James Sutton Photography
James Sutton (aka 'Jam') is a 22 year old British photographer & music video director that specialises in lens based media, but is also a pro in graphic design.
He is obsessively creative and since his early teens has had an intense drive to be 2 (or more) steps ahead of his game. James has gained attention from a wide variety of international acts, including Will.I.Am (Black Eyed Peas), Space Cowboy, Natalia Cappuccini, Nadia Oh & The Fratellis. James completed post production for Will.I.Am’s music video ‘It’s A New Day’, celebrating the inauguration of Barack Obama. He directed a video for Brit Award winning ‘The Fratellis’ single ‘Flathead’ which was broadcast nationwide in the USA. Throughout the years, James has collaborated on many music videos and projects with producer / artist ‘Space Cowboy’. Recently James completed a video for the highly anticipated new artist ‘Natalia Cappuccini’ and is also working on an eagerly anticipated streetwear clothing line.
"I'm pretty sure that in the future he will be shaking everyone's gum flaps from New York to London as the guy who has shot everyone, who's anyone in the music and film world." - WUW Magazine
What are your inspirations? I'm inspired by so many things. Music is one of my main inspirations... without music it would be a very boring world!!! I love pop culture, modern art (that isn't just a metal pole against a wall), photographers who take risks & don't just go along with the traditional "rules". Favorite project you have worked on so far and why? I would say the recent video & photoshoot I did for new artist Natalia Cappuccini. She's a true artist, writes her own music, has a strong image and vision... she's great fun to be aroundWhat would be a dream project or collaboration?I would love to work with The Black Eyed Peas, they have great energy and style. I would also love to do a photoshoot with Pharrell & Kanye. My dream projects are where I can run wild with ideas, have freedom to create something truly unique. Anything with a fun energy that doesn't take itself too seriously is a win!
Favorite photographers? Photographers that push buttons... I love the work of Guy Bourdin, my favourite photographer of all time is Gregory Crewdson. He is a modern day version of Edward Hopper (another big inspiration), his work is so subtly disturbing, I have a menacing fascination with American suburbia.
Favorite websites?
http://www.kanyeuniversity.com/blog
http://www.hypebeast.com
http://ctothejl.com/
http://www.nataliacappuccinimusic.com/blog
http://www.flylyf.com
Favorite music? I don't really have one particular type of favourite music... Anything that makes me feel good I listen to, it can range from old school tracks, hip hop, pop, electro... I'm not big on sad / angry songs... there is too much negativity in the world as there is, I don't want to wallow in it.
What do you think makes your work so unique from everything else that is out there right now?
I think when people see my work they immediately dismiss it as photography. There are a lot of "traditional" photographers out there who see digital retouching as "cheating".
I love traditional photography but I feel we are in such a forward thinking society, people should bring something new to the plate. I personally love the freedom that digital retouching gives my work. I guess I'm more of a digital artist than photographer, who knows...
My work has a strong style that's seen throughout; dramatic lighting combined that with crazy environments & colour. I like having fun with my work; I'm bringing back 80's fun fair airbrush art.
