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

Hi Sheldon, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Getting into photography started out as a hobby for me. It was a way to capture the things happening around me from the beginning. I would offer mini sessions to get familiar with shooting with families and other people. Then I started jumping into weddings heavily and that is when I started to market myself as a wedding photographer. After about 10 years in the photography game focusing heavily on wedding photography, I started to find myself interested in varied lighting, portrait sessions, and Photography Studio Ownership. My thought process was definitely a bit all over the place, but that’s the creative aspect of how creatives create.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a portrait photographer than go against the traditional ways of doing portrait photography. I’m one of the photographer that likes to move light and see how it reflects and is absorbed by skin.

I got to where I am today in the realm of photography by all of the things that has come before me. The mistakes, the critiques, other’s perspectives and research. Trial and error is what I like most.

Easy- Nah, It’s been fun, but it definitely is not for the weak or for those who require 8+ hours of sleep. Being a creative is a 25/8 type of job. You’re always thinking,

My biggest lesson that I’ve learned is that projects done with collaborators and other creatives tend to have a bigger influence, a bigger reach, and you learn the most. CREATE WITH OTHERS.

My brand is simple, Just Create- No rules, No regrets, Just Create

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Studio J Dayton The Photography Studio Thai 9- the Greatest Thai restaurant in the Dayton area.
Table 33 is a great Bunch spot
The Brunch Club is a wonderful breakfast spot
A nice hole in the wall bar/pub is South Park Tavern on Wayne Ave

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ethan Burrage Photography , Chris Hall Photography , Carlos Herriot Videography, Studio J Dayton- Photography Studio, isicle The musician and all of the Dayton creatives

Website: www.sheldonjamesphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.photography_dayton/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sheldonjamesandstudioj

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutOhio is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.