McCory James

McCory is a professional photographer and painter whose work is rooted in a lifelong passion for capturing the beauty of the world around him. What began on a Montana farm with a camera in hand has grown into more than two decades of creating visual stories across all 50 U.S. states and over 30 countries. Whether behind the lens or holding a brush, his art reflects a deep appreciation for the wonder of creation and the way places, people, and moments shape our lives. Photography has long been the foundation of his artistic journey. Since opening his studio in 2002, McCory has exhibited work internationally, blending travel and fine art projects with wedding and event photography. His images reveal the essence of a place—from the sharp lines of city architecture to the quiet dignity of a stranger’s face—always seeking to connect people through shared experiences of place and memory. This way of seeing continues to guide his painting, where light, color, and form become tools to explore the same themes in new ways. Today, painting offers McCory a fresh perspective and a deeper creative voice. Drawing on his photographic eye for composition, he translates the fleeting details of travel, nature, and architecture into painterly narratives that invite viewers to pause and reflect. His work—both photographic and painted—is an invitation to step into the scene, to experience the beauty, and to feel the timeless connection between place, memory, and discovery.