About Us:
Since beginning his photojournalism career in 1995, James Edward Bates' work has been featured in countless publications, from Rolling Stone and People, to American Photo, TIME, Newsweek, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and more. He has exhibited in museums and galleries internationally, including VISA pour l'Image in Perpignon, France, he has a Pulitzer Prize as a former staff member of the Sun Herald newspaper, and in 2011, was inducted into the USM Photojournalism Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, James' work has been guided by a passion to capture life as it exists before his camera, feeling that documenting moments and people in our lives is paramount, allowing us to cling to the memories that would otherwise be forgotten. In whatever genre he has worked, James has pursued telling stories through images to powerful effect.
Today, James' focus is on offering the highest quality photography services possible. He works with clients in wedding photography, corporate, events, family portrait and lifestyle sessions, birth documentaries in photo & video- and more! James Edward Bates Photography has a select group of associate photographers and assistants available when clients desire a team approach for their projects, and is available for travel from Coast to Coast.
A little more about some of our offerings, and how to get more info:
WEDDING COVERAGE - STILL PHOTOGRAPHY
We love photographing couples as they begin their lives together- capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments of joy, tenderness and love. Every wedding is different and it's an honor to be able to tell that love story, the unique story of that couple, as it unfolds. Choosing a wedding photographer is an important decision, and it is important that whoever you decide to work with is a great fit for you and understands your vision and needs. We would love to speak with you about your wedding!
CLICK HERE to get started.
BUSINESS/CORPORATE/EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
We regularly work with corporate clients, whether it be for event coverage, commercial work or even headshots. We'd be happy to talk to you about your business needs! CLICK HERE for more info.
Corporate Photography Sample Images
Mississippi State Port of Gulfport gallery
Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic PGA Golf Tournament gallery
PORTRAIT SESSIONS (FAMILY, CHILD, HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR & MORE)
Whether you are seeking portraits of yourself, your children, your graduate or your entire family, our portrait sessions are available in a variety of outdoor locations which provide beautiful settings for your images. Outdoor sessions require good weather for the best results and are usually best suited for evenings, just before sunset.
Emma, Senior Portrait gallery
Cameron, Senior Portrait gallery
Clark, Family Portrait gallery
Williams, Beach Family Portrait gallery
Studio sessions can be arranged as well if desired. CLICK HERE for more info on portrait work.
BIRTH DOCUMENTARY- VIDEO AND STILLS
The birth of a child is momentous- the emotion, love, connection and miracle of a baby's arrival day captured is a true family treasure. Every birth is different and wondrous. Let us document these first moments in your growing family's life. CLICK HERE for more information.
FAMILY LIFESTYLE SESSIONS
The first few weeks following your baby's birth is the ideal time to schedule a family lifestyle session at your home, or anytime as your family grows to capture the memories of life! These sessions inevitably become family heirlooms. CLICK HERE for more info.
SPECIAL DOCUMENTARY SERVICES
Relationships are among the most important aspects of our lives. With our Family & Friends Documentary work, we will spend from a 1/2 day to multiple days to capture all the cool ways you spend time with your loved ones. It could be a family reunion that we come to document and take portrait images. It could be that a loved one is facing an uncertain future due to a medical condition that moves you to capture some special moments in photos and video interviews where we capture the history of their lives. Perhaps you just want to capture this time in your family's life in photos and video at an outing to the park, county fair or the beach before the years slip by.
Before we get started, we will discuss with you the ways that you enjoy quality of life and joyful moments with your family and friends. From that conversation, we will identify opportunities to film that give you the best memories with your family or close friends.
One Family Documentary brought our team to San Jose, California, where we spent two days filming.
Boroughf Family Day in the Life
CLICK HERE for more info.
SECURING SERVICES
A non-refundable retainer is required to secure our services. If you wish to book a second photographer, additional retainer and fees are required. Please understand that all payments are non-refundable, as we will reserve the specified date for you, which may prevent us from securing other bookings on this date.