Leonard James

I purchased my first camera while serving in Viet Nam. I obtained it in Hong Kong and immediately began to record the breathtaking beauty of the country side. Along the way, I discovered my passion for photography. After returning home to Southern California I realized I wanted to take more than just snapshots. I wanted to learn the art of photography and take photos like those I admired in National Geographic.

A question I get from time to time is “how did you capture such beautiful detail; you must have a really expensive camera”. I respond that while equipment is important, success lies in understanding your equipment, how the lighting affects your subject, and the basics of photography. It also comes down to being in the right place at the right time, and sometimes it’s just plain luck.