Our Story:

A Promise Made.
A River Remembered.

From the Heart of Northern California

Northern California Scenics (NCS) is more than a photography brand — it's a tribute to the raw, untamed beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills and a lifelong promise to a river that nearly claimed me.

My name is Kial James, and I’m the photographer, designer, and storyteller behind NCS. For over 20 years, I’ve captured the soul of Northern California — from the emerald pools of the Yuba River to the snow-dusted streets of Nevada City and the golden wildflower hills that roll with the seasons. My work has been featured in Forbes, CNN, Getty, AAA, Cowboys & Indians, and shown at Sundance. But it all started with a moment of near tragedy.

Stylized text spelling 'California' with a star replacing the letter 'i', over a light-colored bear silhouette.

A man in a red jacket standing on a large rock by a trail, overlooking a river flowing through a hilly landscape dotted with trees, under a partly cloudy sky.

The River That Changed Everything

At 16, I was fishing with a friend on the Yuba River — a place I’d known, loved, and trusted. But in one instant, I lost my footing on slick rocks and was swept downstream, hip waders filling fast. I fought to stay afloat, panicked. My friend dove in after me, helping me grab hold of a large rock midstream. I clung to it, terrified to swim just 30 yards to the shore. Eventually, I made it back — shaken, silent, and forever changed.

I never told my parents. But I made a vow that day: One day, I’ll return to this river… not in fear, but in reverence. I’ll show the Yuba’s beauty to the world — in ways that perhaps had never been seen before.

A Visual Love Letter to the Sierra Foothills

Today, that promise lives on through Northern California Scenics. Every image I create — whether it’s a spring bloom in Grass Valley, a snowstorm over Truckee, or the golden hour on the Yuba — is part of a visual archive of the place I call home. It’s a collection built not just on skill, but on gratitude, wonder, and memory.

I believe that great photography does more than look beautiful — it helps people connect to place. Whether you're a local, a small business owner, a tourist, or simply someone who longs for the serenity of nature, these images are made for you.

Wildflowers blooming on a hillside near a rocky cliff, with a sunset sky and trees in the background.

Close-up of green grass blades with water droplets.

Close-up of a budding orange and red tulip with water droplets on its petals, blurred purple flowers and greenery in the background.

What We Offer

Through NCS, you’ll find:

Curated Digital Image Packs perfect for Airbnb listings, small business marketing, or social media
High-quality wall art and prints for homes, offices, or galleries
Cards, calendars, and gifts that reflect the spirit of Northern California
Commercial licensing options for custom projects, tourism, branding, and campaigns

All images are professionally photographed, thoughtfully edited, and captured with intention — so you can feel the story behind every scene.

Honest. Wild. Scenic.

Interested in collaborating?

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Interior of a First US Community Credit Union branch with a reception desk, computer, and large wall mural of a scenic landscape with a bridge and trees.

In Memoriam of Riley James

This project carries more than just a camera — it carries the memory of my son, Riley James.

From a young age, I taught Riley to gold pan on the Yuba River. He learned to respect the land, to leave no trace, and to appreciate the quiet wisdom of nature. Together, we’d spend weekends panning for gold, crevicing boulders, fishing, and hiking along the river’s edge — sharing time, laughter, and lessons that went far beyond the water.

Riley grew up to become a firefighter and EMT — courageous, kind, and deeply connected to the Yuba. At just 24 years old, he passed away unexpectedly. His cremated remains now rest in a custom-designed urn crafted from Yuba River rock, sand, and real gold — a permanent connection to the place we both loved.

The Yuba holds profound meaning for me — not just because it nearly took my life once, but because it gave so much to both of us. Riley’s spirit inspires this work, this brand, and every image I capture along this river. He is a part of Northern California Scenics in every way.