street-led documentary photography
(no posing · real moments)
“Photographing life as it actually happens”
Real moments over perfect ones.
That’s how the best stories are told.
Hello,
I’m James, a photographer in Taunton Somerset, working with people, families and small businesses across the county.
Most of my work is about things as they actually are — not perfect, not staged, just real moments that feel honest and at the same time familiar. The kind of photographs that still make sense years later, because they’re rooted in how it felt, not how it was posed.
I’m lucky to live and work in a part of the world that’s full of character — from quiet woodland paths to busy high streets and community spaces. But if you’re curious about the area itself, Visit Somerset is a great place to start exploring what makes it special.
You can explore my photography work, browse limited edition prints, or get in touch if you’d like to chat about a shoot — no pressure, no hard sell.
Thanks, James 🙂
What I photograph (and why)
I’m a photographer in Taunton, Somerset, working with people and small brands who care more about honesty than polish.
1. Families
Real life as it is — kids being kids, parents being present, moments you’ll actually recognise.
2. Small Brands
People-led businesses that want images that feel honest, human, and unforced — not stocky or staged.
3. Events
Atmosphere over poses. The moments between the moments, captured as they happen.
“If this feels right, let’s have a chat — or you can see how other stories unfolded.”
Who this is for (and who it probably isn’t)
I’m a photographer in Taunton, Somerset, and this work is for people who care more about how something felt than how it looked on paper.
If you’re a family who wants photographs that feel like real life… the chaos, the laughter, the quiet bits in between — you’re in the right place. If the idea of being told where to stand or how to smile makes you uncomfortable, that’s usually a good sign. The best moments don’t need instructions.
This work is also for businesses and events
For small businesses, this is for you if your people matter. If your space has a rhythm to it. If your customers come back because of how they’re treated, not just what you sell. I work best with businesses who want to show what actually happens day to day — the interactions, the atmosphere, the personalities that make it work.
For events, this is for anyone who wants to remember how it all unfolded, not just what it looked like from the outside. The conversations, the reactions, the moments you didn’t even realise were happening at the time.
This approach probably isn’t the right fit if you’re looking for something heavily posed, tightly controlled, or styled to perfection. And that’s absolutely fine — there’s no one-size-fits-all in photography.
But if you value honesty, connection, and photographs that still feel true years down the line, then we’ll likely get on very well.
How I work (and what that actually means)
No posing.
No pressure.
No asking people to pretend they’re having a good time.
The way I work is simple: I show up, I fit in, and I photograph what’s really happening. That’s it.
If I’m photographing a family, I’ll come to you. We might head to your home, a favourite park, a woodland walk, or somewhere that already means something to you. Kids don’t need instructions — they need space to be kids. Parents don’t need to perform — they just need permission to be present. I don’t ask anyone to “stand over there” or “look at the camera”. I let moments unfold, and I quietly document them as they happen.
For small businesses and restaurants, I work in live environments. Real customers. Real interactions. Real atmosphere. I won’t clear a space or stage a scene that doesn’t exist on a normal day. I’ll photograph the people who actually make your business what it is — the team behind the counter, the regulars at the tables, the moments that show how it feels to be there. It’s not about perfection; it’s about honesty.
At events, I blend in. I’ll introduce myself, have a quick chat, become familiar — and then I disappear into the background. When people stop noticing the camera, that’s when the real moments happen. The laughter between conversations. The reactions. The atmosphere. The bits you didn’t even realise were happening at the time.
The thinking behind it
This approach comes from being a street photographer in Taunton Somerset and documentary photography work — learning how to exist in a space without interrupting it. I don’t direct moments. I wait for them. I move quietly, stay observant, and capture what’s actually there, not what should be there.
Afterwards, I edit with the same mindset. I don’t over-process or reshape reality. Colours stay true. Light stays honest. The goal isn’t to make things look different — it’s to make them feel familiar. These are photographs you’ll recognise, not ones you’ll have to explain.
If you’re looking for something heavily staged or polished to perfection, this probably isn’t the right fit. But if you care about real moments, real people, and photographs that still feel right years down the line — then we’ll get on just fine.
What people say afterwards
“I don’t ask people to leave reviews, and I don’t script anything. These are just a few things people have said after I’ve spent time documenting their families, businesses, or events.”
“They matter to me because they tend to talk less about the photos — and more about how the whole thing felt.”
“James is absolutely incredible to work with. Not only is he very skilled and knowledgeable about his craft but he’s also very understanding of the artist/ business he is working with and the vision they have for their project. When I’ve worked with James on projects before he has made sure it’s my vision being brought to life. Couldn’t recommend more!!”
— Lily, Music Artist/Dancer/Choreographer
On the day he arrived early and liaised with suppliers to ensure the event ran smoothly and got on really well with our guests, creating a great and relaxed atmosphere! The photos came out really well, and I will be looking to use James again, he was great to work with.
“From the initial enquiry to post production, nothing was too much trouble! James did a fantastic job and understood exactly the style and objectives for my event.
I would definitely recommend using James”
— Arina, Family session / Event / First Birthday
“James was professional and on time, throughout the day/night he snapped away without getting in people faces lots of natural photos of people enjoying themselves. Friendly and just got on with it.”
— Lorna, Event / 50th Birthday
“Arrived early to check what we needed and set up. Extremely friendly and helpful. Photographs were excellent, we had tried to take photos ourselves previously and the difference in James’ photo quality was exceptional. He really captured the atmosphere and warmth of the restaurant. We will definitely ask him to come back.”
— Silvan’s Catering, Small business
Based in Taunton, working across Somerset and the South West.
if this feels right
If you’re not sure what you need yet, that’s completely fine. Most people aren’t.
A quick message is usually the easiest place to start.
No pressure. No sales pitch.