameslesterphoto + @makayla_grogan_photographer
🎧: MKM DJ
🍕: @fulloflifefoods
🧀: @louloucheesegirl
🥂: @daringtodreamevents
🍽️: @allaboutevents
#weddingteaser #weddingphotographer
Here’s a few teasers from Claire & Tony’s gorgeous & golden wedding in SLO 🌅❤️ #weddingphotos #goldenhour
VENDOR FAM👇🏻
Bar: @rodandhammer
Catering: @rodandhammer
DJ: @kramerevents
Florist: @brookeedelmanfloral
HAMU: @anna_lent
Month-of Coordination: @simplytreasuredevents
Photography: @jameslesterphoto + @makayla_grogan_photographer
Venue: @rodandhammer + @hotelcerroslo (getting ready pics)