Available to hire
I’m James D. DeCamp, an award-winning photographer and multimedia professional based in Columbus, Ohio. With more than three decades of experience, I create compelling visual stories on deadline—whether that means precise product work, powerful documentary photojournalism, or architectural and corporate imagery.
I run James DeCamp Photography and also take on contract documentary, editorial, and event assignments for organizations across the country. My approach combines strategic visual storytelling with efficient, modern workflows in professional post-production tools, so clients get publication-ready results that match their goals and brand standards.
Experience Level
Work Experience
Contract Photographer / Project Lead at Ohio Department of Commerce
March 1, 2025 - July 31, 2025Statewide visual documentation project covering all nine divisions, aligned to the agency mission and brand identity. Coordinated with division Public Information Officers to plan and execute photo assignments across Ohio. Delivered several hundred fully edited, publication-ready images for social media, annual reports, and printed communications. Managed end-to-end post-production using PhotoMechanic, Adobe Lightroom, and Adobe Photoshop. Utilized Canon R5 bodies, professional lenses, extensive lighting systems, and FAA-licensed drone capabilities; oversaw logistics, travel planning, and cost management to meet schedule and budget.
Contract Studio Photographer at RG Barry Brands
October 1, 2022 - April 30, 2023Executed studio product photography in a fast-paced retail environment with tight sales and marketing deadlines. Assisted in implementing workflows for 360° product photography. Shot tethered with Capture One and performed advanced retouching and digital manipulation in Adobe Photoshop (color correction, enhancements, image extension, compositing) to maintain brand consistency and luxury presentation standards. Prepared images for print and digital channels and supported the studio team by mentoring newer photographers.
Adjunct Instructor at Columbus College of Art & Design
June 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019Taught Studio Photography – Methods and Meanings to a cohort of second-year students. Revamped syllabus and schedule; set learning goals from fundamentals to advanced studio techniques. Organized field trips to commercial studios, led weekly critiques, and guided students from natural/available light to controlled studio lighting. Integrated theory with practical commercial photography scenarios covering planning, styling, lighting, shooting, and post-production workflows, fostering experimentation and critique-driven development.
Contract Photo Post Production Artist at Abercrombie & Fitch (Hollister), Columbus, Ohio
June 1, 2018 - August 31, 2019Managed photo asset workflow from studio photographers to website and print platforms with organization, quality control, and deadline-driven delivery. Edited and retouched marketing imagery for flat lay and on-figure product photography across Abercrombie, Hollister, and Gilly Hicks. Performed advanced color correction for products and skin tones, layout adjustments, image extension, and compositing to maintain brand consistency. Coordinated image editing under high-volume production deadlines and maintained organized digital asset libraries with version control for multi-channel campaigns.
Freelance Photojournalist at 614 Media Group
June 1, 2016 - August 31, 2022Produced editorial and feature photography for 614 Magazine and Stock & Barrel Magazine on assignment. Covered cultural, social, lifestyle, and community events with timely, publication-ready images. Worked with editors and art directors to match publication style and story objectives. Managed pre-shoot planning, on-site shooting, post-production editing, and delivery; optimized images for web and print with strong color accuracy, composition, and storytelling consistency.
Freelance Photojournalist at Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
April 1, 2016 - PresentDocumentary photography for adoptive families across the U.S. and Canada. Creates emotionally resonant images for marketing campaigns, social media, fundraising materials, and promotional use. Produces on-location shoots, collaborates with families for comfortable experiences, and completes post-production (selection, color correction, retouching, and digital optimization). Contributes to long-term storytelling strategy and maintains multi-project, multi-location deadlines.
Photographer (Studio Product Photography) at Zulily
March 1, 2015 - April 30, 2017Worked in a retail studio environment meeting sale and marketing deadlines. Photographed a variety of products using multiple lighting/photography techniques, backgrounds, and layouts. Developed ideas for editorial and lifestyle imagery and supported concepts, styling, and propping. Regularly communicated with the VP of Brand and Design to receive feedback and maintain photo standards. Shot tethered with Capture One and performed retouching and digital manipulation in Adobe Photoshop, including color conversion and correction. Trained others and shared knowledge with newer photographers and stylists.
Contract Photojournalist at ZUMA Press
August 1, 2010 - PresentContract contributing photographer covering news, politics, and sports across the Midwest. Captures editorially relevant images under fast-paced conditions (breaking news, rallies, events, human interest stories) and delivers content meeting wire service deadlines, technical standards, and ethical guidelines. Uses advanced techniques for action and low-light situations; performs post-production (selection, editing, color correction, retouching) and collaborates with editors for timely global distribution.
Contract Photographer and Donor (Race for the Cure) at Susan G. Komen Columbus
May 1, 2009 - PresentOfficial photography team for the Komen Columbus Race for the Cure. Supervises and coordinates teams for large-scale coverage across multiple venues/activities. Documents fundraising and community events, managing on-site shooting and post-production workflow (selection, editing, color correction, and preparation for print/digital distribution). Aligns photography with branding and messaging needs while capturing authentic participant moments. Adapts to crowds, outdoor venues, and dynamic lighting conditions.
Staff Multimedia Photojournalist at The Columbus Dispatch
April 1, 1998 - April 30, 2009Staff photojournalist and multimedia imaging contributor covering news, sports, and features across Ohio for a major daily newspaper. Helped develop and document early digital photography workflows, including wireless image transmission standards, IPTC metadata practices, and remote editing to streamline turnaround for print and web publication. Designed and implemented an operations manual for faster breaking news coordination. Coordinated photographer coverage and zoned pages for deadlines; trained stringers and interns. Earned consistent recognition from professional organizations and delivered multimedia-ready content through scanning, digital editing, and layout adaptation.
Digital Imaging Manager at Versacolor Custom Imaging Lab
May 1, 1995 - August 31, 1996Streamlined client workflows by implementing new procedures including an internet-based file submission system. Performed advanced digital image manipulation, including background extraction, restoration, composites, and photo montages. Managed cross-platform color calibration between IBM and Macintosh systems and managed production hardware and output devices to ensure accurate reproduction. Maintained and troubleshot a multi-platform local area network, and provided technical support and staff training.
Staff Photojournalist and Electronic Imaging Technician at The Columbus Dispatch
May 1, 1995 - April 30, 1998Photojournalist and imaging technician covering news, sporting events, and features, supporting multiple weekly publication needs during early newsroom digital transitions. Produced and delivered spot news, scanned images for electronic pagination insertion, and trained new staff on Photoshop and departmental procedures. Created workflow forms and helped establish internal processes for moving images from 35mm and other mediums into pre-press preparation. Managed supplies and inventory for photography department and darkroom.
Media Relations and Publicity Director at March For Jesus, Columbus, Ohio
May 1, 1994 - May 31, 1995Directed media relations and publicity for a faith-based regional event. Secured radio, television, and print coverage; conducted on-air interviews; and created and distributed newsletters, flyers, and posters to 2,000+ area churches. Increased participant turnout and coordinated a live remote broadcast with a local radio station, managing press materials across multiple media channels.
Freelance Photojournalist at Sunday in America (Zondervan)
July 1, 1993 - August 31, 1996Selected to join a nationwide group of photographers for a faith-and-family pictorial book project. Contributed multiple finished images published in the hardcover book “Sunday in America: 75 Photographers Celebrate Faith and Family.”
Staff Photojournalist and Electronic Imaging Technician at CNS/ThisWeek Newspapers
April 1, 1990 - May 31, 1995Photographed news, sports, and features for 25 weekly newspapers and was responsible for a large portion of spot news. Helped define internal procedures, designed and laid out photo pages, scheduled assignments for photographers and freelancers, and scanned images for electronic pagination insertion. Trained new employees and developed workflow processes for electronic image handling from 35mm and other sources. Managed departmental supplies and darkroom-related inventory.
Chief Photographer at Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
January 1, 1989 - April 30, 1990Supervised and directed a regional photography team across a multi-county area. Assigned stories, mentored staff, and coordinated Sunday photo layouts. Helped modernize the newsroom approach to more dynamic, authentic imagery. Oversaw end-to-end production (shooting, film processing, half-toning, page paste-up, and press-run quality control) and collaborated with editors and reporters on coverage planning and improved efficiency.
Chief Photographer (Promoted) at Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
February 1, 1988 - January 1, 1989Executed staff editorial photographer responsibilities including news, features, and advertising assignments. Half-toned and processed photographs for publication, generated original content from self-initiated ideas, and managed darkroom operations for film development, printing, and retouching. Coordinated with editorial and advertising teams to deliver images that supported both editorial and commercial content while meeting daily deadlines.
Photojournalist Intern at The Columbus Dispatch
August 1, 1987 - January 31, 1988Photographed local news, feature stories, and sporting events for print publication under tight deadlines. Demonstrated initiative by independently executing assignments and contributing original content. Selected to cover out-of-state sporting events, managing on-location shooting, film processing, editing, and photo preparation for publication. Maintained ethical journalism standards while building a diverse portfolio.
Portrait Photographer at Americana Portraits Inc.
March 1, 1987 - August 31, 1987Conducted professional portrait sessions using large-format cameras (2 1/4 and 4×5). Developed and sold long-term family and child portrait packages to generate repeat business. Marketed and delivered in-home portrait services with personalized scheduling and client communications. Edited and retouched photos for print and product deliverables; supported promotional campaigns to expand the client base.
Videographer/Producer/Director at ACTV-7 News
September 1, 1986 - June 30, 1987Produced, directed, and edited daily broadcast local news segments. Operated studio and field cameras with audio capture under tight deadlines. Coordinated with reporters and anchors on story concepts and visual storytelling strategy, managed post-production editing and graphics, supported scripting/storyboarding for clarity, and ensured technical readiness for live and recorded coverage.
Videographer/Producer/Director at Ohio University Career Planning and Placement Service
February 1, 1986 - September 30, 1986Produced and directed a 25-minute instructional video for training purposes. Collaborated with career services staff to develop content, objectives, and structure. Managed pre-production activities (scripting, storyboarding, and location planning), operated professional equipment for studio and on-location capture, and completed post-production editing with graphics/titles/transitions to meet organizational standards and training goals.
Videographer/Producer/Director at WOUB-TV News
September 1, 1985 - March 31, 1987Produced, directed, filmed, and edited video segments covering regional news for daily broadcast. Operated studio and field cameras with audio-visual quality under tight deadlines. Collaborated with reporters and production staff on story concepts, managed post-production (editing, graphics/titles, segment preparation), and supported scripting and shot planning for narrative clarity. Maintained equipment and troubleshot issues to ensure reliable performance.
Photographic Technician at PhotoMagic
January 1, 1984 - September 30, 1986Operated a fast-paced one-hour photo lab, handling film processing, printing, and quality control for timely service. Provided customer service and technical troubleshooting, supported retail sales of finished products, maintained accounting records and ensured financial procedures, and managed inventory and equipment. Trained staff on lab procedures, customer service, and point-of-sale operations.
Freelance Photojournalist at The Athens News
June 1, 1983 - March 31, 1987Covered local and regional news events across southeastern Ohio for weekly publication. Collaborated with editors on coverage planning and deadlines. Produced high-quality photographs under varying conditions for community events, government coverage, and breaking news. Managed the full photojournalism workflow (shooting, digital/film processing, editing, and newsroom submission) while building source relationships.
Photographer, Owner, Manager, Creative at James DeCamp Photography
January 1, 1983 - PresentFounder and operator of a full-service photography studio specializing in editorial, corporate, advertising, and commercial photography. Experienced across digital and traditional film formats (35mm through large format 8×10). Delivers studio and on-location work including product illustration, architectural photography, executive/corporate portraiture, PR photojournalism, sports coverage, time-lapse, panoramic/HDR imaging, Virtual Reality tours, food/conceptual illustration, annual report imagery, stock photography, and commercial video production. Strong post-production background in color correction, retouching, compositing, and digital manipulation, with close client collaboration to conceptualize and execute projects from planning through delivery.
Industrial Hygiene Specialist at Building Services Unlimited
November 1, 1982 - January 31, 1983Delivery Driver at Pizza House, Athens, Ohio
September 1, 1981 - May 31, 1982Freelance Photojournalist at Eastern Hills Journal
August 1, 1980 - September 30, 1981Photographed news and sporting events in the tri-state Ohio/Indiana/Kentucky region for daily publication. Covered multiple high school sports teams on deadline and coordinated closely with reporters and editors. Produced assignments that required immediate film development, editing, printing, and delivery within hours.
Freelance Photojournalist at Associated Press
April 1, 1980 - September 30, 1981Covered news, sports, and feature events for AP photo networks and national clients. Served as primary stringer for the Cincinnati Reds during 1980–81 MLB seasons. Managed full production workflow under tight deadlines including rapid film development, editing, printing, and transmission, collaborating with editors to deliver images meeting AP standards.
Freelance Photojournalist at Cincinnati Enquirer
April 1, 1979 - September 30, 1981Covered news and sporting events across the tri-state area for daily publication. Served as main stringer for coverage of a months-long teachers strike in Mariemont, Ohio (Jan. 1981–Sept. 1981). Produced assignments developed independently, coordinated with editors, and delivered images under tight turnaround requirements often within an hour.
Retail Sales Clerk at PhotoBug, Inc.
January 1, 1979 - October 31, 1980Education
Bachelor of Science of Journalism at Ohio University
January 1, 1987 - January 1, 1987Qualifications
Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Retail
Experience Level
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