About

James Gritz is an American-born photographer who has been making images for more than five decades. His work captures the poignant moments of life in places around the globe. He has worked extensively in India, Nepal, Ladakh, Tibet, Bhutan, Cambodia, Africa, Mexico, and Europe.

James is a long-time student of Tibetan Buddhism. In 2005, he spent 5 months in Tibet documenting the lives of the Tibetan Nangchen Nuns and the nomadic people of Kham. In 2008, James was hired by His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa, to travel and photograph the monasteries and sacred art of the Tibetan Drukpa lineage in Ladakh, Zangskar, India, Bhutan, Sikkim, and Nepal. He was hired in 2009 to photograph The Mind Life Conference with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Washington, DC. James was the official photographer of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa’s first US and European tours. Numerous books and magazines have published his travel, wildlife, nature, and street photography. Exhibitions in Europe, Mexico, and the United States have showcased his work. James has led photo workshops and taught photography in several countries. He currently lives in Galicia, Spain.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS: Outside Magazine, National Geographic (online), New Age Journal, Shambhala Sun, Worth, Diversion, Audubon, Bodhi Magazine, GEO, Stern, Lions Roar, Lens Culture, Oceans (Harper Collins-contributor and photo editor) and Spirit of the Whale (Voyager Press), The Book of Man (Scribner 1994, book cover) and many others.

James’ work is represented by Getty Images, Robert Harding, Okapia, Glasshouse Images, Saatchi Art, and Artmajeur.

James directed the documentary Never Give Up – The Heart of Compassion. James' book, "Pith Instructions from My Teachers", was published in November 2023. He is currently working on a new photography book on pilgrimage to sacred sites of India and a short film called "The Prophet of Parque Mexico."