About Me

This is where I tell you who I am. The work tells most of it

James Gardner, photographer and founder of This Light Is Mine Ltd, candid street portrait in Copenhagen

I’m a photographer based in South London. My camera has taken me from the controlled chaos of film sets to the quiet vulnerability of private portrait and boudoir sessions—and what connects all of it is an obsession with light, texture, and trust.


I don't believe in rigid poses, forced smiles, or making a shoot feel like work. My approach is grounded, collaborative, and entirely focused on what you need:


Productions & Filmmakers: Dependable, press-ready unit stills and BTS. I move quietly around active takes, understand set etiquette inside out, and deliver imagery ready for posters, festival packets, and PR.


Creative Portraits & Boudoir: Space to be seen as you are. I work closely with you through lighting, mood, and gentle guidance so you never feel self-conscious—delivering artwork that feels empowering, artistic, and true.


Brands & Lifestyle: Clean visual storytelling that highlights your craftsmanship and character in real-world contexts, giving you cohesive assets built for campaigns and social channels.


I bring a quiet head, meticulous attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit to every frame. Let’s make something memorable together.

James

Black and white close-up portrait of a man with hand raised to face in dramatic lighting.

Every shoot starts before we even meet. We build a mood board, a visual conversation about mood, light and what we're trying to create together. By the time we're in the same room, we already speak the same language.


Photography has been part of my life since I could hold a camera. It's something I came back to. For portrait and intimate work, I bring a second person on set, someone whose sole job is to make you feel comfortable and help guide the poses and hold the space.

I work with any brief - polished commissions, half-formed ideas, completely mad concepts. If you have a vision, i'll help you realise it. If you have a feeling but no plan, we'll build it together.


I turn work around quickly. I don't take on more than I can deliver properly, and i'll always tell you the truth about whats possible. No surprises.

Portraits and Headshots

Branding and Lifestyle

Boudoir

Behind the scenes

Personal Projects

What I do:

Elegant man in white shirt and navy pants seated in a brown leather armchair.

Portraits and Headshots

Branding and Lifestyle

Boudoir

Behind the scenes

Personal Projects

What we do

Young woman in crop top leaning against a black wall outdoors in urban street setting.

Portraits and Headshots

Branding and Lifestyle

Boudoir

Behind the scenes

Personal Projects

What we do

Portraits and Headshots

Branding and Lifestyle

Boudoir

Behind the scenes

Personal Projects

What I do

Andycine 4K monitor displaying a film scene on a professional video production set.

Portraits and Headshots

Branding and Lifestyle

Boudoir

Behind the scenes

Personal Projects

What I do

Black and white photo of a person reading a book in bed beside a vintage nightstand.

Portraits and Headshots

Branding and Lifestyle

Boudoir

Behind the scenes

Personal Projects

Get in touch

Send me a message and i'll set up a call to discuss your vision