In a Vermont high school dark room, I developed my first few photos. After graduating, I moved to Yosemite National Park, and started documenting the outdoors for the next two decades as a writer and photographer, publishing bouldering guidebooks to Yosemite and Bishop, located in the Eastern Sierra. An avid rock climber, I have made first ascents across the world and free climbed (used a rope but just my hands and feet) Yosemite’s El Capitan in a day. Between occasional stand-up bits, obsessive rock climbing, and a love for travel, I photograph the moon, take portraits of friends, and snaps pictures of the climbing life. As my passion for photography grew, I transitioned from shooting on the walls to weddings and capturing engagements, and elopements across the world. I love documenting intense feelings in beautiful places.

My Three Step Method

No photo too far. With a background in adventure photography, I can guide you to remote and epic locations in the best light. Long hike, early starts, and late nights provide the best photos, and I'm looking to capture those moments. My background makes me confident that even in a brand new area, we will leave with incredible photographs.


Feel comfortable. My confidence, empathy, and soft communication style will help you relax. You'll feel like the best version of yourself. That may translate into me telling the occasional dad joke. You'll know them when I tell them. The dad jokes will be apparent.

The moments in between. With my camera always on hand, I'll capture the moments in between, the unposed times, and the magic of your wedding day. When you look back at the pictures, you'll remember those perfect times.

Services Offered

James documents all of the authentic and candid moments that naturally unfold throughout the day that evoke raw emotion. Whether it's an engagement session, an intimate elopement, or a grand reception, he offers different services to ensure couples get everything they are looking for and more. His most popular offering, The Big Day Packages, includes 8 hours of coverage from the preparations to the couple's exit. He provides 6-hour wedding packages as well as 4-hour ceremony packages. He shoots elopements and can help with permits and location scouting. A second photographer, custom wedding options, and travel to destinations across the globe are also available. Each shoot includes a high-resolution online gallery, editing, print release, and more. Reach out to James Lucas Weddings today to get started.