James Peterson is a New York–based Director of Photography with decades of experience crafting visual narratives across feature films, docuseries, commercials, branded campaigns, and impact-driven NGO work. His signature style blends elegant composition, emotionally tuned lighting and a commitment to authenticity, elevating real stories above spectacle.   

In nonfiction, the narrative may take the lead, but with the right planning and the right team, beautiful images can still be achieved. Peterson embraces that balance, collaborating with storytellers and crew to craft authentic, cinematic visuals that underscore the story while staying on schedule and respecting participants’ momentum.  

Over the course of his career, he has worked across the full spectrum of budgets and locations—from remote islands to active war zones, from quiet, private conversations inside homes to highly public settings aboard private jets and Air Force One. No matter the scale, Peterson builds trust with his subjects and collaborators, creating the space needed for real stories to unfold, whether on a documentary or commercial set.

Through his companies — James Peterson Films, LLC, and O2 Documentary Group, Inc. — he delivers turnkey camera packages and a global network of trusted teams, ensuring each project is executed with cinematic polish and production efficiency. Directors and producers rely on Peterson’s ability to drop into any environment, empower subjects, and craft images that resonate deeply with audiences, bringing real stories to life.