Family Portraits is our annual portrait series celebrating the people, relationships, and shared values that shape Bernard James. Launched in 2020, the project brings together individuals from across creative disciplines and walks of life - friends, collaborators, and chosen family who have inspired Bernard personally and helped define the brand’s point of view.
As Bernard James has evolved, so has Family Portraits. What began as an intimate experiment using a Big Shot Polaroid camera later shifted to 16mm film, and most recently to a fully digital format. Each transition reflects a moment in the brand’s growth - a willingness to change, to explore new tools, and to respond to the present while staying grounded in craft and intention.
More than a campaign, Family Portraits is a record of connection. It is about honoring the people who stand beside us, the moments that shape us, and the idea that legacy is built collectively, over time.
EXPLORE THE YEARS BELOW
FAMILY PORTRAITS '25
2025 marked a defining chapter for Bernard James and for Family Portraits.
Five years into the series, this year’s portraits reflect both a moment of reflection and a moment of momentum.
Traditionally photographed and released during the summer, the 2025 edition intentionally shifted its timing to the end of the year. The visual language also evolved - moving away from the series’ signature white backdrop and into the brand’s core color palette. These choices were deliberate, signaling a year that felt distinct in pace, growth, and significance.
The portraits bring together a group of individuals who represent the creative, cultural, and personal forces surrounding the brand today. Captured digitally, the work balances clarity and intimacy, offering space for presence rather than performance. The result is a quieter, more considered expression of the series - one that mirrors where Bernard James stands after five years.
Family Portraits 2025 arrives at a time of reflection: marking the fifth year of the project, a year of notable recognition for the brand, and an ongoing commitment to community as the foundation of everything we build.
Featuring (from top left to bottom right):
Brandon Blackwood, Tyler Joe, Caitlan Hickey, Carly Cushnie, Mobolaji Dawodu, Chloe King, Gregory Beson, Denee Benton, Quil Lemons & Parker Harwood
Photograher: Quil Lemons
1st Assistant: Cade Curran
Digi Tech: Berg Dogan
Lighting Director: Miller Lyle
Video Director: Thiha Minzin
DP/Gaffer: Conor McGrath
B Cam: Minh Nguyen
Set Design: Rae Godin
HMU: Michelle Ramirez
FAMILY PORTRAITS 2023
The fourth installment of our annual series, showcases a remarkable lineup of 24 close friends and family and is guided by this year's overarching brand theme, "Process,"
This year's campaign takes a digital turn, stepping away from its traditional analog roots and embracing the boundless possibilities of digital technology, allowing for a fresh perspective and a more elevated look & feel for the brand’s annual campaign.
Featuring (from top left to bottom right):
Ant Blue Jr, Carolin Ramsauer, Brandon Tan, Breanna Hall, Maia Eid, Nerenda Eid, Courtney Sofiah Yates, Cooper, Ko, Chris Klemens, Ian Bradley, Jalil Johnson, Jess Willis, Janice Szeto, Jian De Leon, Rebeca Mendoza, Kendall Bessent, Key, Austin Gebbia, Shibon Leigh, Sharmaine Harrison, Steve Jackson, Sarah Favreau, Reva Bhatt, Kirsy Lovett, Ife, Marquia Walton, James Bee, Matteo Mobilio, Karizza Sanchez, Moses Moreno
Director/Editor: Cooper & Ko @koarchives @mizarkas
Assistant Camera: Tyh McLean @tyhdmpl
Gaffer: Maria Valera @_marvarelaa
Grip: Miller Lyle @miller_lyle
BTS: Karon Sanders @karonie
Production Manager: Eliza Newman @elizalouisephoto
FAMILY PORTRAITS 2022
In 2022, FP embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation, bidding farewell to the iconic Big Shot Polaroid format and embracing the artistry of 16mm film. This pivotal shift allowed us to delve deeper into each individual's story, capturing their essence with more personality and depth. As the campaign grew, featuring a diverse array of extraordinary individuals, it celebrated the power of storytelling and the beauty of authentic connections that continue to inspire Bernard James Fine Jewelry.
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Featuring (from top left to bottom right):
Aisling Camps, Bon Duke, Matthew Henson, Becky Ayinkode, Christopher John Rogers, Christina Ripley, Quil Lemons, Devine Blacksher, Simon Davis, Cassandra Mayela, Alexander-Julian Gibbson, Joe Kenneth, Cherie Camacho, Bryce Thomas, Kevin Hunter, Chelsea Rojas, Sara Beolchini, Anthony Brooks.
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DIRECTOR: Cesar Buitrago
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Juan Pablo Herrera
LIGHTING DIRECTOR: Chad Hilliard
EDITOR: David Ko
COLORIST: Aaron Fenichell
BTS: Christopher Robinson
PRODUCER: Carolin Ramsauer
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: Trinidad Alamos
FAMILY PORTRAITS 2021
In 2021, the FP campaign continued to enchant with its timeless allure, capturing the essence of enduring connections once again on Andy Warhol's iconic Big Shot polaroid camera. While the campaign retained its nostalgic charm, the true magic lay in the diverse group of trailblazers and visionaries featured this year. Notable friends from various industries graced the portraits, sharing their extraordinary stories and celebrating the power of human bonds. As FP expanded its circle, it reaffirmed the brand's commitment to celebrating the beauty of personal connections and the shared experiences that shape our lives.
Featuring (From top left to bottom right):
Tchesmeni Leonard, Rachael Wang, Telsha Anderson + Justin Boone, Dan Solomito, Topaz Jones, Amanda Murray, Musclecars, Naomie Elizee, Sickamore, Jen Pio, Sebastian Jean, Josephine Butterfly, Florian Koenigsberger, Stephanie Yang + Paul C Kang, Cesar Buitrago.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Cesar Buitrago
FAMILY PORTRAITS 2020
The inaugural Family Portraits ' 20 campaign marks the beginning of a cherished tradition, born from a profound yearning for human connection during challenging times.
Inspired by Andy Warhol's iconic Big Shot polaroid camera, we wanted to pay homage to his collection of polaroids, capturing New York's creative elite. The first installment of FP '20 thus features extraordinary individuals, and particularly close friends who have been by Bernard's side for years, celebrating their profound impact on the brand's journey.
These portraits embody the essence of enduring connections and the power of shared experiences, setting the stage for an enchanting series that would continue to evolve and inspire for years to come.
Featuring (From top left to bottom right):
Steve Pierre-Jean, Tahirah Hairston, Out Of Office, Paula Hess, Nikki Martinez, Noah Thomas, Corey Stokes, Gabe Liberty, Nouri Hassan, Preston Thompson, Angel & Dren, Bernard James.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Cesar Buitrago
PRODUCTION: Carolin Ramsauer C/O Abovo Management
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