James Van Alden

James Van Alden grew up in Los Angeles, California. From an early age James studied illustration and painting. At the age of 16 he moved to Hollywood on his own and his passion for photography developed. Photography was another way to expand his vision along with painting, and there was no shortage of inspiration and work in Hollywood.

Soon after he became a fashion and art photographer, he adapted his style of painting and illustration into his photography and created a unique style. James became known for using light and shadow in his stylized photographs. Only film could get the unique texture and color that he desired so this is all he used. Film made his pictures come out more similar to his paintings than digital could. James made a living on magazine editorials and fashion ads for designers.

In 2008 James published a photography book titled Light and Shadow, about the art of shooting on film only using natural light. The pictures in the book are of people James met over the years living in Los Angeles. James had a book release party at the Opera and Crimson in Los Angeles. Among the attendees was producer, Jack Spargo, who loved James' work and asked him to direct an 80's style film for him.