James Ip regards street and documentary photography as natural extensions of his work as a story-teller and former journalist. James looks for those magical, yet fleeting moments to make images that elicit an emotional response from the viewer, giving them a glimpse into someone else’s experience and a lens into the larger human condition... and perhaps suggesting that we all have more in common than we might think. For James, the creative process is an act of meditation and purposeful observation – there are dramatic moments unfolding all around us when we simply pause and open ourselves to seeing them.
Street and documentary photography also allow James to turn a critical eye to contemporary social issues through photo essays and projects. Through his work, he explores themes of human isolation and interaction, as well as how we relate to our surroundings, both conceptual and physical. In doing so, James hopes to expose his viewers to important questions about people, and our sense of community and belonging. His lived experience as a member of the LGBT community recovering from major depressive disorder informs his subject matter and helps him conceptualize images with empathy and the capacity for a deeper engagement with the issue or people being documented.
James is a graduate of Ryerson University's journalism program. He lives in Toronto with his partner.
Recent Exhibitions
2019 (Group) - Introspection, Scarborough Arts' 34th Annual Juried Exhibition, Cedar Ridge Creative Centre, Toronto
2019 (Group) – Every Day Is Valentine’s Day, C9 Art Gallery, Toronto
2018 (Group) – Precious Snowflakes, Yellow House Gallery, Toronto
2018 (Group) – Gallery City, Toronto
Contact Info
Email James at jamesiptor@gmail.com to inquire about his availability for portraits and corporate events. Images in his portfolio are also available in various print sizes and prices.
You can also follow James on Instagram.
Recent Publications
2020 - Briarpatch Magazine, Runner-Up, Writings from the Margins competition, https://briarpatchmagazine.com/articles/view/scarborough-my-home