Meet James Barton | Photographer and Creative

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

Hi James, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been interested in the arts. Whether it was performing in community theatre to the singing as a principle role in the San Francisco Opera, the passion was always there. Somewhere down the line I got confused and began to study biology of all things in the hopes I would eventually become a doctor. The thing was I really didn’t want to be a doctor – the sterile environment, the routine – it just wasn’t fulfilling in any way for me. Fast forward to college and I’m working as a medical officer at a summer camp and though it was fun to interact with the attendees I found myself rather bored. Not only that, but the work was tough and relatively unrewarding – I took a firm look back at what I wanted and figured out it wasn’t a career in medicine.

So back to my roots I went, but this time in a new medium. I had briefly explored photography as a means of fun with friends as we navigated the social scenes of Instagram. After much time and effort into the craft I found myself drawn to the techniques of crafting beautiful images with even more beautiful models. Today I’m enjoying myself more than ever as I craft unique and compelling imagery for brands and individuals alike!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At my heart I’m a photographer of people. I especially love shooting sensual portraits of men in moody, retro, and nostalgic scenes. I love thrifting and antiquing and get excited about finding vintage props to use for sets in smoke filled rooms with as much natural light and shadow as I can. However recently I’ve been drawn a bit closer to the commercial world where I’ve loved getting to work with brands and help craft images that convert to sales. It has not been easy, but luckily I’ve built a really nice network of people willing to refer me based on the quality images I’ve provided all my clients. Sometimes its hard when a lead doesn’t end up going with you – whether it’s budget based or they dig the look and feel of another photographer. But ultimately it has been important to keep looking forward and pursuing all of the opportunities I possibly can. If there are any lessons I’ve learned along the way are that practice really truly does make perfect. Take images often and always – each shoot can provide a lesson in challenges and teach you something new.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Los Angeles there are SO many things to do. A perfect day in my opinion would be a really nice brunch at Manuela in the downtown arts district, which is in the Hauser & Wirth art gallery building. They have a lovely patio, a delicious menu, and an attached garden where they grow some of the ingredients used in their kitchen – they also have laying hens! Exploring the various book stores around the area would soon follow along with a trip to the west side for some beach time in venice or Malibu. We’d finish it off with a dinner at one of the many Hillstone restaurants and a night out in West Hollywood.

Some notable spots to visit outside of this would be Roscoes House of Chicken and Waffles, the Griffith Observatory, Los Leones Park, Pickleball in Inglewood, Guerilla Tacos in downtown, BCD Tofu House, honestly there are too many good things to list.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely want to rexognize my parents for supporting me as I strayed a bit further away from what society deemed a traditional life path. I’m lucky to have them!

Website: www.jameshasfriends.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/james.has.friends

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-alexander-barton/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jameshasfriendsphotography