Behind The Lens: James Shields
This week, I’m excited to highlight someone who has not only become a collaborator, but also an artist whose journey deserves to be shared. James is one of those creatives who radiates passion — the kind of person who doesn’t just “take photos,” but truly sees the world through stories, experiences, and the belief that art is something anyone can grow into with heart and persistence.
As photographers, many of us begin with a camera handed to us, a moment of encouragement, or a spark that reminds us we’re meant to create. James’s path is exactly that: organic, self-taught, honest, and full of the type of resilience that defines real artists.
Below is our full interview, unaltered and entirely in his own words.
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When did you start to really get into photography?
“I started getting really into photography with my friend Logan Washington. Before that, I was really trying to go in on music creation and graphic design/arts. I wasn’t really thinking about photography to be honest, but I knew I wanted to express myself artistically in various mediums. She believed in me so much she gave me her Canon Rebel t5 to shoot photography and that meant a lot to me. In doing so, I was exposed to a world that I became immersed in, meeting other creatives, and expressing stories through lens and capturing moments in time became a staple and inspiration for me to delve deeper.”
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When did you buy your first camera?
“Never bought one until this year for me because other people believed in me and donated. My cousin Tylian gave me his Nikon D3500 with an amazing lense that really got me going after I stopped using the Canon t5i. It also showed me that different cameras, although all DSLR/Mirrorless, have different goals in mind for what you are desiring to capture. I kinda thought I could do everything in one but depending on if youre shooting video, cinema, portrait, lifestyle/urban, etc. a lot really matters on the rig that you are using and also a lot goes into editing. Over the years my work rig has expanded to a few applications and I’ve upgraded my PC to handle such things. For a while it was kinda hard to invest in myself because I was my worst enemy, but after doing so, I’ve only learned and grown into the position that I am at today which is amazing and a blessing for me.”
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Have you always had an interest in photography and when did you really start to take it from an interest to a reality?
“As stated before, I didn’t really have much of an inspiration until Logan showed me and I started taking it from an interest to reality once I saw the reception I was getting. It showed me that I’m honestly just a creative person and I can plug myself into anything and curate something amazing. I truly believe if you are consistent with yourself and your desires, you can do anything you set your mind to.”
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Where do you think the creativity in you comes from?
“It comes from back in the day when I was drawing something in art class and my Art Teacher loved it so much she submitted it to the Cleveland Art Museum for an art gallery event. I was very young at the time, I believe in 3rd or 4th grade, but it stuck with me and ever since I’ve been creating. I’ll make my own Monster Trading Cards similar to Pokemon with friends and then we would make rules and play the game with them for hours on end with tournaments haha. I’d tinker with my computer and take it apart to build it back together better for what I wanted to do, I’d always wanted to draw and make music, anything creative.. I didn’t really have a mentor so it took me a bit logner I’d say I’d like for me to really learn all of these things but I’m so fucking happy I did and I really believe I’m starting to put the foudation down on the life I’ve been desiring for a while.”
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Are you a Cleveland local? If not where were you born and raised?
“Born in Wooster, Ohio. Dad from Alabama, mom from Ohio!”
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Do you think Cleveland influences/helps your creativity or limits you?
“I think it’s a gift and a curse because you can see so much creativity and amazing stuff happening in the city, but in the same breath, the city isn’t the only culture of photographers with styles and visions that I love. I follow a lot of amazing people on Instagram and other creative medias for other artist/photographers and I draw influence from whatever I gravitate towards. You’ll never know what I’m cooking up next or the vision, design, lens, editing etc that I’ll use because the creative space is so vast with knowledge, helpful people, and amazing content- from local to other spaces! I love them all and draw from them.”
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What’s a piece of advice you would give to your younger self in regards to your career and hobby’s?
“You might try a lot of other things, but you’ll always be drawn back to art and creation so just believe in yourself and Always focus and you’ll never falter bro. I promise. I’m happy to say I’m the person I wished I had when I was growing up and I’ll pour that back into the creative space for others who were my age who needed a little guidance. All it takes is just showing up.”
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From this interview what is something you would want someone to take away from you?
“That I’m a man of fourtune and I must seek my fortune.”
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Final Thoughts
What stands out about James is that his story isn’t linear — it’s layered, honest, and driven by the belief that creativity can be found anywhere if you’re willing to nurture it. His journey is proof that support, community, and self-belief can change the trajectory of someone’s life.
He shows up. He adapts. He creates.
And in his own words, he’s “a man of fortune” — someone building a future from passion, curiosity, and the courage to keep going.
This interview is just a glimpse of the artist he is becoming, and I’m honored to feature him here.
Photo By: Mirage Photography
