Today we’d like to introduce you to James Fairley
Hi James, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hello, my name is James Fairley. In January of 2023, I nearly broke my leg while playing a game in the gym with my students at a school, and I could barely walk for a couple of months. Eventually, around March, I got a camera because I thought my leg had healed enough for me to go on hiking trips again, just like I had started doing at the end of 2022. However, this time I wanted to take it more seriously—more film-like, with a camera instead of just using my phone.
But when I tried hiking one day, I quickly found out that my leg wasn’t strong enough to do the trails like I had before, and that honestly hurt because I loved it. Instead of letting my investment go to waste, I started taking pictures around my house and nearby for fun. Over time, I started to fall in love with photography. I knew I couldn’t just keep shooting at my house, so I went to a school and talked to a former principal of mine, asking if I could do sports photography at his middle school to try and improve.
That’s when the passion really began to pick up. I started improving and learning so much each day. Eventually, a high school coach saw my pictures and invited me to shoot a varsity football game. Once that happened, I began to elevate my work, and word started to get around. I’ve been doing sports photography for a year now, and I’ve loved every moment of it. I continuously strive for my art to grow in its unique way, and I work hard to improve every single day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overall, it’s been a pretty smooth road, though sometimes I can be indecisive with my photography. Trying to stick to one niche is hard for me, so I don’t limit myself. This art has no boundaries, and that’s what I love about it. I want my work to be uniquely mine, with my own touch, so I strive to make it reflect who I am. Every shot I take, I push myself to make it more like me, to make it a part of my personal journey and growth.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer with about two years of experience, specializing in sports photography, concert-style photography, portraits, and a few other styles. I’m primarily known for my sports photography, and I’d like to think I’m pretty elite when it comes to football. That’s definitely what I’m most proud of. What sets me apart is my relentless drive to “angle hunt” every day. I’m always asking myself, “What new shot can I capture today?” This constant pursuit of fresh, creative perspectives keeps my work evolving and uniquely my own.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me are the different angles, the smiles, and the memories that people share after I send or show them the photos. It’s those reactions that make the work worth it. One day, I’d love to see one of my pictures framed or featured in a magazine—that would be a dream come true.
Pricing:
- There is an Uber fee for the location depending on how far you are from me, which usually starts at a minimum of $50.
- $7 per picture, starting with a minimum of 10 pictures, which would be $70. You’ll have the opportunity to choose your own pictures after the shoot.
- Additional pictures beyond the initial 10 are priced at $7 each
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thruljseyes.com/portfolio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruljseyes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091877400407
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LJsJourney
