Our Story

James Dean Biography

Toronto born James Dean’s love of photography started in the fifth grade when he joined the school camera club and took photos using his Mom’s old trusty Brownie camera. A trip to do some rebuilding in New Orleans in 2006 rekindled Dean’s love of photography. He took thousands of photos of the devastation with his point and shoot camera and again realized how much he enjoyed photography and was inspired to make it a bigger part of his life.

James Dean’s photographs have been published in numerous magazines, newspapers and websites including The National Post, Elmore Blues Magazine, Mojo Magazine, SOCAN Words & Music Magazine, and the Toronto Blues Society Maple Blues Newsletter. His photos have been used in a number of documentaries and on  numerous album covers and posters.
 
James Dean is skilled at capturing his subjects from a point-of-view that gives the viewer a deeper appreciation for the beauty or uniqueness that surrounds us daily. His images are simple, but complex in depth, beauty and emotion. 


Achievements

  • Visual Art Show, Juried exhibition, River Arts Festival, Dunnville, ON - Nov. 7 - Nov. 21, 2015
  • Visual Art Show, Juried exhibition, River Arts Festival, Dunnville, ON - Nov. 1 - Nov. 15, 2014
  • "The Minga Art Space" Dunnville, ON - July 1st to Oct. 15th, 2014
  • "The Smith Zone Exhibition Space" “People and Places” Lakeshore Arts, Toronto Feb. 4 to April 5, 2014
  • Members Showcase” Lakeshore Arts, Toronto, ON - Nov. 1- Dec. 6, 2013Photographs in a National Film Board of Canada Documentary "Bad Coyote"  - Sept. 2013
  • Visual Art Show, Juried exhibition, River Arts Festival, Dunnville, ON - Nov. 2 -Nov. 16, 2013
  • Through the Eyes of the Artist” Juried exhibition, Lakeshore Arts, Toronto, ON - April 19 - May18, 2013
  • Members Showcase” Lakeshore Arts, Toronto, ON - Oct. 19 - Dec. 14, 2012
  • Members Showcase” Lakeshore Arts, Toronto, ON - Oct. 19 - Dec. 15, 2011
  • Through the Eyes of the Artist” Juried exhibition , Lakeshore Arts, Toronto, ON - May 19 - June 18, 2011
  • Winterfolk Music and Art Camp, Art Show, Haliburton, ON - Feb. 2011
  • Photographs in a National Geographic Film “Coyote Mystery” - Dec. 2010
  • Photographs in an Animal Planet UK Film “Wolves & Coyotes” - Nov. 2009
  • Photographs have appeared on several music cds and promo materials including Juno nominee Suzie Vinnick’s Me ‘N Mabel for CD and promo - 2007 - present
  • Photos published in The National Post, Toronto Star Newspaper, Elmore Magazine, Mojo Magazine, Maple Blues Magazine, Socan Words & Music Magazine - 2008 - present 

 
 Experience

  • Photographer for Kerrville Folk Festival, Kerrville, TX. - May 2017
  • Photographer for Mariposa Folk Festival, Orillia, ON - July 2017, 2018
  • Photographer for Eaglewood Folk Festival, Pefferlaw, ON - 2008 - 2012
  • Photographer for "Music Canada Live" at "The Garrison" Toronto, ON - April 2018
  • Photographer for "Music Canada Live" at Canadian Music Week, May 2015
  • Photographer for CAPACOA Arts Presentation, Toronto, ON - 2012
  • Photographer for Folk Alliance International, Memphis TN etc. - 20010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
  • Photographer for South East Regional Folk Alliance, Black Mountain, NC - May 2014, 2016, 2018
  • Photographer for North East Regional Folk Alliance, Kerhonkson, NY - 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2023
  • Photographer for South West Regional Folk Alliance, Austin, TX - Nov. 2012, 2018
  • Photographer for Ontario Council for Folk Festivals - 2007 - 2012
  • Photographer for Folk Music Ontario Council for Folk Festivals - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023
  • Photographer for TBS Blues Summit, Toronto, ON - 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019
  • Photographer for TBS Ontario Blues Forum, Toronto, ON - 2018
  • Photographer for Maple Blues Awards, Toronto, ON - 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023
  • Photographer for Women’s Blues Review Show, Toronto, ON - 2008,  2009,  2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022


Education

  • Figure Study Photography workshop 2014-03-08 at Tonawanda, N.Y.
  • Figure Study Photography workshop 2014-04-19 at Tonawanda, N.Y.
  • Figure Study Photography workshop 2023-03-11 at Tonawanda, N.Y.
  • Figure Study Photography workshop 2023-04-01 at Tonawanda, N.Y.
  • Figure Study Photography workshop 2023-05-06 at Tonawanda, N.Y.
  • Lighting Photography workshop at Revprint Studios Etobicoke, ON - June, 2013
  • Pin-up Photography workshop at Revprint Studios Etobicoke, ON - July 20, 2013
  • Cover Model Photography workshop at Toronto Photographic Solutions, Toronto, ON - 2012
  • Camera knowledge, photo editing 3 Oaks Photography Studio, Etobicoke, ON - 2010
  • DSLR camera knowledge class at Spectrum Studios Toronto, ON - 2008
  • Beginner and intermediate lighting classes at Spectrum Studios Toronto, ON - 2008, 2009
  • Glamour Posing workshop at Spectrum Studios Toronto, ON - 2008
  • Nude Posing workshop at Spectrum Studios Toronto, ON - 2008