Q&A with James D. Kelly
We asked photographer and cinematographer James D. Kelly a few questions on life, style, and the people and places that matter most to him
Here at Gentleman’s Journal, we have a keen eye for identifying figures at the forefront of their respective industries. That’s why we’ve embarked on a series of insightful conversations with industry leaders, delving deeper into their interests and perspectives. Below, we put photographer and cinematographer James D. Kelly in the hot seat.
The best restaurant in the world is…
Balans [in London’s Soho], for always being open at 3am.
Your favourite hotel is…
Almost impossible to choose just one, although The Madonna Inn in California is a photographer’s dream.
The city destination you never tire of is…
Tokyo – even though I've only been there once. I could never tire of Japan and its spontaneity, it's the only place in the world I feel you can go without making any plans and still have the best time.
Daniel W. Fletcher and James' favourite hotel, The Madonna Inn in California
The drink order that never disappoints is…
It used to be an Old Fashioned, but these days a classic Diet Coke is unrivalled.
Your perfect holiday is…
Somewhere I've never been before.
The menswear brand you rate is…
Daniel W. Fletcher for modern elegance with a twist.
The best gift you have ever received is…
My sobriety, the gift that keeps on giving.
John Fluevog 1611 Twin Turbine Boots; Balans in Soho
The last thing you bought and loved is…
A Pair of John Fluevog 1611 Twin Turbine Boots.
The book everyone should read before they die is…
Generally speaking, I tend to remember the essence of books more than I remember what they were about – and with that said, anything by Murakami.
The best piece of advice you have received is…
Not to be afraid to throw yourself into the deep end of things you might not fully understand – the best experience for learning is always doing, even if that means learning as you go.
The person in your career you admire most is…
Wong Kar Wai and Christopher Doyle.
James' drink of choice; Norwegian Wood by Murakami
The quote you live by is…
“Find what you love and let it kill you” – Charles Bukowski.
The advice you would give to someone starting out in your profession is…
To be kind, and try to make a small amount of progress each day towards your ultimate goal.
Your biggest luxury is…
Sleep, whenever I manage to get it.
What you do to relax and unwind...
Watching movies with my girlfriend.
For more lifestyle inspiration, read our Q&A with Johannes Huebl...
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