Today we’d like to introduce you to Tee James.
Hi Tee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I spent 24 years in government in law enforcement, working across all security levels in counseling and case management. My role was to support the social rehabilitation of offenders — which meant understanding people, building trust, navigating complex personalities, and helping individuals rebuild confidence and direction in their lives.
That work taught me deeply about human behavior, communication, and what it really takes for someone to feel seen beyond a title, past, or circumstance.
Photography was my creative outlet for more than a decade, and eventually I realized the same skill that helped me succeed in my profession also shaped my eye behind the lens: the ability to see people for *who they are* and *where they’re going.*
That’s what led me to start my business.
Today, I specialize in brand and lifestyle photography, as well as brand strategy rooted in clarity and confidence. I help business owners and professionals show up with visuals that match their expertise, intention, and message — not just for marketing, but for identity, presence, and positioning.
My work blends creative direction with an understanding of people, storytelling, and the power of being seen with purpose. I also capture life’s special moments such as graduates, elopements, portraits and boudoir.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? No. I’ve never ran a business before and thought it was going to be a piece of cake. I was wrong. I found myself scrambling to schedule meetings and photoshoots along with organizing my documentation. I learned you have to have systems in place or you will fall out.
If you don’t have systems, your business becomes a full-time game of catch-up. You work more, earn less, and stay overwhelmed. The moment I had structure in place, everything became easier — my time, my workflow, everything. Peace and quality of life is priority. I never want to be too busy to really enjoy my life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I help business owners show up with a brand that actually matches their level of excellence — through strategic photography and confidence-building brand guidance.
I specialize in brand and lifestyle photography with direction, strategy, and intention behind every image. No random photos — everything has a purpose.I make people feel comfortable, confident, and clear on how to show up in their brand. I hype them up, remind them of their power and the results are extraordinary visuals that look and feel like them. When shooting lifestyle images for my portrait clients, my job is to help them celebrate themselves. I capture that joy so they can keep it forever.
I’m most proud of reinventing myself after 24 years in a corporate career— and turning a hobby into a business that helps others be seen. I’ve always took risks in my career so why stop now. Plus I’d rather not leave this Earth wishing I would have done things differently.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Best, the diversity. I’m from California originally and feel most at home among people from all walks of life to share stories with one another in order to find commonalities in the human experience. La La Land is my favorite coffee/matcha spot so I’ll add that to my likes. The worst, the traffic. My goodness, you have to be a NASCAR driver just to get from one city to the next while dodging vehicles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.teejamesphotography.com/
Image Credits
Tee James Photography
