I was raised under an African sky in Cape Town, South Africa. In 1994, searching for adventure, I moved to New York City and found photography. Since my very first assignment for New York Magazine, I have never looked back. The combination of art, commerce and collaboration that is integral to commercial photography has been a winning formula throughout my career.

After 15 years in New York, I was drawn to the West Coast for its wide-open spaces and spectacular waves. I now live with my lovely wife, 2 sons and 3 dogs in Northern California.

A collaborator at heart, I thrive working as part of a team. I embrace the challenge of bringing my clients’ ideas to life, always striving to help find a fresh vision for their brand. While I would describe myself as being a photographer with a “big picture” approach, I have an acute eye for detail, especially in terms of composition and light. I love to have a good time on set, laughter and humor being essential ingredients in a productive day.

Recently I have been exploring video with some of my hotel and catalog clients. My goal is to bring the same sense of light and simple beauty in my stills photography to a video format. I love the creative process of telling a story in motion.

Recent clients include 1 Hotels, Hyatt, Sundance, Pottery Barn, Grey Poupon, Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Sentral. I am based in the Bay Area but happy to travel anywhere for work.

When not on a photo shoot, I love to surf, mountain bike, travel in Africa, grow my own food and hang out with my family. I am an eternal optimist, always looking for goodness in the world around me.

View client list please click here. View press please click here.

To contact James, please click here. Mobile: 917 544 1674 Office: 415 785 7127

TESTIMONIALS

“It's an understatement to say that James is a pleasure to work with. He approaches every project with passion and enthusiasm and brings so much expertise to the work. Over the past four years he's helped us to build a beautiful image library that brings our brand experience to life. James and his team always go above and beyond and work incredibly hard on our behalf during each shoot.”

Denise Chapman: Director of Marketing at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

“Working with James Baigrie on shoots (photo and video) for the last year for Sentral has been extraordinary! He is a super talented photographer that magically brings brands to life through his lens with ease. He is exceptional at shooting both lifestyle and architecture, which is rare. Not only does he have this talent, but he is an absolute joy to work with and is incredibly professional!”

Shannon Spillett: Brand Marketing Strategist & Creative Consultant

“James is extraordinarily gifted. His talent is proven excellent, as it is supported by his intelligence, persistent and clear sense of direction, and a team as hardworking and passionate as himself. I am eager to collaborate an many more projects together in the future.”

Matthew Coelho: Marketing Manager at Miraval Resorts

“I have worked with a lot of photographers and creatives in my career, and I count James and his team among the top. If you are looking for a fantastic lifestyle or product photographer - look no further. The work and he and his team are phenomenal!”

Maggie Lang: Head of Culture & Development at Sentral