McCory is a Montana native and learned to appreciate art at an early age watching his grandfather, who was a well-known painter and sculptor. After a college photography class, McCory was hooked. In his free time, he took pictures whenever and wherever he could.

McCory worked as a web designer for many years before making his passion his life's work. In 2003, McCory James Photography was born. Since then McCory has shot advertising and editorial photography for a diverse range of clients that include Giorgio Armani, Harvard University, The Home Depot, Western Union, Xcel Energy, The Pepsi Center, Novartis Pharmaceuticals and many more.

McCory is based in Denver and is the Vice President of the Colorado Chapter of American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) , member of Editorial Photographers (EP) and a member of Art Directors Club of Denver.

In his free time, McCory enjoys traveling, soccer, hiking, skiing and spending time with his wife, Kelly, and son, Landon.