New York · Available for international & domestic travel

Documentary Director of Photography, New York

James Peterson is a documentary DP based in Brooklyn, New York City. Over three decades he has filmed documentary series and features across 44 countries and territories and 49 states, from Pristine Seas expeditions in the South Pacific to conflict zones, and the first all civilian crew to reach orbit.

The approach is simple: the image is there to serve the story. Small footprint, trusted access, and cameras that know where to listen.

Selected documentary work

• Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to SpaceNetflix
• Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn's TreasureNetflix · Top 10 series, March 2025
• Chain of CommandNational Geographic · filmed in Mosul, Iraq
• National Geographic ExplorerJane Goodall's chimpanzees at Gombe
• Protecting Paradise, Pristine SeasNational Geographic · Niue
• Ocean Treks with Jeff Corwin26 episodes · Bronze Telly, cinematography
• Live Free or DieNational Geographic
• StarTalk with Neil deGrasse TysonSpace Command episode, Thule Air Force Base
• The Invisible ShieldPBS
• After UvaldePBS
• Regular HeroesAmazon

Networks and streamers

National Geographic, Netflix, Apple TV+, HBO, PBS, CBS, NBC, ABC, Discovery, A&E, History, Smithsonian, and more. The complete record is in the archive.

Start a conversation