Garry R. James

My name is Garry Robert James and I live in Birmingham, West Midlands, UK.

I was formerly a Licentiate of The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) and hold the distinction DPAGB awarded by the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain. I have also won numerous National and International awards for my work. I hold a current disclosure certificate issued by the CRB.

My last employment in the industry was as studio manager for US Photographers, a local studio involved in all types of photographic work.

Although my professional career in photography was relatively short I gained valuable knowledge in most areas of the commercial photographic industry both as a working photographer and process technician including, mass processing, press work, PR and public relations, general studio work, as well as fashion, wedding and product photography.

Having decided to change my career I worked part time as a wedding and portrait photographer whilst completing a full time course in electrical engineering, which was sponsored and funded by the TI Group. During this time I also served as a member of the TI Apprentice Training Board.

After working for various engineering companies I decided to start my own business in materials handling and was successful, with the help of some very dedicated staff, in building the business into a group of companies which were involved in design, manufacture, distribution and servicing, all of types of lifting equipment and also including computer hardware and software which became pioneers and leaders in their field.

At the age of 39yrs I decided to retire early from the 'rat race' and sold my businesses to an international company, who merged them into their operations.

Faced now with more free time than I had ever been used to I decided that photography would again become a full time interest.

Fortunately I had always retained my passion for photography and had my own colour darkroom and extensive collection of Minolta cameras and equipment. However, I soon realised that, because of my various disabilities, my days in the darkroom were over and so decided to investigate the newly emerging technology of computer imaging. I had used computers both at home and in my business career and so surrounded myself with all the latest toys and gismos to enable me to fulfil my passion.

These days my equipment is mostly Nikon and nearly all of my pictures are taken with one of several digital cameras and are, of course, processed digitally. I do still produce slides from time to time if the need arises or the fancy takes me.

Since studio work has always been my real passion I have, at my home, a fully equipped studio, complete with various props and backgrounds and private area for models to make up, change etc.

I am a member of the following organisations and societies which provide me with a platform to show my work as well as being a source of many great friendships and much help and encouragement.

The Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain (RPS) - The Disabled Photographers Society (DPS) - Smethwick Photographic Society - RPS Digit Group - RPS Folio.

Finally, I would like to thank:

The models that I have worked with and who appear in pictures on this site, some of whom remain friends.

My many Friends in the photographic world, especially David Lowe and Dave Yates, who are a constant source of advice and inspiration.