ABOUT
Jim's Process
We do not get the same moment twice in life. Life is made up of moments, and these moments pass quickly. To capture them in pure, honest form is my passion.
From San Francisco to Shanghai, I travel the world, creating innovative and lasting images that aim to better connect us to the human experience. So that we may see more of ourselves in each other. Lifestyle advertising is my specialty, and I have found that collaboration, teamwork, and a dose of excellent communication makes for happy and long-standing clients.
Whether I find myself in the back streets or on Wall Street, I am in my comfort zone of curiosity and discovery. My technical acumen and skill at putting cast and crew at ease, allows me to create an engaging work environment. It is from this foundation that we can create outstanding ideas and imagery that come to life with energy and integrity. In other words, we have a blast and make extraordinary work too!
I strive to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. I live to discover the unexpected in the ordinary so that we may see that our commonality is more prominent than our division. One of my major keys to life is celebrating our diversities.
A life-long Californian, I grew up in Los Angeles, graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara and now call San Francisco home for family and profession. I love what I do. My wife, two amazing daughters, and three furry four-legged creatures are an invigorating source of constant inspiration. If I am not on set, you will find me on the golf course trying for par, or on a lake/mountain wakesurfing and snowboarding.
Jim, an experienced advertising people lifestyle photographer, and director that has traveled the globe with his technically skilled team, for clients such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise, United Airlines, AT&T, GE Healthcare, Wells Fargo and global pharmaceutical companies. He consistently creates powerful and award-winning images that aim to connect us to the human experience and allow us to see more of ourselves in each other.
Client Testimonials
"I’ve known Jim Hughes for a number of years and have used him for many complex photo projects. He’s an exceptional photographer and a great guy to with work. He’s very creative, skilled and he’s also fun. His work is gorgeous, evoking emotion and connections, as he shoots and directs the talent, bringing out and capturing their personalities and actions, to tell stories and to engage the viewers, with the final photos. His processes are efficient and effective; he has great crews and contacts, bringing together the best in the field, for the projects, to provide amazing photos for his clients." - Randy Stepon (Branch Asset Program Manager)
"Jim is first class in every sense of the word. Stunning work, topnotch crew, and a genuine, all around great guy. I've done multiple shoots with him and it's been a pleasure each and every time. Looking forward to shooting with him again." - Kevin Fox (Creative Director)
"Just back from another shoot with Jim Hughes, and what can I say? Another fantastic experience. And the images are breathtaking! Thank you Jimbo. I can't wait to do it again." - Marc Short (Freelance Producer)
"Jim is collaborative and creative. You get the benefit of his experience and vision while your business objectives are still met. He truly listens. His crews are top notch, his productions are well organized and fun. The imagery is fantastic. Can't say enough good things." - Amy Burditt (Art Resources Director)
"Jim is one of the best photographers I've ever worked with. He has tremendous talent and vision." - Geoffrey Hoskinson (Art Director)
"Jim is an incredible talent. He's got a great eye for lighting, movement, casting, and every technical aspect of shooting photography and film. More importantly, he is conceptual and sees the big picture. He has a tireless energy and a charming ability to make everyone feel comfortable in front of his camera and behind it. He's one of the smartest people I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Also, one of the most charming, witty, sensitive, hard-working and moral too. His results are utterly compelling and enhance every assignment I've handed him ten-fold. His work is art, quite frankly. And If I could work with Jim every day, I would. He's that amazing." - Jeff York (Creative Director)
"Jim Hughes has an amazing eye and is a wonderful person to work with. I highly recommend him." - Will McGinness (Executive Creative Director)