Blending cinematic narrative with intimate portraiture, James approaches photography as both storytelling and quiet observation.

With an eye attuned to nuance, he seeks out the overlooked details that hold unexpected beauty…a fleeting glance, the hint of a smile before it fully forms, the soft shift of light across skin, or the curve of a shoulder as it relaxes between poses. These subtle moments, often missed in passing, become the anchors of his imagery. These in-between moments often say more than a posed frame ever could.

He works primarily with natural light, capturing intimate portraits and serene landscapes — often blending the two to explore the quiet connection between people and place. His shoots are always approached with curiosity and respect. Whether shooting on a modern camera or loading a roll of expired film into a vintage 35mm or medium format body, James embraces the unique qualities each brings. The result is a body of work that feels timeless, textured, and deeply human.

With every frame, James invites viewers to slow down, look closer, and find beauty in the ordinary.

A person taking a selfie with a camera in an elevator, with a dark interior and a yellowish light above, reflected in the mirror.

James Forbes is a photographer and design director in Dallas blending a passion for storytelling with inspiration drawn from cinematic imagery.

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