Director of Photography & Camera Operator.
Yorkshire & Manchester; working across the UK, USA & Internationally.

About James

Hello, I’m James, a Yorkshire based cinematographer and documentary filmmaker, working in broadcast television, social content and branded storytelling.

My work has been featured on major networks such as Amazon, Netflix, Channel 4, BBC, and Sky, as well as in theatres worldwide. I thrive on collaborating with directors, brands, and production companies to help tell stories that resonate emotionally. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with brands like Porsche, The Peninsula Hotels, Ilford Photo and The Royal Northern Sinfonia.

As a creative problem solver, I’m passionate about developing a project’s visual identity through movement, composition, and lighting. I thrive on collaboration where I can support artistic, technical, and logistical decisions; creating work that matters with people who care.

Background

I trained at Barnsley College/Leeds Beckett, BBC Glasgow, and the National Film and Television School. I began my career at Apple as a Creative Consultant before gaining my first documentary experience on a six-month assignment in the Himalayas. Seeking further adventure, I served as a photographer in the Royal Air Force, earning several service awards and graduating from the Defence School of Photography. My military work was extensively focused around helicopter operations.

I left the service to concentrate on documentary work, self shooting two features and numerous shorts, leading to multiple intentional awards, including a best feature doc at Snowdance, a nomination for a British Society of Cinematographers Award and a Prolific North Award for best cinematography.

I was offered a place on the British Society of Cinematographers' mentorship program, where I had the privilege of being mentored by an Oscar-winning BSC/ASC member working on high level Netflix projects. I became a Friend of the Association of Camera Operators and a full member of the Guild of Television Camera Professionals.

Some of my notable projects include the Netflix series Beckham, the Sky Arts series Inside Art, and the See the World from The Peninsula Perspective campaign. My work in the automotive and racing industry led to extensive shooting with F1 legend Daniel Ricciardo.

I’m based in West Yorkshire’s Calder Valley, near Hebden Bridge, with a production base in Manchester. I frequently work internationally and hold a U.S. I Media Visa, ATA Carnet, and Global Entry, allowing for streamlined travel to/from the USA.