James got his start in photography by joining the Navy at 19 to see the world as a U.S. Navy Photographer in 1994. After completing the Defense Photography School, James headed off to Misawa, Japan for his first duty station. Being stationed in Japan was any photographer's dream. The beauty of the place was breathtaking. Japan's people and culture helped form what would be a lasting love of the land. It was all film all the time back then. Luckily, we had a $35,000 film budget and we were told to go shoot on our off time as training. So that's what I did. I packed up the car, loaded up my gear, and headed off with a map(no GPS back then). The map was always optional though, as I loved to drive and get lost on purpose. It's a great feeling to have the time to go exploring when you're not sure where the road will take you. Japan was a very soulful place to see like that. It was sad when I had to leave, but where I was going was pretty sweet too...
Moving on From Japan, James got orders to Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii to join the VP-4 Skinny Dragons. VP-4 is a P-3 Orion Squadron(reconnaissance planes). Hawaii was another wonderful place to shoot, in one would argue, one of the more enjoyable places on Earth. I did a lot of hiking in the islands, always taking my camera, and still only shooting film and chromes. Digital had not matured enough yet for anyone to take seriously. I always thought the colors were more saturated in Hawaii. The blues and greens always seemed more vibrant than any other place I've visited.
Alas, the Navy was just to be a stepping stone for James as he decided to get out in late 2000 and head to New York. New York is like stepping on the long belt in the airport where you're walking normally, but the people not on the belt are getting passed by quickly. It has been a great 11 years so far here. James Weber Studio Inc. was born in 2003 and has been going strong ever since. James has shot for the likes of Hennessy, Modelo Especial, Tommy Hilfiger, Macy's, Jordache, Halston, and Finesse, among others.
James has many loves in photography which is why he shoots the diverse work that he does. Fashion, Beauty, and Still Life photography all intrigue him. Everything in photography is based on the creative use of light.
"Lighting is huge for me. I'm as interested in the shadows as I am in what I choose to light. Both are needed to create the right mood for any subject."
One of James' personal projects has been a five year exploration of the human form called, "The Evolution Project". He has just finished this project up and is currently working on a book and exhibition slated for early to mid 2012.
His goal is to be like is idol, Irving Penn, and experience life through the lens for as long as possible. Photography is one of the arts that you can truly spend a lifetime exploring.