2025 Showreel
A collection of recent work.
- Documentary DP
James S.
New York, NY, USA
$800 - $1500 / Day
Request a demoAbout
I’m James—DP, Sony Venice operator and one half of James², a documentary-driven filmmaking partnership working across the UK and US. Our focus is character, craft and truth—whether in broadcast, branded storytelling or those strange briefs that land in your inbox and make you wonder, “why not?” My work spans Netflix, Amazon, BBC, Channel 4, Sky and festival screens worldwide. I’ve lit performance halls for The Royal Northern Sinfonia, turned racetracks into cinemascapes for Porsche, and trekked the Himalayas chasing stories with dirt under my boots. At James² we thrive on collaboration—supporting directors, brands and crews to create work with depth, craft and a little soul. I build images from the ground up: composition, movement, light, all while wrangling the endless problems between “action” and “cut.” Due back Stateside in January 2026, open to projects throughout the year. Let’s tell a story that matters.
Top Services
- Documentary DP
- Commercial DP
- Corporate Videographer
Top Projects
Truth & Illusion
For the #MyFilmStory series, I directed and shot a short film highlighting film photographer Lucy Ridges. Using the Red Scarlet-W and Cooke Panchro/i Classic lenses, I blended cine and documentary styles, capturing Lucy's unique approach to film photography. We explored reflections and unconventional angles to match her surrealist vision, using natural and creatively enhanced lighting. The underwater sequence, filmed with a vintage Canon lens, added a dynamic touch. My goal was to authentically
- Documentary DP
Meet the Musicians
In 2024, I shot a series profiling the Royal Northern Sinfonia musicians at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead. Using Sony FX cameras I captured interviews and performances with multiple cameras, including a computer-controlled track. I lit the interviews and solo performances with tungsten lamps and Magic Cloth created a rich, textured look. The films combine live performances, 'day in the life' footage.
- Documentary DP
See the World from The Peninsula Perspective
As the Director of Photography for this Peninsula Hotels commercial, I was responsible for capturing Kam’s journey in six cities across the US and Europe. My role involved filming in diverse locations, from the bustling streets of New York to the historic charm of Istanbul, with the goal of highlighting the unique character and essence of each place.
Equipment
Camera
- Sony VENICE
Audio
- Audio Recorder
- Directional Microphone
- Lavalier Microphone
- Wireless Microphone
- XLR Microphone
Miscellaneous
- Dolly
- External Recorder
- Gimbal
- Shoulder Rig
- Slider
- Stabilizer
Lighting
- Fluorescent Video Lights
- HMI Lights
- LED Lights
- Tungsten Lighting Kit
Lenses
- Prime
- Standard Zoom
- Telephoto
- Wide
Editing
- DaVinci Resolve
All Services
Production Support
- Documentary DP
- Director
Miscellaneous
- Production Company