Life behind the scenes

James says he tried many different things before he found a way to make a living from photography, but he considers the process necessary.

"I think what is really important is for young people to realize that you don't need to know specifically what you want to do.

"You've got to keep following your instinct because what you eventually do is going to be a combination of all the things that you did earlier."

As for his philosophy of life, he says: "Don't be afraid to try something. If that's not the thing for you, you're going to take something from that into whatever it is you're doing."

He says that the key to success is to never forget your initial determination.

"I stayed persistent and passionate about what I wanted to do for many years before it started to pay off ... And I've always felt that if you pursue your passion, the business and other things will come."

As a professional backstage photographer, James jokes that now he has a job that millions of men envy, because he gets the chance to see beautiful women shine off stage.

And with the experience of working with people from all over the world, he thinks beauty is beyond nationality or the color of your skin.

As for his idea of beauty, James, who describes himself as 'color blind', says: "If you ask me what the definition of beauty is in this day and age, I think what is wonderful is it's becoming broader, and is becoming more diverse."

He says that Chinese models including Liu Wen and Ming Xi amaze him with their "absolutely beautiful skin".

Meanwhile, since the start of 2017, James has been busy working in China, shooting campaigns, besides being a judge on the Road to the Runway show, and helping the Chinese program select a winner to join the Shanghai VS event.

Separately, James, who says that this trip to China is about his 10th visit to the country, adds that he plans to bring an exhibition of his photographs to China, including Shanghai and Beijing.

"It (the exhibition) is really about my many years behind the scenes at Victoria's Secret fashion shows.

"I want it to be not just an exhibition, but an experience where people can become immersed in that world and see it through my work.

"I can't take everybody backstage, but I want to give them the closest thing to it."