Our family has had the pleasure of working with Jim, a truly kind and talented fashion photographer. His ability to make everyone at the shoot feel comfortable and valued was remarkable. Jim's warm demeanor and genuine interest in the particular shoot theme brought out the best in everyone, resulting in stunning authentic images. His kindness is as impressive as his artistic eye, making each session not just a photoshoot, but a delightful experience. All my girls enjoy working with Jim.

-Ann Akhromtsev (Mother of 3 model daughters)

We have worked with James Rokop for years. He has a keen eye to capture natural beauty in the landscape and subjects. It doesn't matter if it's still shots or action, he is able to produce the most beautiful and artistic photography. Additionally, he has a calm (but fun) demeanor and is always respectful of his subjects. His sometimes goofy nature makes it easy to feel confident and comfortable when being photographed.

-Jennifer Barth (mother of two daughters and frequent subjects)

James has taken photos of my daughter for years. I've always been so impressed with his photography-every shoot is unique and creative. The shoots are relaxed and we always have fun, and I believe the is also why the images look so good.

-Julie Schiffman (mother of artistic swimming model)

James Rokop's photography reveals the extreme athleticism of a sport that has struggled for recognition.

-Tim Adams for the UK’s Guardian

I had the pleasure of working with James Rokop at the 2024 USA Artistic Championships Youth & 12U Invitational and Junior/Senior Championships in Houston, Texas. James's creative eye captured the essence of the event, producing stunning visuals that perfectly showcased the athletes' performances. His ability to turn around content quickly for social media use was invaluable, ensuring timely and engaging updates for our audience. Additionally, James interacted exceptionally well with the USAAS staff, demonstrating professionalism and a collaborative spirit. I highly recommend James for any sports photography needs.

-Kennedy Shriver, Commuications and Partnership Marketing Manager, USA Artistic Swimming

Jim has taken our national team and event photography to another level. His dedication to great shots has made a difference in the way we promote the sport through our social channels. His work has also elevated the experience of our event attendees. Jim has a great eye for the sport and his commitment to the craft shines through in so many of his photos.

-Adam Andrasko CEO of USA Artistic Swimming

My first time shooting with Jim was for my senior portraits, and the photos turned out so amazing! Since then, I have done several shoots with Jim over the years and have been so happy with the pictures. He always comes up with fun and unique themes for the studio shoots, as well as some in downtown Sacramento, Davis, and San Francisco! Every shoot has been such a positive experience and comfortable experience, and Jim is great at guiding models through poses which is helpful as someone with no modeling experience. Jim is very professional and I am always impressed with how quickly I receive photos after the shoot!

-Mackenzie Schoel (model)

Jim is such a gifted photographer and his work-both above and below water-beautifully depicts the power, teamwork, artistry and sheer athleticism of synchronized/artistic swimming. As both a sports and portrait photographer, he is able to capture for viewers the dramatic action of the sport as well as the beauty and ethereal nature of bodies moving in unison through water. When I needed images for my book on the history of synchronized swimming that could illustrate the difficulty and dynamism of the sport for readers, I immediately thought of Jim and feel deeply fortunate that he allowed me to use some of his pictures in my book. I only wish there had been room to include more of his photography!

Vicki Valosik, author of Swimming Pretty: The Untold Story of Women in Water.

My granddaughter, for many years now, has been modeling for Jim. I always look forward to seeing the beautiful photographs he takes of her and seeing what they have created together. I treasure seeing her grace and beauty shine in every photo Jim has taken of her. The poses, scenery, and backgrounds, whether inside or outdoors, are always amazing. You can tell how much thought, creativity, and talent have been put into every photograph Jim takes.

Debbie Woolpert Falk (grandmother of dance model)

We are lucky enough to have had the opportunity for Jim to photograph my daughter on multiple occasions. Our first introduction to Jim was back in 2021 as an event photographer at an artistic swimming national championship meet. He captured both the strength and elegance of the sport beautifully. He photographed future USA Artistic Swimming events and I will forever treasure the portraits of my daughter highlighting her athleticism and love for her sport. Jim is incredibly talented so we were honored when he was able to do her senior pictures, as well as some fashion/lifestyle and underwater portraits. Having never modeled before, his guidance, encouragement and professionalism put her at ease and the beautiful pictures speak for themselves! Jim truly has an immaculate gift and am fortunate to have these portraits by him. I often tell him, my Rokop gallery wall is my favorite in my house!

-Julie Romney (mother of athlete)

I met James a few years ago at a competition while he was taking photos. He was always so nice in his approach to taking photos, and never hesitated to try to photograph the sport in a more creative light. I appreciate his work, but more so appreciate his love for our sport, and wanting to capture all the pure moments that the athletes go through. His shots are different, and offer a view of the sport that is often overlooked. Thank you James for always capturing a great moment!

-Coach Yuliya, Santa Clara Aquamaids

Jim Rokop does not take photos, he creatively captures the essence of the inner and outer beauty of his subject with an air of artistry that is uniquely his signature style. His attention to detail creates extra ordinary moments in time that are powerful and inspirational.

-Angelo Moreno, Davis High School Orchestra Programs Instructor/Conductor

We were lucky enough to meet Jim 3 years ago and my daughter has been modeling for him ever since. He provides a creative supportive environment at every shoot and has really helped her build her confidence over the years. Every photoshoot produces incredible photos and he continually comes up with new unique and artistic ideas.

-Chrissy Kelly (mother of dance model)

Amazing! They say that art is in the eye of the beholder, but I don't know anyone that could look at these amazing artistic swimming photos that James Rokop creates and see anything BUT art! We have been watching these sports/movement/portraits captured by James for a long time now. It only took ONE pic to see that this photographer had a special gift for capturing the subject's personality and freezing it into a wonderful memory. We have worked with photographers for years and we have been so impressed by James' skills, communication, and professionalism that we have already verbally referred him to many people on the modeling side, the editorial side, and the sports side. Thank you for always being professional and congratulations on your amazing works of art!

-Lora Parks (photographer and artistic swimming fan)

Our youth organization holds the distinct honor of being the first synchronized swimming team to be photographed by Jim. What was born out of a creative desire to capture the unique visuals of each of his young daughter's sport of choice alongside their teammates grew into a passion and profession, and we are so proud to have been along for the ride! Jim has managed to portray the silliness and drama, the uniqueness and uniformity, and the athleticism of our sport in stunning and surprising ways. He captures the joy of the kids doing what they love, and the results of their hard work. Whether above the water, under the water, or on the pool deck, Jim's creative approach to photography continues to amaze us.

-Meredith Fleener (Head Coach, Davis Aquastarz)

Within the sport of artistic swimming, there are very few photographers who are able to capture the beauty and complexity of all the pieces that make it what it is. James is a photographer who not only does this, but also has a passion for it that shines through in every one of his pictures. His professionalism, dedication, and talent translates into the works of art he offers to the artistic swimming community. The world of artistic swimming is lucky to have someone like James offering his time and wonderful photos for everyone to enjoy!

- Teagan Betancourt, RMS Head Coach

I have had the privilege of working with Jim for over 5 years now. His personable and funny personality create a fun and comfortable environment for everyone. Photos of my synchronized swimming team turn out flawless every time-perfectly embodying the grace, strength, and beauty of the sport. In the studio, Jim has an excellent and creative eye making each photoshoot opportunity unique. From still, curated shots to motion shots in the pool to shots of the natural world, Jim is extremely talented in all realms of photography.

-Grace K. (teenage and young adult athlete and model)

James Rokop is an amazing photographer who has taken amazing photos of my daughter and her synchronized swimming team. He did a special session of my daughter underwater in our pool which were the most beautiful underwater photos I have ever seen. They were so visually creative and unique and stunning. James has a special unique skill of capturing breathtaking images underwater. This really puts him in a whole category of his own.

Christine Lee (mother of USAAS National Team swimmer)

My daughter started working with Jim through her dance team, Stambusky Studios, about a year ago in May. After, he asked her to come pose for a few fashion shots including dance. Since then, she's built her modeling portfolio, with many amazing shots, including traveling to Sacramento for a cool Tesla shoot. She's done many outdoor shoots around Davis and in downtown. Most recently, she participated in a couple of swimsuit shots, including most recently an underwater shoot in which two images were featured on the KAP 7 social media site and another the Turbo website. Jim is perpetually professional and a great communicator. He always talks with me and my daughter to check in with clothing options that fit her personal style, taste and level of comfort and is open to suggestions.

-Kali Slusser (mother of teen model)

Ever since my daughter has been in the age group competitive level for Artistic Swimming, if Rokop Photography is the official photographer for a USA Artistic Swimming National Meet, chances are I am buying lots of pictures. He has a gift of capturing the moment whether it is a posed picture, a candid shot, a moment of embrace or a great routine action shot! I have many framed photos in our home of James’ work. He is always so great about taking lots of shots of our team, the Lakes Mermaids so we have many to choose from. Thank you James for always taking the most beautiful pictures of our girls. I am grateful for your work and the special moments you have captured.

Candice Tucker-Lakes Mermaids Artistic Swimming Team Mom