James is a California native who in 1990, moved to Santa Barbara to follow up a life long dream of exploring the ocean- above and below. With this mission in mind, James has logged hundreds of days exploring destinations locally and worldwide. With camera in hand, James' goal has been to capture these adventures for educational and publication purposes. Upon completing the SBCC Marine Tech program James began taking an interest in photo and video, becoming the go to person at a local dive store he worked at. In 1995 James opened and managed Sea Optics USA and later Subal USA underwater equipment retail and distribution companies owned by Graeme Roberts that he closed in 2000. James started Cameras Below, LLC to continue helping friends and develop new clients with the goal of establishing his own retail store in Santa Barbara, Ca.