From books and calendars to free community photoshoots…

Personal projects are the lifeblood of artists. It's how we push ourselves and explore different avenues of creativity. Over the past few years, I've spearheaded a number of personal projects to challenge myself as an artist, photographer, community member and father. Read on to learn more about these P | P (Personal Projects).

The story behind the photo.

A compelling view of why I captured this moment in time

Join Kial James as he goes "Behind the Photo" in this new web-based series. Learn the settings, the thinking, the composition, the choice to take that photo and why it matters.

Show Me More

Retrospectives

A Community-Based Photography Event

250+ GRADUATES • 25,000+ PHOTOS • ONE COMMUNITY EVENT
During the heart of the Covid Pandemic from May 2020 to October 2020 my team and traveled throughout Western Nevada County to meet and photograph over 250 graduates. From Middle School to High School and even College Graduates, we were driven with a purpose. To give graduates an opportunity for a free photo session and complimentary 8x10 print for enduring "The Lost Year".

Book Senior Portrait Session

Television

Bringing in John Bartell to Our Backroads

Nevada City will always hold a special place in my heart. In October of 2022, I invited TV personality and host, John Bartell to experience the magic and beauty of Nevada City in the fall. Check out the video below.

View Video

YUBA

A Study of light and contrasting beauty

With over 90 pages of the hand-selected photos of The Yuba River from artist/photographer Kial James. This specialty, large format, photo book is printed on the finest ProLine Pearl Photo paper, hand-wrapped hardback, this one-of-a-kind book will make someone very happy. Special thanks to T.A. Wainright for his quirky and wonderful rhythmic poems about the Yuba. If you're a fan of the Yuba River in Northern California, you will enjoy this book for years to come.

Purchase Book

ABUY

On September 21, 2019 I took to documenting and photographing over 500 individual pieces of trash that were pulled from our local watersheds. From batteries to baby diapers, to pill bottles and cans, from tires and car rims, obscene to somewhat clean, over 900 volunteers dedicated their Saturday to clean up what was left behind. As an artist and photographer, I wanted to document on a micro-scale what was being done. Overall size is 48" x 72". One signed edition is available for $6500.

One Edition Available

YUBA LOVE

Yuba River Inspired Clothing & Accessories

Once again inspiration hit. I wanted to showcase the photos of The Yuba like no one has ever seen or experienced before. For two years I created an entire line of clothing, hats, stickers, and soft goods that were sold online through a print-on-demand company. The associated high costs and supply issues are what eventually ended the side-hustle. On a positive note, if you drive around Nevada County, California today, you'll spot some Yuba Love stickers on car windows and bumpers alike.

CALENDARS

For the past five years, I've created a variety of calendars, with the 2021 Limited Edition being my last release of Calendars for the foreseeable future. From Gold Country, The Yuba, Nevada City Scenics, and National Parks, the themed calendars did quite well. They were sold locally in Craft Faires along with small shops throughout Grass Valley and Nevada City, including The Earth Store, Grass Valley Gifts, Williams Stationary, JJ Jacksons, and multiple other locations throughout Western Nevada County.

PHOTO WALKS

Since 2017 Kial James has been leading Photo Walks around Western Nevada County to unique and treasured destinations. Locations have included Empire Mine State Historic Park, Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, The Yuba River, Crystal Hermitage Gardens, Downtown Nevada City, Vineyards and Farms, Hirschman Pond, Sugarloaf Mountain, and many more.

Sign Up for our Mailing List