Jojo's Bar Mitzvah

If you're thinking about skipping a professional photographer for your party, let me tell you why that’s a huge mistake. Sure, your phone can snap a quick pic, but let’s be real—it’s not going to give you those crisp, vibrant memories you'll actually want to keep. Professional cameras are built for this kind of thing. They’ve got advanced lenses and settings that can handle tricky lighting, fast-moving action, and all the little details that make your event unique. Phones? Not so much. They can barely keep up when things get wild on the dance floor. As a pro, I make sure every shot is sharp, colorful, and ready to be framed.

But it’s not just about the gear—it’s about the experience and the peace of mind I bring to your event. I’m fully insured, which means if anything goes wrong (and I really do mean anything), you’re covered. And I’m not just talking about insurance for you—I always carry backups of all my equipment. That means extra cameras, lenses, and memory cards, so I’m prepared for anything. Mishaps? Not on my watch. With all these safety nets in place, you can relax and enjoy the party without worrying about technical glitches.

And honestly, that’s one of the best parts of hiring a professional like me: you get to enjoy the party without stressing about whether you got that perfect photo. While you're mingling, dancing, or simply enjoying your celebration, I’m working quietly to document everything. No more awkwardly asking a friend to take a picture or hoping the lighting will cooperate—I've got it covered. From the big moments to the small, I’ll make sure you have a collection of photos that truly capture the spirit of your event. When you look back, you’ll see the joy, the energy, and the memories—exactly as they happened.

I absolutely LOVE this family! 💖

I had the honor of being part of this unforgettable Simcha at the end of last year, celebrating the incredible Jojo’s Bar Mitzvah! These guys seriously know how to throw a party! 🎉

Huge shoutout to the one and only Jay and his amazing team at GEN Z Events — the event planning and decor were next-level, as always. You all knocked it out of the park, and I’m so grateful to work with you! 🙌

The energy was electric, the food was out-of-this-world, and let’s not forget—the bar was LITERALLY set on fire! 🔥 I’ve never seen anything like it, and it was absolutely stunning. 😍

If you're looking to capture the magic of your own Simcha, I’d love to chat! Feel free to reach out for photography options – I’d be honored to be part of your celebration too! ✨

x

CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY!

Curated Gallery Photos

Keanu Reeves

Liam Gallagher

Robert Downey Jr.

Nikki Minaj

Run DMC

Derby

Tommy Flanagan SOA

Cirkus Ciccor

Harrison Ford

Bryan Cranston

Johnny Depp

Stephen Spielberg

Cindy Lauper

Robbie Williams

Club Swizzle

Jude Law

Keanu Reeves

B Real Cypress Hill

Robert Downey Jr.

Margot Robbie

Daniel Craig

Eddie Redmayne

Lady Gaga

Billie Eilish

Brighton Pride

Margot Robbie

Chuck D Public Enemy

Headshot Photography by James Shaw

New Year, New Look! Professional Headshot Promotion

Start 2025 with a fresh, professional headshot that truly represents you at your best!

On-location Headshot Session – at your home or office for ultimate convenience.
Perfect for:

  • LinkedIn profiles

  • Company websites

  • CVs & portfolios

  • Personal branding

What’s included:

  • A personalised photoshoot on location.

  • 3 professionally retouched headshots delivered in high-resolution digital format.

Special Price: £200
Available only during January & February 2025!

This offer is for individual professionals.
If you’re looking to update headshots for your team or company, please get in touch for a bespoke quote.

Book Now – Slots are limited!
Let’s ensure your headshot is as dynamic and polished as you are.

📧 [james@jamesshawphotos.co.uk] | 📞 [07970826630] | 🌐[jamesshawphotos.co.uk]

Zac's Bar Mitzvah

Capturing the essence of Zac's Bar Mitzvah at Tottenham Hotspur FC was an absolute honor, and I cherished every moment of it! 📸

The room was brimming with love for Zac, making it an emotional experience that I'll always remember. 🥰

With the incredible sounds of DJ Dan Kraines, the delectable cuisine by Jason Millan, and the captivating moments in JH Video Booth's 360-degree wonder, the night was filled with excitement and memories to last a lifetime. Colin Nell, the Football Freestyle god, left us in awe with his skills, and Sammy Patnick ensured that every precious moment was beautifully captured on film.

If you're planning an event and seeking photography services, look no further than James Shaw Photography. With years of industry expertise, a passion for creativity, technical proficiency, and competitive pricing, James will ensure that your special memories are cherished forever.

I'd be thrilled to be part of your celebrations too, so don't hesitate to reach out! Let's make your moments unforgettable.  #EventPhotography #MemoriesToCherish #JamesShawPhotography

Zoomitzvah 2021

Let’s face it, adapting to the “New Normal” hasn’t been easy. 

But I’ve learned, it’s absolutely possible to create memories for your Simcha…just in a different way.

From capturing the Shul rehearsal and the Zoomitzvah itself I’ve also incorporated additional, socially-distanced family photo shoots and creative studio portraits into my offering.

With the vaccine rollout going incredibly fast and the emergence of fast lateral flow testing I can certainly see some light at the end of the tunnel, and we will party again! But in the meantime, If your planning something last minute or looking ahead to 2022-23 then please get in touch, I’d love to have a chat and work out a package for you.

Yavneh Year 7 Special Offer!

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the parents of year 7.

My name is James Shaw of James Shaw Photography and I couldn’t be prouder of my son, Sam starting his journey at Yavneh College. This year has been hard to say the least and we’ve all been forced to adapt to “The New Normal”. Being a professional photographer, I’ve adapted to a new way of working, Smaller parties and the “Zoomitzvah” have been a thing and I’m pretty sure we’ll be attending more virtual Simcha’s as the months go on.

But there is some light at the end of the tunnel and it will be so lovely to see our sons and daughters celebrating their Bar and Batmitzvah’s in the coming years.

I would like to offer a very special deal for all Yavneh parents who are planning their Simcha’s in 2021. All bookings taken for 2021 will be entitled to a 12% discount and a flat deposit fee of £100.00.

I’ve lowered the deposit for 2021 bookings only because of the current Covid Pandemic and I hope it will make you guys more confident in securing a booking.

I’d love to have a chat, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me on 07970826630

Charlie's Zoomitzvah!

Ive known and loved this family for a very VERY long time and was absolutely honoured to play a small part in the celebrations this morning. Strange times we are living in now and we have to adapt and make changes. Zoom Barmitzvah’s are most definitely a thing for 2020, I’ve already photographed a few and I have more scheduled in the diary. Stay safe people and spend time being with the one’s you love x

Fathers Day Promotion

We’ve all had a rough ride over the last few months, but now the lockdown is easing and we can spend more time outdoors with friends and family it’s a perfect time to plan a fun family (socially distanced) photoshoot!

June the 21st is Father’s day and whilst the all the family are around, a professional family photo shoot makes a fantastic gift for the guys!

Weather permitting we can meet in a local park or your garden (providing there is side access). If you have a Fur baby bring them along too, they’ll love the attention. I’ll make sure we adhere to government guidelines on social distancing whilst doing what I do best, ensuring you guys have a fun relaxed experience.

The price for the 30 minute photoshoot is £130.00 which includes 15 fully edited photographs in high resolution, un-watermarked for you to cherish and enjoy. You will also be entitled to a 10% discount on all of my products including Acrylic, Metallic wall art, prints and albums.

All my existing clients will be entitled to a Lockdowntastic price of £115.00

All I ask is that you make a minimum £20 donation to Chai Cancer Care after you’ve received the photos as it’s a charity very close to my heart and I’d like to do what I can for them in these uncertain times.

Please get in touch and I can check availability for you











Cameron's Barmitzvah!

Awesome night celebrating Cameron’s Barmitzvah with the Stollar family at the May Fair Hotel last night.

Mazeltov to Daniel, Dawn and all of the family!!

007…License to Party :)

"The Best of 2019"

Wow…

What a year it’s been. I’m not going to go into statistics of how many parties i’ve shot or how many steps i’ve taken this week as I don’t want to bore you all. I shot my last party of the year last night and I’m now looking forward to a couple of days off with my family….i’m partied out!!!

For me it’s been a magnificent year of Simcha photography, working with some fabulous families and some amazing young adults.

It’s been a pleasure working with existing suppliers and some fantastic new ones too!. (I see you guys more than I see my family!!).

Thank you all for your support in 2019, Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

BOJO becomes PM

To be fair I didn’t cover any of the campaigning and the hustings, but I knew I wanted to cover the handover day when Theresa May stepped down and Boris took the helm. Was a long hot sticky day in Downing Street. I went down the day before to take part in a photographers ballot to get a reasonable position in the pen which actually wasn’t too bad. First Theresa made her final departure for PMQ’s in Westminster followed by her farewell speech with her husband Philip by her side. Boris arrived back to Downing Street from Buckingham Palace at 4pm after being officially asked by HM Queen Elizabeth II to form a new government.

He delivered a very energetic speech watched by his partner Carrie Symonds standing with his team who were outside Number 11.

Boris then posed for a photo outside the famous black door before heading in to start appointing his new cabinet (I didn’t hang around for this…too damn hot!)

My Morning at the Palace

Yes, I have to admit that I have a great job sometimes.

I get to photograph celebrities, politicians, musicians. I get to go to some amazing places and meet some rather interesting people.

While I was on holiday last week I got an email asking me if I was available to attend the first part of President Trump’s state visit to Buckingham Palace..obviously I said yes. I photographed Barack Obama when he met the Queen and Prince Philip at Windsor castle, so it was an absolute privilege to be asked to take photos of Trump.

I know he’s not everyone’s “cup of tea” !!.

I was standing next to the official White House photographer who was lovely and we had a good chat In the pen while we waited for The president and the First Lady to arrive, landing on the lawn in Marine One. I was also hugely impressed with the helicopter pilots skill in manoeuvring the massive aircraft in a relatively tight space…

On landing the President was met by Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall who escorted them up the stairs to meet with The Queen. After the ceremonial welcome the POTUS and Charles inspected the Grenadier Guards.

enough waffling on from me…her are the photos



Published Work

Always nice to see my efforts in print…

Batmitzvah Photography

Your feet are sore and you are partied out!.. but so worth it as you've had the most amazing time celebrating with your nearest and dearest. After the big weekend is over your photographs are what you have to remind you of your Simcha, something that will be looked at and enjoyed for future generations, documenting a milestone in your family's history. I will make sure that you have the best memories possible!. Call me on 07970 826 630 or email james@jamesshawphotos.co.uk to discuss your requirements.

The Best of 2018 by James Shaw Photography

2018… it’s been a great year filled with some incredible parties. I’ve had the opportunity to work at some amazing venues and with some fantastic new suppliers. A huge Thank you to to all the party planners, DJ’s, designers, caterers, dancers, florists, sound technicians, lighting crews, videographers…I could go on.

But my biggest thank you is to all my clients of 2018…YOU SMASHED IT!!. And to my future and returning clients of 2019, I can’t wait to party with you!

Have a fab holiday and a Happy New Year!

James

News Coverage and The Royal Family by James Shaw Photography

Harry and Meghan's first official visit to Sussex

Let me start off by saying it was an early start. The alarm went off at 4am and I was on the road by 5.15am heading to Chichester. Their first stop was Edes House. The Grade 1 listed building dates back to 1696. Harry and Meghan were shown a rare copy of the American Declaration of Independence. I didn’t shoot stop 2 at Chichester University, however I legged it to Brighton for the third stop at the Royal Pavilion. I’ve been to Brighton Several times, but never been in the grounds of the Pavilion (just driven past it).

There Royal couple were greeted by schoolchildren from the Queens Park School. Harry and Meghan appeared to have loads of fun interacting with the kids.

Anyhoo…

Here’s some photos from the day