about

About (plus) James

As a university student, I've learned a lot. I suppose that's what's supposed to happen, right? You go to college, you learn things, and you leave a better person. In the short time I've been in school, I've learned that I actually like photography. And people. And smiling. Why not combine them all together? 

 

After experimenting with a sibling's 'nice' camera, I decided to jump into the deep and asked for a Canon DSLR for Christmas. Santa thought I was good that year, and under the tree was the camera. Fast forward two years and photography is now a quickly growing passion. While at the University of St. Thomas, I became the Photo Editor for The Summa, the student newspaper of the only Catholic university in Houston. After learning some tricks of the trade on the job, dealing with deadlines, people, late nights and several pots of coffee, my skills in photography became refined and unique. As photo editor, I covered many events: from rock concerts, formal dances, to Catholic Mass and sports games and turtle races. While my education may not have a direct relationship with my photography, I believe that they build upon each other creating a unique process found only in my work. Alongside this photography jazz, graphic design plays an important role as I produce print material, advertisements and more for nonprofits, musicians and churches.

 

But down to the good stuff. Based out of Houston, TX, I am available regionally for portraits sessions, engagements, events and anything that you could throw at me. Prints are also available for sale. Rates are determined according to the event or session. Student and missionary discounts are available! Please contact me for prints, questions and anything else, even to say hello.

 

What's in a Name?

Why plusjames? Because it's more than about me. It's about you. How are you? You look amazing today, by the way. That's it. Really. Honest. 

 

Few things can fill my heart like a Mrs. Mae Mae's Snowball, Texas BBQ and a Filipino feast. That's really me in a small pecan shell, thanks for stopping by. I hope you are having a most excellent day and I would love to work with you. My hope is that you take some time to check out my posts, galleries and my portfolio and get to know me a little bit better. 

Awards + Exhibitions

1st - 4th Annual UST Student Art Show & Exhibits

Grand Prize Winner - 2009

October 2008 - 2011

John H. Crooker Center

Houston, Texas

 

Artful FAFSA Juried Art Show

February - March 2009 & 2010

Vincent J. Guinan Hall

Houston, Texas

 

Texas State PTA Reflections

State Winner 2008

December 2007 - April 2008

Texas Commisions on the Arts State Exhibition
E. O. Thompson Building Atrium
Austin, Texas

 

Jónsi, Matt Hires, Joey Ryan, Steubenville on the Bayou, Matt Maher, Switchfoot, Thao With The Get Down Stay Down, Mat Kearney, Smile Smile, Brandon Heath, Leeland, Francesca Battisteli, Incubus, Daughtry, Katy Perry, Flight of the Conchords, Mae, Barcelona, Adele, The Script

 

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"All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of thehuman race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

- John 1: 3-5