Sam Irving, a Marine who served in Iraq

Upon leaving the United States Marine Corps, James decided to begin a career as a photojournalist. He enrolled at San Francisco State University and embarked on a unique journey as an embedded photographer prior to completing any classes as a journalism student. James purchased his first camera only two months before beginning his embed. I have followed his series of articles over the last five months and believe that James will become an influential photographer within the next five years. I connected with his photographs. His images are honest.

David Agrell, editor for the S.F. State University newspaper

For James to return to Iraq, not as a soldier but as a reporter and a photojournalist, speaks volumes of what he's looking to achieve through journalism. Armed with a unique perspective on the alarming situation there, he has used his previous experiences to dig deeper than any other embed could possibly go. While in Iraq, he always demanded the truth, be it good news or bad. His stories laid bare some harsh realities that smirch the situation there, but also told of the small victories closer to the ground that have helped us all better understand the bigger picture.

Also, his experience of being removed from his embed in Basra has reminded us, as student journalists, how fragile and precious—but also how difficult and frustrating—journalism can be. It's something that can be taken away from us. James insisted on being in Basra, knowing that situation unfolding there at the time was a story that needed to be told. But he fought all he could to tell that story, and it's that kind of mettle and courage that has inspired his fellow student journalists here—no matter what they are reporting on.

Source | KTVU.com
[KTVU ran a story about James' experience getting removed from Iraq as a civilian photojournalist.] Former Marine Turned Photojournalist Gets Shut Out Of Iraq By Military He Once Served

Source | The Golden Gate [X]press
All conflicts develop a center of gravity. In Iraq, that center is Baghdad. The Agur Kuf Nahia is part of the Northern Security Belt of Baghdad. Endless narrow dirt roads and irrigation canals cut across this contentious region.

Source | The Golden Gate [X]press
Ali Jassim Al-Barbari, a 31-year-old bus driver and human rights activist, witnesses the Martyrs Day demonstration turn deadly. On December 17, 2007, members of the Special Security Force (SSF) and Bahraini Police in riot gear prepare to disperse the peaceful crowd.

Source | The Golden Gate [X]press
Aboard a U.S. Marine CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopter, I watch as the waters of the Bay of Bengal meet the coastline of Bangladesh. The aircraft is flying along the same path used 19 days earlier by a deadly tropical cyclone.

Source | The Golden Gate [X]press
Ahead, poncho-draped silhouettes stand and kneel along the harbor's edge. A passing motorcycle headlight reveals dozens of rain soaked faces staring in my direction. Neither the late hour nor the steady rain has concealed my intrusion. I walk between rows of parked motorcycles and into the ever-quieting throng of local Muslim fisherman.

Source | The Golden Gate [X]press
In November 2007, undergraduate journalism student James Lee embarked on a rare journey as an embedded journalist with the U.S. Marines. After arriving to his final destination, Iraq, Lee explored and wrote about the collaborative efforts of U.S., Coalition and Iraqi forces, who struggle to bring security to the region.