James Wilson is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, who discovered his passion for photography shortly after graduating from high school. Well known for his vibrant, yet classic portraiture, he excels in forging connections with his clients, enabling them to embrace the moment of being transformed into works of art..

Growing up in a church environment, James believes that all life was and is created by God, and he sees it as his duty to capture the essence of this creation in its most flattering light. After studying cameras and lighting for the first 3 years of his journey, he learned the art of studio photography, thus birthing the style of photography that most people associate him with. James strives to encapsulate elements like rich blues, vibrant pinks, deep skin tones, and lustrous hair in his portraits. 

In photography, James aspires to offer everyone the chance to bask in the limelight, enabling them to appreciate their own beauty. Central to this passion is the desire for clients to receive their photos and fall in love with themselves, recognizing the uniqueness that defines each individual’s beauty.

Outside of his portraiture, James actively collaborates with his community assisting businesses and organizations in creating compelling media to showcase their endeavors. Committed to giving back to his community through his craft, he hosts free headshot workshops for college students entering the workforce and individuals seeking to update their professional image. James harnesses the power of media to immortalize the essence of every subject he captures, striving always to present them in the best possible light.

https://jameswilsonphotography1.zenfoliosite.com/jamess-portfolio

I expand my art circle by being outside and participating in community events. I love retouching photos at downtown coffee shops just to be inspired by someone or possibly making a new friend who does similar work. My art circle expands with every new interaction, whether online or in person. Following an artist whose work I’d like to replicate is another way I expand it. It’s all about finding support, people to learn from, vision, and inspiration.

Having a creative community like the one I have in Lafayette is a blessing. There is never a dull moment here with my friends and I know that whatever crazy idea I have, there will be support and a space for it. I was introduced to the world of grants a while ago and how much financial support there is for artists, but I would have never known if my community didn’t truly value creativity.

How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?

My approach to contributing to my community is always putting people first. Anyone can take a picture, but taking a good picture is capturing a person, a place, or an event with the intention of causing the viewer to stare. I do this by being present, by connecting with the community who put on the event, by connecting with the graduates and hearing their stories of trying times and successes so that I can capture that emotion in a still frame. I love looking back at the history in my photos and reliving the day I took it. My community needs timeless images like that to share with each other and keep stories alive.

Our weekly Art Circle series profiles artists throughout the community and is sponsored in part by Lafayette Visitor Enterprise Fund managed by Lafayette Travel