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About
I realize how extremely important your professional image is to you, and will apply all my advanced technical skills to assure you get the highest quality image of yourself .
My goal is to bring the absolute best out of you for the world to see !
I am located in Petaluma now , but I have 25 years of experience as a top photographer in San Francisco shooting commercial fashion , and corporate photography.
I have shot thousands of professional men and women from a wide variety of business professions , models, actors, artists, dancers, musicians, writers, and people from all walks of life with unique interests.
My work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, billboards, catalogues, book covers, and at all levels of commercial photography.
I am also a skilled professional retoucher and include retouching with all my images.
Read my reviews, and contact me to acquire the best images of yourself you will ever have. That's my Goal !
I am passionate about my work.
There is no greater gratitude than having someone realize their unique presence in the world through the images I am able to create for them.
Overview
Hired 93 times
Background checked
1 employee
38 years in business
Business hours
Sun9:00 am - 5:00 amMon9:00 am - 5:00 am
Payment methods
Ask this pro about their preferred payment method.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2019
2018
Services offered
Photoshoot location
Photo studio
Outdoors
Home
Hotel
Photo formats
Digital or online download
CD / DVD
Flash drive
Physical proofs and prints
Work location
My customers travel to me
I travel to my customers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
84 reviews
5
99%
4
1%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Ali R.
Jun 23, 2014
•
Hired on Thumbtack
If you are looking for a photographer, you can stop now because you will never find anyone better than James.
His client list alone speaks to the quality of his work, including well known, high-end jewelry, fashion and beauty corporations, and allow me to attest that his talent is nothing short of awe-inspiring. But what sets James apart and why you should hire him is simply because he's an extraordinary person.
After several correspondences with James, my daughter's talent agency convinced me to use their photographer. Needless to say, I was unpleased with the result, but now I was in crunch mode because my daughter needed both a headshot and a composite or Zed sheet for modeling for a huge showcase the next week. To make matters worse, she was leaving for gymnastics camp in 2 days!
James not only made himself available, he put his personal plans aside, including returning from vacation early.
The morning of the shoot, one problem after the next occurred and I called him an hour past our appointment time. I was sure he would understandably tell me to take a flying leap, but without even the need for much explanation, he graciously agreed to do some shots, but explained he could only give us about 1-1/2 hours.
Three and 1/2 hours later...my daughter left with the most incredible, exciting photo shoot that I'm sure she'll remember as a highlight of her mere 13 year life.
If Katie does find success in this industry, I'll always attribute it to the day James made her feel and look like a star!
Headshot Photography
John H.
Dec 9, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
Jim was ready and waiting in his home studio. Had a great set up right there but also just a few steps outside he has several choices for outdoor settings. He has a great eye for capturing colors and light. He took over 100 very quick but subtly different shots, preselected only the best 50 or so then sent us several choices to make our 5 final selections for the senior photos. Great value, very efficient, fun to work with!
Details: Solo portrait • Traditional / classic (looking directly at the camera) • Photo studio • Digital or online download • At the pro’s location
Portrait Photography
Matt D.
Nov 19, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
James is an excellent photographer, and is also very personable and easy to work with. He really listened to what I wanted from the shoot and what I wanted to convey with the final images.
I'm not very comfortable in front of a camera, but James immediately put me at ease. He knows just how to get the shot you're looking for.
And as if that wasn't enough, he takes your photos to the next level with expert retouching to really make them pop. Highly recommended, would definitely work with him again!
Details: Solo portrait • Traditional / classic (looking directly at the camera) • Artistic (focus on composition, lighting) • Home • Digital or online download • My home, venue, etc.
Portrait Photography
Barbara S.
Jun 5, 2014
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Hired on Thumbtack
As a former corporate Art Director in San Francisco, I had the pleasure of working with James on many projects over many years. The reason I chose to work with James exclusively is because he consistently exceeded our expectations and worked tirelessly to accomplish our objectives on time and within budget. His professionalism, exceptional work ethic and artistic excellence put him in a class all his own. Moreover, he was always a pleasure to work with and was an invaluable asset to our artistic process. When my daughter was searching for a unique photographer to shoot her Senior portraits that didnt look like everyone elses, there was no doubt in my mind that James would be the perfect fit. From their initial conversation, he took the time to probe and find out exactly what she had in mind. Teenage girls are often not easy to please but James knew exactly how to put her at ease and beautifully captured her in a variety of looks and settings. It was a true collaborative process every step of the way and my daughter was thrilled. James is a true artist dedicated for many years to his craft. His work is extraordinary and we will treasure his special photos for years to come.
Headshot Photography
Jason V.
Nov 20, 2017
•
Hired on Thumbtack
James is awesome! Exceeded my expectations for a personal professional portrait in every way. His singular vision was to get me a shot I am happy with. Suggested a great location to achieve the look I was going for and drove me there. He took many pictures, never in a hurry, and did fine retouching once the pictures were chosen.
Headshot Photography
Credentials
Background Check
James Garrahan
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My prices are extremely reasonable considering my extensive professional background . Although I have worked with large companies most of my career, I am aware that individuals are on a different pricing scale, and try to meet the financial needs of my customers.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I approach every client with the intent to provide for them the absolute best images for their intended goals. I want to exceed their expectations, and always appreciate their satisfaction.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 25 years of experience shooting commercial fashion in San Francisco. That experience has given me a vast education on every kind of lighting and situation that I am involved with on each job.
