Brandon James was born in January of 1977 in Pennsylvania. He grew up just outside of Philadelphia where he attended Westtown School, a small Quaker boarding school. While enrolled in high school, he began making fine art photographs. He furthered his studies at Appalachian State University where he received a degree in Industrial Technology with a concentration in photography.
He enhanced his undergraduate training by enrolling in the Maine Photographic Workshops of Rockport, Maine, where he graduated from their one year Professional Certificate Program. Impressed by his knowledge and dedication to photography, he was hired as a course manager for that summer and following school year. Brandon's time in Maine enhanced both his technical skills and his artistic vision.
In 2003 Brandon moved to New Mexico. For three years he lived in Taos and worked as a darkroom manager for the fine art photographer Chuck Henningsen. Managing Mr. Henningsen's 2500 square foot studio he learned how to print mural sized cibachromes, coat and print platinum up to 30x40 inches, and create large digital prints.
Moving back east in 2006 Brandon currently lives and works outside of Boston, Massachusetts. He continues his exploration of photography working with large format film and alternative photographic processes.