James Johnson, photographer 4.9 out of 5.0 4.9/5.0
Award winning, internationally published wedding photographer
Venice, CA 90292
Check Availability
310-822-6168
  Profile   Reviews (3)   Website    

Please let this vendor know that you found them on WeddingWire!
Flag As Inappropriate

Business Info
Services: Photography
Established: 1995

Vendors I Know (9)
 
About
As I begin to write a bit about myself and my photography life I keep thinking about something a client recently said to me.  At one point when there was significant chaos going on, the bride turned to me and said that I had the perfect set of skills to do what I do. I was very touched when she proceeded to tell me about my temperament, my expertise and how I rolled with the punches in a fun way. How nice to be appreciated and how wonderful to enjoy a job as much as I enjoy mine.

I use a mixture of styles, from classic portraits and photojournalism to fine art. I am looking for iconic images that will convey the feeling of your wedding in a timeless way and for that I use a variety of cameras and methods. My website goes into more detail about my methodology and I suggest you take a look over there when you are done at Wedding Wire: (www.jamesjohnsonphotography.com)

All packages include unlimited coverage and engagement photos ... and anything else you can dream of. From stunning, handcrafted, leatherbound albums to music video style slideshows the sky is the limit. If you can dream it, we can do it.

Portfolio 

Endorsements

A CEREMONY of the HEART
 From the very first time I met and worked with James I was impressed and delighted. He was an absolute pleasure to work with, highly professional and amazingly creative! His style and unique vision are rare ... because he is a True Artist!! If you want your wedding to be shot by a master, James is the one for you.

Frequently Asked Questions for Photography
Do you offer special techniques such as hand-coloring or toning?
Since so many of my clients are well versed in photography and want special techniques, I specialize in this area. Infrared film, hand-coloring, sepia toning, Polaroid manipulations, unique and specialized cameras... things like that.
 
Do you have experience shooting in various lighting situations?
It should suffice to say that when it comes to lighting I have seen it all. I have been shooting weddings for many years and before that it was rock and roll and advertising. What is more important than working in different lighting situations, though, is to be able to analyze the situation and be able to utilize it to my advantage in a split second. I can't always control the lighting but I can control how I use it. This is what experience is about and basically what you pay for. Anyone can put a camera on Program and get some decent shots, but when you see work that you think is different, it is usually the photographer's use of light in a particular situation that makes their work stand out. It is difficult to explain this to someone who thinks that all photographers do the same thing.
 
Is your media preference film or digital?
Either. I am a film based photographer, but by scanning the film I get to have the best of both worlds. I can also shoot digital if a client prefers. We usually discuss the pros and cons of each when discussing each job. With film, there is a certain 'look' to certain films and I get to retain that in an organic sense, while still being able to live and work in a digital world. This way I have the ability to email, post images, do coffee table albums and anything else that all photographers can do today. Of course, there are situations that are better served by shooting in digital, as well. The days of being exclusively one or the other are long gone for me. These are all just tools and it is wonderful to have more tools in the tool box.

Tips and Advice
Most people have never hired a photographer and don't know what questions to ask besides, "How much does it cost?" I assure you that there is more to it than that. There are many, many things to consider and I think that  more important than asking questions from a wedding magazine is merely having a conversation.  The importance of matching personality and passion cannot be over emphasized.  You know when you click with someone, and who could be more important to click with than the person you will be spending the most important day of you life with?