Meet James Halfacre | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Halfacre and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my own business to be the decision maker- the boss. I wanted to be able to follow my own creative path. Though, I do think it’s important to point out that when I work with clients, they become a temporary boss for the project. Some of my clients know exactly what they envision and it’s my job to create it. Others have a foggy idea of what they want, so I help them develop their idea. Others have no idea, and I am free to create from the ground up. I have the choice to say yes or no to any potential client, sometimes no is the right answer.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m a professional photographer and creative based out of San Diego California. I’ve had the pleasure to work with some large companies like Volkswagen North America, Honda Acura, Mazda, Toyota/lexus and smaller local business and artist in San Diego. I love being able to combined my passion for the outdoors with client work.

What’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
I often hear, “You need the newest, most expensive equipment to be a good photographer.” If you take a few minutes and look back at the images created 20, 30, 60 years ago, you’ll find some of the greatest images ever created. The photographer uses their tools to create the image; the tool doesn’t create on its own. Technology can assist you, but if you’re a subpar photographer, equipment can only help so much.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?
We all take risks everyday, even if we don’t realize it. For example,  driving is the norm for many people, but it’s risky. We just accept it as something we do. I used to spend a fair bit of time climbing and canyoneering (rappelling down waterfalls.) People would often comment, “You’re crazy” and then ask me why I would risk my life like that. I’d responded like any other climber,  “It’s more dangerous to drive a car.” Let me narrow down risk into two types: calculated and brazen. There is a distinct difference between the two. For instance, a business partner and I decided to develop a new guiding route. So we grabbed a few other adventurers and spent a day and half hiking up a mountain in the hopes of rappelling down a thousand foot waterfall. We had scouted out the route by helicopter, checked topographical maps, and knew our gear inside and out. So, we packed up what we thought we would need and set out on a grand adventure. But, we  hiked all the way to the peak and realized the risk was too high with the gear we had. So, we doubled timed down the mountain just in time to grab burgers and watch the sunset. As it relates to business, you should be calculated with your risk by analyzing every possible outcome and making an informed decision. But, as an artist you should be brazen with your risks and throw caution to the wind and create.

What habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Is believing in yourself a habit?  More importantly, is taking the time to define what success means to you. I think we all want to earn enough money to pay for the extras in life, but income doesn’t mean success for some of us. I’ve seen my commercial work displayed everywhere from print to web. As a fine art photographer, I’ve shown my work at galleries and contributed to a few video collaborations that have landed in  museums. However, my fine art hasn’t made it into the top galleries or graced the walls at the Getty. Nonetheless, I’ve created some beautiful work. Believing in myself and dedicating  my time to my craft is my definition of success.

What is the most important factor behind your success/ success of your brand?
Just being myself has led to much of my success. Finding a photographer these days is easy, and there are many talented photographers out there. Yet being a good or great photographer isn’t always enough. Personality plays a significant role in attracting and retaining clients.

What’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
Over the last few years, let’s call them the Covid years, I’ve been reminded how important it is to be adaptable. Covid threw everyone a few  curve balls and now that many of us have moved past it, we are faced with new technologies that are changing how clients find answers to their needs. So, it’s even more important to be adaptable.

Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?
As a freelancer, work life balance can be difficult to achieve. I had planned a trip to New Zealand a few years back, but a week before I was set to leave, a client hit me up for a last minute job. I could have turned it down,  but instead, I took the job and changed my flight. I broke even on the profit from the job and the cost to change my flights, but I sacrificed the personal time and adventure I had set aside in New Zealand. I wouldn’t make that trade today, unless the numbers made were a lot bigger. This experience reminds me that jobs will come and go, but  personal experiences are invaluable gifts that shouldn’t be taken for granted..

How did you come up with the idea for your business?
From a young age, I enjoyed capturing images. In high school, I enrolled in a  photography class and learned there was more to the craft than pushing the shutter button. I learned that I could do more than just “take” a picture; I could create a work of art. When you own a camera, it’s like owning a truck; eventually, someone is going to ask you for help , photographing an event or moving furniture. As I recall, my first paid photo job was  photographing the golf course at the resort where I was working. Shortly after that, I was asked to photograph a wedding. I realized I could monetize my skill set, so eventually started my own photography business.

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?
I pursued a creative career because I wasn’t good enough to play in the NBA. Joking aside, I’ve loved creating things since I was a kid, and neither my parents nor my teachers ever said, “You can’t be an artist!” I’m not sure I even asked. I just kept creating and working various jobs until I arrived at a place in life where  I could survive with my creative skills.

What are you inspired by?
There isn’t just one thing that inspires me, unless you count life itself. Allow me to narrow that down a little bit. Art inspires me: songs, movies, paintings, books, and photographs can wake me up and compel me to create. Aside from the art of fellow artists, nature inspires more awe in my life than anything else, which is why I’m so drawn to spending time and creating images in the “great outdoors.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
San Diego has so much to offer from great restaurants to beautiful beaches. First stop would be lunch at Coasterra on Harbor Island. Great tacos and a great view of downtown. After the first stop there is no particular order to any of this. A day at Balboa Park exploring the museums and the Japanese Friendship Garden, lunch at Panama 66 and dinner at the Prado. Half day at the world famous San Diego Zoo then off to Ocean Beach for fun. A little trip up to La Jolla to check out the art galleries and sea caves. Then there is the board walk that stretches from Mission Beach to Pacific beach a solid day in the sand and grabbing some food right there with ocean views. The rest of the time just showing them around the North Park, Normal Heights area to many great restaurants to choose from. Finally grab some dinner in Little Italy and a show at the Casbah or Soda Bar. Everyday a different Taco shop so they can decide which is the best.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Juliet Hawk, she is an incredible person. I’m lucky to call her my wife. She is highly intelligent and passionate for the world we live. She is more than willing to speak up for those that don’t have a voice. Juliet has helped me to better understand the world and is very supportive in my dreams. She also runs a college counseling and test prep business. https://hawkeducationtoday.com

Website: https://www.halfacremedia.net

Instagram: @halfacremedia

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshalfacre/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jameshalfacre

Other: My fine art webpage is https://www.jameshalfacre.net

Image Credits
all photos James Halfacre