With a distinct ability to create wedding images that show emotion without resorting to over-sentimentality, James has developed a cult following of clients who appreciate his understated portraiture, candid documentary photography, and surprising party snapshots.Hello! I am a photographer and educator living in the mountains near Los Angeles.

His modern wedding photography is informed by a wide range of inspiration: from Magnum photography agency’s rangefinder reportage to the Dutch Masters still life paintings all the way to the contemporary fashion and portrait photography that fills the pages of Vogue and W magazines. James’ wedding photography has been featured on Vogue.com, and published in ELLE UK and ELLE Japan Wedding magazines.

“The truth will set you free.”

The key to creativity is…

Curiosity.

Where do you gather most of the inspiration for your work?

Instagram and Tumblr and Pinterest.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given and what is the best advice you would give to someone just starting out?

Be honest about where you need to improve your technical skills: posing, processing, flash, etc… take online classes or meet with peers to solve these weaknesses. Once you have this grounding, you are free to create without fear.

Right now favorites

a song:

Saint Pablo - Kanye West / Present Tense - Radiohead

a movie:

La La Land

a book:

Georgia O’Keeffe and Her Houses: Ghost Ranch and Abiquiu / Everything I Want to Eat: Sqirl and the New California Cooking

a place:

Mexico

James Moes Photography