CODY JAMES IS A BI-COASTAL PHOTOGRAPHER BASED BOTH IN NEW YORK AND LOS ANGELES.
Friends of WP was established to celebrate the diverse talents in our industry.
From photography, art, and everything in between, we offer a look into the
creative worlds of these individuals. Take a breather from your routine and
explore what’s happening beyond your inbox.
Meet Cody James—a talented photographer and a great friend whose ability to
capture emotion through his work is unmatched. Whether he’s photographing
people, places, or architecture, he knows how to bring a creative vision
to life while working alongside clients, agencies, and production companies.
Cody does more than take photos—he finds solutions and ensures every step of
the process runs smoothly. Beyond his creative skill, he’s played a key role
in building WillsonProject from the ground up, always bringing his insight
and reliability. We’re forever grateful for everything he’s contributed to WP!
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What inspired you to pursue a career in the creative field?
Growing up, I was always drawn to creative outlets, particularly music. Whether I was playing instruments myself or attending shows every weekend, this helped build a solid foundation that eventually led me to explore the visual arts.
How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially during challenging times?
My interests outside of photography are a huge source of inspiration for me. When I need to recharge my creativity, I turn to other mediums, like woodworking, gardening, or creating anything with my hands. It’s a great way to get out of your head and reconnect with the physical world. It makes you feel productive and inspired in a completely different way.
Who are your biggest influences or mentors, and how have they impacted your work?
One of my greatest mentors was a close family friend who taught photography at a local college when I first started roughly 15 years ago. He taught me not only the technical rules of the craft but also how to break them. This philosophy helped shape my creative process: knowing when to stay within the lines, but also when to step outside and try something new.
Who are your biggest influences or mentors, and how have they impacted your work?
As technology evolves, it’s exciting to see new tools that save time and energy, especially for tasks we don’t always enjoy. I’m generally optimistic about the future. Of course, AI is a hot topic right now, and while I’m not thrilled about the prospect of competing with AI-generated photography, it’s something we’ll likely have to accept. At the end of the day, AI is a tool, and the value lies within the mind behind the concept. While this will undoubtedly disrupt our industry, it can also be leveraged to create work that wouldn’t have been possible before.
What’s your advice for making personal work?
Find the subjects, stories, and places that excite you, and bring your own experience into them—then shoot the heck out of it! This is your sandbox where you can truly create work for yourself and develop your creative approach without having a client hovering over you. Try new angles, lenses, and lighting that you wouldn’t normally use. Even if you never use those out-of-the-box shots, you never know what they might stir within you, which could lead to a creative breakthrough. In addition, if you want to be hired to shoot these types of projects, show as many people as you can.
Outside of the creativity aspect of photography, do you have any other general advice for aspiring photographers?
Learn how to communicate in a clear and concise manner. If you want to be a successful photographer, you will often need to explain your work. Practice talking about your lighting, direction, and the process behind each of your projects in a simple way. This skill will pay off when you’re on a conference call with 10+ people, walking them through your treatment for a shoot.
Also, learn how to budget, save, and live within your means. As a freelancer, there will be times of feast and famine. It’s crucial to have a solid rainy-day fund because you’ll most likely need it during the ebbs and flows of the year.
What’s a common misconception people have about being a photographer?
I think the biggest misconception is that photographers are constantly behind the camera shooting. I can only speak from my own experience, but I spend about 5-10% of my time taking photos. As photographers, we are also business owners, and we wear all of the hats required to maintain our career. The majority of my time is spent behind the computer prospecting new clients, doing outreach, accounting, updating my portfolios, attending meetings, etc.
Lastly, what is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and if you could, what would you go back and tell yourself at the beginning of your career?
Don’t be afraid to ask! If you’re coming from a place of good intention and your work aligns with a potential client, reach out, share your work, and look for ways to bring value to them. At the end of the day, the worst thing you can hear is “No.” Don’t take rejection too personally in this industry—without developing thick skin, this field will eat you alive. It’s easier said than done at times, but you’ve got to let it roll off your back and move on to the next opportunity.
Friends of Willson is an ongoing collaboration with artists we value and want to elevate.
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