Director of Photography & Camera Operator | Documentary, Broadcast TV & Branded Content

Описание: Yorkshire Director of Photography & Camera Operator | UK, USA & International Work

I'm James — a Yorkshire-based Director of Photography and Camera Operator working across the UK, USA and internationally. With a production base in Manchester, I specialise in high-end documentary films, branded content, short-form narrative and broadcast television.

My cinematography has featured on global platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC, Channel 4 and Sky, and I’ve collaborated with world-class brands such as Porsche, Ilford Photo, The Peninsula Hotels and Royal Northern Sinfonia. My visual approach combines strong cinematic storytelling with authentic, emotionally driven imagery.

Whether on set, in the field, or collaborating in pre-production, I bring a deep understanding of camera movement, composition and lighting to help shape a project’s visual identity. I thrive in collaborative environments, supporting creative and logistical decision-making to bring meaningful stories to life.

Professional Background & Credits:

I trained at Leeds Beckett University, BBC Scotland and the National Film and Television School, before gaining my first long-form experience during a six-month documentary shoot in the Himalayas. My career took an unconventional route through the Royal Air Force, where I worked as a helicopter photographer, graduating from the Defence School of Photography and receiving several commendations.

My portfolio includes:

Award-winning feature documentaries, such as Last Fisherman (Best Feature Doc – Snowdance) and Mental Health Motorbike (Best Visuals – Prolific North)
Short films, including Truth & Illusion (BSC Short Film Nomination)
High-end series work, including Beckham (Netflix), Inside Art (Sky Arts) and The North Water (BBC)
In the automotive and motorsport world, I’ve filmed with Daniel Ricciardo, Jenson Button and Lando Norris, and worked on content for Triumph, Kia and Aston Martin Valkyrie testing in Bahrain.

I was selected for the British Society of Cinematographers' mentorship programme, where I trained under an Oscar-winning BSC/ASC cinematographer. I’m now a Friend of the Association of Camera Operators and a full member of the Guild of Television Camera Professionals.

International Ready | Based in West Yorkshire

I regularly travel for work across Europe, North America and Asia, and hold a US I Media Visa, Global Entry and ATA Carnet, enabling fast and reliable international production support. Whether you need a DOP for a branded campaign in Tokyo or a camera operator for a doc in the Scottish Highlands — I can help.

📍 Based in the Calder Valley, West Yorkshire – working locally, nationally and globally.