Flowers and hot dogs have their appeal, but James likes to photograph people and places. He began taking pictures over 30 years ago, squeezing in shoots between phys-ed and social studies. He completed a bachelor of applied communications from Mount Royal University. And in 2003, graduated from the professional photography program at Victoria's Western Academy. James lives in Calgary with his wife and son, and he enjoys drinking unusually strong coffee, reading smart books, and riding expensive bicycles.