BRIAN JAMES - A STYLE OF LIFE

https://photography.brianjamesgallery.com

As I finish a photoshoot at my studio in downtown St. Petersburg, I sit and marvel at the natural lighting pouring in from these beautiful french doors in this 100+ year-old building. I have been making photos here for 14 years and it feels like it all started just yesterday. In reality, my start goes all the way back to that dimly lit high school darkroom. Enamored with the magic of photography watching my first print develop right in front of my eyes.

When I first opened my studio, I did not imagine my career would take me all over the world doing photoshoots in iconic cites from London to Paris, Milan to Montreal, and all over the United States. I’ve created fashion editorials and ad campaigns for some of the largest brands and publications. I have been the photographer on productions of numerous films, reality shows, and national commercials. I actually ended up in a movie once when they needed someone to play, well, a photographer. It was a small scene, but somehow I made the trailer.

With all of the travel and adventure my camera has afforded me, it is nice to share I was born and raised in Tampa Bay. I am also grateful to have established my business here in 2010. Having a photography studio and gallery in St. Pete is something many people may dream of. I pinch myself sometimes to make sure this is real.

When asked if there is a blueprint for my success, I say be dependable, be consistent, be kind, and be passionate about your work. Communicate with your subjects and give direction to accomplish the look they set out to achieve. Each client deserves a fun experience and quality results. If you can make it enjoyable AND produce excellent work, you will succeed.

Nothing makes me feel more accomplished than seeing my work published. Whether those photos are a musician’s album cover on Spotify, a professional headshot on LinkedIn, a law firm splashed on a billboard, creative marketing images on a company’s website, or a full blown fashion editorial spread and cover of a magazine.

I believe my greatest strength as a photographer is my ability to make people comfortable on set. Many people do not enjoy being in front of the camera and it can be intimidating coming into a professional studio. With my main body of work being edgy high fashion, you may assume that I am serious, or even bossy, when in reality I’m just gonna make you laugh. That is also how I capture your actual smile. •