Brooklyn · New York City · Worldwide
New York City Director of Photography
James Peterson is a Netflix-approved Director of Photography based in Brooklyn, working across New York City and traveling worldwide. Productions hire him as an independent DP, or hire a full turnkey crew through James Peterson Films, LLC.
He has filmed the TCS New York City Marathon broadcast every year since 2015, as part of a two-time New York Emmy-winning team, along with New York and Washington segments for MSNBC Films and work for Starr Media.
New York work
- TCS New York City MarathonABC / ESPN via Starr Media · 2015 to present · 2× New York Emmy winner
- Loan WolvesMSNBC Films / Peacock · 2022 · New York and Washington segments
- Martyr of Gowanusfeature film · 2025 · additional DP · Best Narrative Feature, Syracuse
- Regular HeroesAmazon · 2020 · 6 episodes
Crew, kit and services
- Union or non-union. Available for IATSE and non-union productions, with crews staffed to match the production's agreement.
- Gear in house. Camera packages built to Netflix 4K capture requirements, plus in-house audio kits.
- Turnkey crews. Camera, sound, grip and production support for documentary, commercial and branded work.
- Live remote viewing. Directors and clients who cannot be on set can watch live over SRT, Starlink or bonded cellular.
- Drones and difficult locations. FAA Part 107 certified, fully insured.
Kinds of work
Documentary, vérité, television, commercial and branded, and camera and workflow consulting. Credits span Netflix, National Geographic, Apple TV+, HBO, PBS and CBS.
Questions producers ask
How do I hire a Director of Photography in New York City?
Use the contact form, email contact@jamespetersonfilms.com or call +1 (212) 390-0713. Include dates, location and the kind of production, and James will reply with availability and options for crew and kit.
Does James work union or non-union?
Both. James works on union (IATSE) and non-union productions and staffs crews to match the production's agreement.
Can James provide a full crew and equipment?
Yes. James Peterson Films, LLC supplies turnkey crews with in-house camera and sound packages.
Does James travel outside New York?
Yes. James has filmed in 44 countries and territories and 49 U.S. states, and is available for domestic and international travel.