We caught up with the brilliant and insightful James Stidham a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
James, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Well, Ive always been a very optimistic person, trying to find the joy & happiness in everything I do. So, in my photography I try to find the happiness in life, the smile, the laughter in people & the scenes I’m shooting.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Well, my career as an Ironworker has taken me all over Southern California’s various cities…mostly in metropolitan areas which has given me a perspective on city life, shooting things on the streets as they happen in real time. I’m always looking up to find geometric angles of buildings, shapes of life as I like to call it…So, wandering the streets of the local cities, beaches always provides the backdrop to many things to shoot photos of, there’s always something interesting out there, just have to look!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Well, I’ve always been experimental on framing my subjects, if it’s landscapes, live music or portrait type photos, I try to experiment each & every shot and to get real familiar with the components of the camera. If it’s a DSLR or the newer Mirrorless bodies, always experiment with shutter speed, F stops & ISO…don’t be afraid to fail, and remember everyone’s eye is different, so it’s your work, be proud of it!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I really don’t feel I’ve had overcome to much in my search for the elusive photo, photography is so experimental! Everyday is different with various weather situations, time of day & light always play into your images. I learn alot from other photographers sharing their work on social medians I use YouTube for various tutorials to learn different techniques and such…
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jim_stidham_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Roadkingjimmy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimstidham
- Other: You can see most of my photography on my Facebook page & some variety on my Instagram page. My Youtube page has some slideshow photography to check out as well…
