About the Headshot Photographer James Connell

I’m James Connell. I specialize in one thing: making people look confident and approachable.

For over a decade, I have served as a strategic partner for the business communities across Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Lakeland. I bridge the gap between a high-end boutique studio experience (for individuals) and high-volume logistical efficiency (for large corporate teams).

Whether you are visiting my professional studio in Lithia for a personal branding session, or hiring me to photograph a 300-person conference at The Vinoy or The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, the goal remains the same: elite lighting, genuine expressions, and a process that respects your time.

Proven Corporate Authority

My technical workflow and administrative reliability have made me the recurring choice for some of the region’s and nation’s most respected organizations:

• FTI Consulting (Global): Selected to photograph 40 team members during their corporate summit at The Vinoy St. Petersburg. Delivered consistent, high-end executive portraits amidst a tight conference schedule.
• Harrell’s LLC: Five-year lead photographer for National Sales Meetings (Lakeland/National). Successfully photographed 147 team members in a single day during their corporate summit.
• Adams Brothers Inc: Executed high-stakes corporate headshots on-location at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.
• Education & Academia: Proudly captured 58 graduates at Gannon University and graduating classes at the University of South Florida (USF).
• DAS Health: Ongoing partner for new hire headshots and office-wide updates.
• Cushman & Wakefield: Vetted provider for leadership team headshots in Downtown Tampa high-rises.

Trust, Compliance & Logistics

In the corporate world, talent is not enough. You need reliability. I operate as a fully compliant corporate vendor serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Polk Counties.

The Logic of Expression Coaching

My mobile studio includes tethered instant review, so your team sees their photos immediately.

Most people – whether they are a CEO or a new hire – dread getting their photo taken. They worry about double chins, awkward smiles, or “looking stiff.”

I don’t just click a button; I coach you.

My entire workflow is built on Expert Expression Coaching. I guide your posture, jawline, and eyes in real-time. I take the pressure off you so you don’t have to “guess” if you look good. You will leave the session knowing we got the shot because we view it together in real-time.

Headshots for Heroes: A Personal Mission

Service is a cornerstone of my life. My father is a Vietnam veteran, and both of my grandfathers served in World War II. In honor of their legacy, I founded the Headshots for Heroes initiative.

I donate one free professional headshot session every month to a local veteran or active-duty service member. In 2025 alone, I provided free headshots to nearly 50 veterans through dedicated studio events and partnerships with local leaders like Spark Pilates in Lithia. This mission has been recognized by the Osprey Observer and remains the heart of my business values.

Specialized Headshot Services

• In-Studio Individual Sessions – From quick Express Sessions to full branding sessions in my professional Lithia studio.
• On-Site Corporate Teams – Streamlined mobile studio setups for groups of 10 to 500+ employees with zero office downtime.
• Conference Headshot Booths – High-throughput stations perfect for tradeshows and corporate expos.

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Primary Service Areas

I am based in Lithia/Fishhawk (Studio) and travel daily for On-Site Corporate work across the I-4 Corridor and Gulf Coast:

Tampa Headshots | Lakeland Headshots | St. Petersburg Headshots | Sarasota Headshots | Orlando Headshots | Bradenton | Riverview and Beyond

Headshots by James Connell – Tampa Bay, Lakeland, St. Pete & Sarasota Headshot Specialist Call or text: 813-625-8168 | [email protected] All sessions by appointment only. Proudly providing professional service since 2013.