James Geist was born in Smithtown, New York. He attended Polytechnic University in Farmingdale, New York and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Computer Engineering. Jim has worked for Grumman Data Systems, Electronic Data Systems, CAP Gemini America, Bellcore (also know as Telcordia Technologies) and Johnson & Johnson.

In recent years, Jim found that more and more of his time and resources were going towards his love of photography. Embracing his growing interest in photography, Jim applied to and was accepted into Hallmark Institute of Photography's class of 2005. He took a hiatus from his day job and relocated to Millers Falls, Massachusetts to begin his photographic education.

Jim currently resides in Jersey City, NJ. He is a freelance digital technician experienced with Phase One (Capture One PRO v3.7.8 / v4), Leaf Aptus / AFi (Leaf Capture v11.2), Imacon (FlexColor v5), Sinar (CaptureShop v5), as well as Nikon and Canon cameras and software. He plans on pursuing commercial and portrait work.