COMMERCIAL. HEADSHOTS. BRANDING. WEDDINGS. BOUDOIR.

"See yourself through the eyes of an artist."

Specializing in Commercial, Fitness, Headshots/Portraits, Personal Branding, and Boudoir.

A collage of six diverse models posing confidently in stylish outfits against dark studio backgrounds.

I AM A STORYTELLER


Photography is so much more than just a series of pictures.


You feel connected to a photo not just because of it's beauty, editing, or composition, but because of the story it tells. While you may never know the true story of each picture you see, a good portrait will leave you pondering what the subject is feeling, what their dreams and aspirations are, what new adventures await, and so much more. Let me help you tell your story in a way that will inspire others to seek more out of this world.

MEET THE ARTIST


CARL JAMES

Utah luxury branding and wedding photographer


I Am Carl James | Owner


I’ve always been passionate about art, and I strongly believe there are no rules. "If you can think it, do it." Having the audacity to create is what makes one a true artist. I enjoy photographing individuals and couples in different settings, I love branding- to help businesses and entrepreneurs level up their marketing and influence, and most of all, I love creating a unique experience that transforms the way people see themselves! I don’t think the world needs more beauty; it’s already there. The world just needs more people that see it- especially within themselves, and that's where I come in.


I am very much a romantic and I enjoy writing, cooking, reading, gardening, and daily cuddles with my best friend and dog, Rudy. I have a garden in spring and summer months and I’m very passionate about nutrition and health.


Learn More About Carl James

The face behind the camera

THE EXPERIENCE

"Don't tell me what to see, let me show you what I see."


The most common phrases I hear at the start of every session is something like,

"I've never had a headshot I liked."

"I'm terrible in front of the camera."

ETC...

That may have been your experience before, but that won't be your story this time, I promise. That's why you've hired me. I also often hear, "My face is too 'this', my body is too 'that.'" No negative self talk! A client once told me, "I feel like you said to me, 'Don't tell me what to see, let me show you what I see.'"

and I think that perfectly describes what I hope to accomplish with every session. To show you what a work of art YOU are. To help you see yourself differently. To see the real you, and to show it to your clients, viewers, and anyone else looking. You'll walk away from your session FULLY confident in your new headshots, feeling like a million bucks, and knowing you got the photos you need and want out of your session.

Moody branding headshot of a woman wearing a hat and smoking a cigar in Ogden and Salt Lake City by Utah Headshot photographer Carl James

SEE PORTFOLIOS

COMMERCIAL WORK

Conceptual, Fitness, Lifestyle, Products, + More.

CLICK HERE TO INQUIRE OR LEARN MORE

Shirtless male athlete sprinting on a red outdoor track with mountains in the background on a sunny day.
Muscular athlete resting on red track after intense outdoor workout with kettlebell nearby.
A craftsman uses a power planer on a wooden board, sending sawdust flying in a dimly lit workshop.
Three red 4 Gauge natural pre-workout supplement containers in Pina Colada and Frozen Lemonade flavors on dark background.
Woman holding a red A1 Gauge pre-workout supplement container in a dark gym setting.
Conscious Bar Cacao Dates Roasted Hazelnut 72% dark chocolate vegan paleo bar on brown satin with hazelnuts.
A massage therapist performing a prenatal belly massage on a pregnant woman lying on soft beige linens.
Esthetician performing a facial treatment on a client in a dimly lit spa room with decorative wall accents.
Man in olive green sweater wearing gold bracelet and necklace, holding chain thoughtfully near bearded chin.
Dark glass dropper bottle of Carl James Face Oil resting on lush green moss outdoors.
Person placing Lineage Classic meat sticks snack pack into a green canvas backpack outdoors.
Amber dropper bottle of face oil balanced on a woman's bare shoulder with floral tattoo and dried flowers.
A man in a navy suit with red tie holds whiskey while a blonde woman in a suit perches on a leather sofa.
Muscular shirtless man curling a dumbbell in a dark gym, showcasing defined abs and biceps in gray shorts.
Blonde woman in floral crop top, black blazer, and white satin trousers posing confidently in a studio setting.
Woman with blonde hair wearing a white crop top and white pants posing against a light gray background.
Woman wearing pink high-waisted athletic shorts and white sports bra, showcasing fitness apparel from behind.
Woman in black sports bra throwing a punch at a brown leather heavy bag in a dark gym.

HEADSHOTS AND PERSONAL BRANDING

Creative, unique branding and portraits for professionals and teams.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Smiling man in black polo shirt and cap holding a branded Towns bag against dark background.
A man uses a DeWalt circular saw on wood at a workshop bench surrounded by power tools in a dimly lit workspace.
Woman in beige trench coat and wide-leg pants seated confidently in a modern luxury kitchen interior.
Woman in black blazer and sequin shorts posing confidently against dark studio background.
Smiling woman in white sports bra poses confidently in a dark gym setting with curly hair and pink nails.
Man in white shirt poses thoughtfully on chair in professional photo studio with backdrop and lighting equipment.
Smiling middle-aged man in plaid blazer and blue shirt seated confidently against gray backdrop.
Woman with curly hair sits in chair wearing black top, zebra-print wide-leg pants, and red heels against dark background.
Professional man in navy suit and red tie standing confidently beside leather chair against dark wall with spotlights.
Smiling blonde woman in black blazer sitting barefoot on bar counter in elegant dimly lit cocktail lounge.
Fit woman in dark athletic wear stretching arms behind her back, showing tattoos and muscle definition against black background.
Smiling woman with glasses in black top and camo pants seated in brown leather chair.
Three women posing elegantly in a modern interior, two seated in chairs and one standing, dressed in stylish outfits.
Smiling woman with blonde hair poses on a wooden stool in a green off-shoulder sweater and jeans in a studio.
Blonde woman in wide-brim hat, leather jacket, and tan pants poses confidently while smoking a cigar in dramatic lighting.

MALE & FEMALE BOUDOIR

Moody, powerful, and sexy.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Blonde woman with tattoos posing in an oversized white shirt against a dark background.
A blonde woman in a white shirt poses dramatically on a dark studio floor in a sensual artistic photograph.
Blonde woman holding white chrysanthemum flowers close to her face against a dark background.
Woman wearing black lace choker necklace with ornate cross pendant, hands adjusting jewelry, dark moody background.
A blonde woman in a black spaghetti strap dress poses dramatically in moody studio lighting wearing a delicate necklace.
Black and white boudoir photo of a woman sitting on a fur rug in a dimly lit living room.
Tattooed blonde woman in blue dress sipping a martini while leaning on a kitchen counter.
Blonde woman in fur coat with red lips and tattoo poses dramatically in moody indoor lighting.
Woman in black bodysuit posing gracefully on hardwood floor near bright white curtains in artistic boudoir photography.
A well-dressed man in a gray suit buttoning his shirt near a warm glowing lamp and white curtains.
Muscular shirtless man sitting in dim bedroom with warm lamp light and botanical wall art in background.
Muscular man kneeling on bed showing athletic back and physique in dramatic moody dark room lighting.
Sultry brunette woman with wavy hair poses with finger on lips, wearing rings and bracelet against dark background.
Elegant redhead woman in white fedora hat posing dramatically against dark background with hands on chest.
Woman in black lace bra with shoulder tattoo, artistic boudoir photography on dark background.
A woman in red lingerie reclines gracefully in dramatic low-key lighting, exuding elegance and sensuality.
Muscular man posed dramatically under spotlight in dark studio, showcasing defined physique with artistic shadow lighting.
Black and white portrait of a woman in an oversized white shirt holding a peony flower behind her back.
Black and white silhouette of a woman sitting gracefully in dramatic low-key lighting against a dark background.
Woman's legs raised up wearing red high heels and fishnet stockings with a tattoo on ankle against dark background.
Blonde woman in open trench coat and black knee-high boots posing against dark studio background.

ACTOR/MODEL PORTFOLIOS

Build a versatile portfolio.

CLICK HERE TO START THE CONVERSATION

Man in dark jacket and grey pants sitting on wooden stool in minimalist white room with industrial lamp.
Muscular man with tattoos in white tank top, arms crossed, dark background studio portrait.
Man in white shirt and black pants sitting on floor leaning against wooden chest beside vintage floor lamp.
Shirtless tattooed man in light blue jeans sitting on a stool against a white wall.
Young woman with long curly dark hair poses in white off-shoulder top and jeans against light background.
Muscular shirtless man holding a large albino yellow python snake draped around his neck against dark background.
Young woman with curly auburn hair in black turtleneck and jeans poses confidently against gray background.
Young woman with brown hair in black turtleneck and jeans poses confidently against gray background.
Woman in black turtleneck and jeans sitting relaxed in a director's chair against a gray background.
Young woman with long red wavy hair smiling, wearing black tank top and blue jeans against light background.
Young woman with long wavy red hair smiling, wearing black top and jeans, seated on stool against light background.
A redhead woman in a white fedora hat poses dramatically with eyes closed against a dark background.
Blonde dancer in black outfit performs dynamic contemporary dance pose on studio background.
Blonde woman posing in a black strapless mini dress with hands on hips against a light gray background.
Stylish woman poses in white button-up shirt and wide-leg jeans seated on chair in studio setting.
Blonde woman in floral crop top, black blazer, and white satin trousers posing confidently in a studio setting.
Athletic woman in black swimsuit posing gracefully on studio floor, showcasing flexibility and toned physique.
Blonde woman in white crop top and underwear posing confidently against a light gray background.

COUPLES & WEDDINGS

Conceptual, Fitness, Lifestyle, Products, + More.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A FULL PORTFOLIO

Double exposure photo of a couple during a marriage proposal with mountain landscape at sunset.
Black and white photo of a woman in a cap and a man in jackets standing against a concrete wall.
Happy couple sitting on steps outdoors, woman in brown leather jacket and black cap laughing with man in dark coat.
Black and white photo of bride and groom sharing a kiss under wedding veil outdoors.
Elegant dark table with white roses in glass vases and glowing tea light candles creating romantic ambiance.
Couple in Halloween costumes pose in dark abandoned warehouse, woman in white corset, man with green zombie makeup.
Bride and groom embracing under a large tree by a serene lake at golden hour with mountains in the background.
Bride in white gown embraces groom in white suit at Bonneville Salt Flats during a pink sunset wedding photo.
Bride in white robe surrounded by bridesmaids in black satin pajamas getting ready in a stylish room.

40 OVER 40 EXPERIENCE

The 40 Over 40 photography campaign is a transformative celebration of women in their 40's and above. It honors the beauty, wisdom, resilience, and accomplishments that only time and experience can shape. This isn’t about turning back the clock — it’s about honoring the woman you are right now and seeing yourself through the eyes of an artist.
We're taught that we should celebrate our bodies in their youth, but what if we celebrated our bodies at every stage of life ...LINK BELOW TO READ MORE.

Learn More

HEADSHOTS

Tell your story in a way that captivates your audience and shows your unique personality. There are no rules!

Starting at 350

BRANDING

Telling the story of your business in a way that captures attention and sets you apart from the competition. Let's wow your clients!

Starting at 2000

BOUDOIR

Empowering both men and women to find their inner and outer beauty. There's nothing more empowering than a boudoir shoot!

Starting at 1750

SENIORS/PORTRAITS

A way to celebrate your or your highschool senior with timeless images that are meant to last forever.

Starting at 750

WEDDINGS

A beautiful documentation of one of the most important days of your life!

Starting at 2500

CORPORATE/EVENTS

Documenting important moments for your business and teams!

Starting at 250 per hr

Utah Male Boudoir Experience

Boudoir can be one of the most vulnerable photoshoots you'll do in your lifetime, so let's do it right. You can either walk away from a session feeling empowered, masculine, or self conscious and I do my best to help you feel comfortable, confident, and sexy all at the same time!

I'm all about working with your unique body and showcasing it in a way that is flattering and empowering. I guide you through poses and help you feel confident in your own skin. LGBTQ+ Friendly, as always!

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“I'm not a jack of all trades; I'm a master of many. I don't feel there is anything I can't do if I don't want to.”

SERVING NORTHERN utah + Colorado Springs COlorado + TRAVEL

Testimonials

Testimonials

“I really don’t know where to begin— our entire experience with Carl was magical. It wasn’t just a “photoshoot” —from the communication and the concepts to the wardrobe and makeup; Carl helped us every step of the way. Not only did he assist my husband and me with wardrobe, but he NAILED the sultry makeup look I was dreaming of. We enjoyed every minute of our day with Carl and can’t stop looking at the incredible images he created. He directed us throughout the session and made us feel so comfortable..."”

a beautiful journey


It's clearer now, this road I'm on.

I see my past, and I wave.

He is the one that got me here.

He doesn't know it, but he's quite brave.

I look on ahead and see my future. I wave.

He is the reason I'm still going.

What an inspiration to me he is!

So many experiences within my view,

and still so many yet to be enjoyed.

Oh, what a beautiful journey this is.


-Carl James

Let's start the conversation

Let's talk!

“To be a person is to have a story to tell.”

BASED IN CENTRAL UTAH & I LOVE TO TRAVEL