We had the good fortune of connecting with Maxwell James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maxwell, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Building things up from the start has always been my thing. Most of my adult life was spent working as a music producer, so branding, marketing, graphic design etc. all came with the territory.

I never would have thought I’d be working in weddings! I didn’t go to very many growing up. It wasn’t until my wife and I got married in 2019 that I realized how special weddings really are and I decided that I wanted to become a wedding photographer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think starting your own business is never easy, but it can definitely be a ton of fun. I’m proud of the fact that the photos I take at someone’s wedding will be cherished by them and their family for generations to come. It’s kind of a trip to think about.

Making the transition from music to photography actually felt pretty natural. In both fields you’re meeting new people all the time and bonding with them on a more casual and personal level, which I really enjoy. Each wedding photographer has their own way of doing things, and I like to emphasize to the couples that I work with how laid back their experience with me will be.

I think the biggest lesson I could pass on to other entrepreneurs is to really emphasize and highlight what makes you unique. Not only do people resonate more with others who are authentically themselves, it also makes the “finding a photographer” process for the couple way easier.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m always on the lookout for new food spots! Rest in peace to my all-time favorites Greenblatt’s (they had the best cheesecake) and Patrick’s (the best tuna melt). Unfortunately I haven’t found any new spots to fill that hole, but I know they’re out there. I just need to look harder.

My wife and I are big on hiking and would totally recommend Griffith Park for anyone looking to get outdoors and enjoy some nature. I’m relatively new to LA (moved here in 2018) but oddly enough it’s the parks and nature areas that really made me love the area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have my beautiful wife Veronica and family to thank the most! The uncertainty that comes with being self-employed can cause a lot of stress, but their encouragement and belief in me makes the whole process a lot easier.

I also want to give a shoutout to Holly Castillo! She’s an awesome wedding photographer, also based in SoCal. I’ve learned a ton working with her this last year.

Website: https://www.maxwelljamesphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxwelljamesphoto

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