Conversations with H.N. James

Today we’d like to introduce you to H.N. James

Hi H.N., so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I became a live music photographer accidentally – while music is my favorite thing in the world, I’d had panic attacks at concerts and didn’t think I could ever photograph music. But in 2018, I really really wanted to go to a small show and had nobody to go with. I decided to take my camera with me so I could hide behind it and photograph the ceiling or whatever. The show included a psychedelic liquid light show and to my surprise I really fell in love with colored light and photographing the show – some of the photos weren’t even terrible! So I kept on doing it for fun with no expectations, and have worked through the obstacles and occasional anxiety and panic attacks to become a pro.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I’m a little suspicious if a creative person claims their road HAS been smooth – the struggles and roadblocks are how we learn. Getting around and through them is a creative problem-solving challenge. I have more tools in my arsenal, but I would say it’s still far from easy. I don’t always get the photo passes for larger/higher profile shows I want to photograph, I don’t always get the jobs to make promo photos. I keep trying and failing and getting a little better at what I do each day.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a live music and portrait photographer, and I think I’m known for my low-light concert portraits. I’m working to add new studio techniques to make my portrait photography as interesting and dynamic as my live music photography. I named my business Punk Rock Photography because I’m the punk, but also because my approach to photography blends the raw & no-rules approach of punk & clear seeing with more traditional skills & techniques of photography. I’m pretty much hacking out my own path to a photography career out of the weeds and wilderness. I am most proud of having my work included in the Guitar Town exhibit at the Frist Art Museum in downtown Nashville in 2023, and photographing the cover feature (Tayla Parx) for UK magazine Ralph in 2024.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Every one considers “major” risks differently. I would say being a full-time artist and following my own path is a major risk some wouldn’t take. Any investment in gear or craft is a financial risk, but they’re inevitable. I don’t see myself as a risk-taker, per se, but others definitely would. Saying “No” is a risk – and I say No to more conventional photographic paths like photographing weddings, families, & babies. In the world we live in, being creatively true to ourselves is a risk.

Pricing:

• $275 for live music photography
• $250 headshot session
• $350 + for portraits

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.punkrockphotography.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/punkrockfoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/punkrockfoto
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/h-n-james-3702722b0/