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James Bitz Photography bio picture

Put your feet up and stay awhile

I want this page to not only tell you about my photography, but to let you know more about me and what I’M about.
I was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. Up until I started dating my wife (who is from Exeter, NE), I had no idea where any other cities than Lincoln or Omaha were. I’ve since learned of and visited some great places all over the state from Central City to Wayne to Nebraska City, etc. I was really surprised to learn all the cool scenery Nebraska has to offer.
I am a graduate of Lincoln High School. I graduated back in ’99. I’m almost positive that I was the coolest person alive at the time.
Aside from photography I also teach high school at Lincoln North Star. I love teaching and being in the classroom. I’m technically a “shop” teacher, but I don’t work around power tools. I teach engineering and architectural drafting courses, so I’m in a stuffy computer lab all day that has no windows. It’s actually not that bad, considering I have one of the largest rooms in the school, and I don’t have to share it with anyone else.
Growing up in the Midwest has taught me a lot about the value of getting to know people. I’ve never had a hard time finding nice people in this part of the country. There’s always someone around to help you change a tire.


Though my mom is from South Dakota, and my dad is from New Mexico, I’ve learned to embrace both cultural backgrounds. People often confuse my ethnicity as Italian or Greek. Nope, half-German, half-Mexican. It makes a nice combination, don’t you think?
I love to write and play music… though play might be a strong word. I can diddle around on the keyboard, and I’m actually not bad at playing the duduk. *crickets chirping* The duduk is an Armenian double reed instrument. I know you’ve heard it in movie soundtracks, you probably just never knew what it was.
Back to music though… I always have music around me. In the car, in my MP3 player, on my computer, etc. It’s what gets me going and sets my moods. I’m particularly fond of Baroque, Celtic, and Electronic music. I’m not a big country fan, so I hope you’ll forgive me for that. (I promise I won’t make a funny face at the DJ when I shoot your wedding reception.)
I’ve been married to a wonderful woman for over three years and have a daughter that runs amok throughout our house. She has recently learned how to say, “No!” Isn’t that pleasant?

-What I Do-
Okay, enough with my personal life. Let’s talk about photography.
My favorite part of photography is capturing unique moments. Anyone can pull out a pocket camera and snap a picture of your first kiss as husband and wife. You’re probably not going to find a lot of people however, that are willing to crawl on the floor, lay down in the dewy grass, or crouch down in a creek with their good shoes on just to get that perfect shot. (Yes, you heard it right, you’re more important than my shoes)
While I have my own style of shooting, I want to work with you to get your ideas onto your walls, mantles, or albums.
I can’t guarantee that my style will match what you’re looking for, but I can try to take your ideas and adapt them to the way that I work.

-Professional Involvement-
As a member of the PPA (Professional Photographers of America), I strive to provide professional quality and service!
NILMDTS (Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep)

Category Archives: Senior

Tia [senior – part 2] Sunken Gardens – Lincoln, NE

Tonight was the second half of Tia’s senior portrait shoot. I have to admit that she makes my work so easy. I love it when the poses come so naturally to someone. It was a bit of a struggle to get her to make a serious face every now and then, but she definitely let...

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Krissy [senior] – Lincoln, NE

The light was amazing tonight! My job is so much easier when the sun hits everything just right, and tonight was no exception. Krissy has such a fun personality, and taking her pictures was like shooting fish in a barrel. It was hot, and I was pretty drenched by the end of the session, but...

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Lindsey [senior] sneak peek – Sunken Gardens – Lincoln, NE

I had hoped for a little sun today, but no dice. It was a bit chilly and completely overcast, but it ended up making for a great shoot anyway. The soft light from the clouds worked to our benefit. Lindsey made this shoot a lot of fun. She was willing to humor me and try...

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Tia [senior rep] sneek peek

Tia is my first senior of the Class of 2011. She’s helping to promote my photography to her friends and classmates and in return will receive some perks for referrals. I felt really bad for her during the shoot as she was really cold with the wind blowing across the prairie. It turned out to...

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Alex [senior] sneek peek

I can always tell I love what I do when I realize that I have no feeling in my fingers after a shoot. Nobody’s fault really, it’s just that brisk December air coming out in full force. Luckily Alex is a guy, and guys ,of course, never admit when they’re cold. I had a good...

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Nice break in the weather!

I was worried all week. 50 degrees and rainy isn’t exactly the ideal weather to take senior pictures in, but we decided to go anyway. Strangely enough, it warmed up a bit and the sun came out shining from behind the clouds. It turned out to be an awesome day!

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Spencer [senior pic sneak peek]

Today was beautiful out. 75 degrees, a slight breeze, and a few clouds scattered about the sky. Spencer was fun to work with. It’s always great working with someone who’s into their session, and is willing to try anything out.      

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Never be afraid of a little rain [Senior Pictures + sneak peek]

Today was a perfect example of how perfect picture weather can go wrong in an instant. As I was driving over to Nebraska City to take Christine’s pictures, the clouds rolled in and it got dark. I had adequate lenses and a flash, so I wasn’t too worried though. We got sprinkled on a little...

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Mallory Sneak Peek [senior pictures]

Today was such a nice day! Tomorrow it’s supposed to be almost 100 degrees out, but not today. It only got up to about 82, and with a cool breeze, it was pretty much perfect picture weather. Mallory is definitely a girl that knows how to smile. In fact, it took a lot of coaxing...

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Prom Season – part 2

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of shooting another pre-prom session. A different school, and less people, but still fun! We went down to the Haymarket and walked around shooting for about an hour, before they had to be off to the festivities. Lots of smiles and plenty of excitement pretty much sums up the...

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