I'm James and Forests and Festivals is my response to a perceived need.

I have always been drawn to the wild, and as a photographer, I have spent countless hours in nature. But I have learned that the human story provides just as much opportunity for visual storytelling and photography as the natural world. In many ways, the two are inseparable; the intersection of the natural world with vibrant human tradition defines for me the true character of a place.

I have been fortunate to live in India for nearly nine years now, and before that, I lived and worked in China, Qatar, and the UK. During those years, both as a diplomat and a traveller, I’ve crisscrossed the regions I’ve been lucky enough to call home. Throughout this time, I and many friends have had to navigate the sense of compromise between a specialist itinerary that caters to a particular interest such as nature photography and the more readily addressible needs of someone who wants to experience the heart, history, and life of the people living in their chosen destination. This challenge has been most acutely felt when planning trips with my young family.

Forests and Festivals is my bridge between these two worlds.

It is for the adventurous traveller who wants to experience the real culture and vibe of a place but perhaps doesn't know how to start putting the pieces together. I cater to the photographer and the non-photographer alike, crafting itineraries that satisfy both the desire to simply immerse in nature as a way to relax and the need for human connection.

I also believe there is value in looking beyond the surface. Destinations—India, for example—are often viewed through a singular, narrow lens; a prism of stereotypes that fails to capture the full reality on the ground. I don't intend to rewrite the narrative; instead, I want to offer an alternative. By inviting you to challenge outdated perceptions and step into the locations I know and love, I hope to show you countries that are modern, deeply traditional, wild, and sophisticated—often all in the same day.

I won't offer a sanitized tour; I offer an authentic encounter to places that defy easy description. Join me, and experience the unexpected.