Jim's Camera House

The name honors both our father and his photo legacy on the Outer Banks.

Jim Lee was born in Durham, NC and obtained a Master's Degree in Forestry from Duke University. He became interested in photography in his teens and was rarely without a

camera photographing and documenting events in both his personal and professional lives.

Jim moved to the Outer Banks and founded Jim's Camera House in 1975 -- a successful

business selling cameras, photofinishing, photography services, and postcards. He shared his photographic knowledge with his customers, in pamphlets and in community college classes. He shot weddings, family events, nature, beach news, and ladies over for more than six decades. He mentored a number of local photographers and took thousands of photographs of his life, his family, his travels, wildlife, and the beach.

Jim and his wife, Hattie Trujillo Lee, bought this house overlooking the sound; where they entertained family and friends, enjoyed the incredible view of the sunsets and the ever-changing water and weather just outside their door. They were co-founders of the Outer Banks Current, a weekly local newspaper. Jim was active in the North Caroline Beach Buggy Association, Outer Banks Historical Society, NC Writers Conferences, and Duke Alumni activities. He helped to produce an annual bridal show on the Outer banks for many years.

Jim was a father, step-father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He left a legacy of photographs, memories of kind deeds and good times. His son, sons-in-law, and grandson are photographers professionally and the rest of us love to take pictures, especially here in the Outer Banks.