James draws from a broad and eclectic range of influences spanning literature, film, and photography, each offering a unique lens on themes like subculture, identity, and the darker or more intimate aspects of life. Here's a breakdown of the possible impact of these influences:

 1. *Bret Easton Ellis* – Known for his novels like American Psycho and Less Than Zero, Ellis explores themes of alienation, moral decay, and the hollowness of modern consumer culture. His influence on James might come through a fascination with the grotesque underbelly of privileged lifestyles or a focus on morally ambiguous, disaffected characters.

 2. *Nick Waplington* – A photographer known for capturing British working-class life, Waplington’s work often reflects raw, unstaged moments of family life and youth culture. James could be inspired by his documentary style and focus on real, unglamorous people.

 3. *David Lynch* – Renowned for his surreal, disturbing films such as Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, Lynch’s influence could steer James toward an interest in exploring the uncanny, mixing dreamlike imagery with everyday life, and diving into the subconscious.

 4. *Tom Wood* – Another photographer focused on everyday people, particularly in Liverpool and North Wales, Wood's street photography is known for its intimacy and empathy. This might inspire James to portray authentic, candid moments from the lives of ordinary people.

 5. *John Waters* – The king of camp and "bad taste," Waters (with films like Pink Flamingos) pushes boundaries in both humor and social commentary, often embracing the outrageous and grotesque. James could be drawn to his subversive, rebellious spirit.

 6. *William Gedney* – A photographer recognized for his sensitive depictions of marginalized communities, particularly in rural America, Gedney's work often captures the quiet dignity of people in challenging circumstances. This influence could manifest in James’s empathetic portrayal of outsiders or overlooked groups.

 7. *Larry Clark* – Known for Kids and his photography documenting youth subculture, drug use, and sexuality, Clark’s unfiltered, often controversial style focuses on the raw, unvarnished aspects of adolescence and street culture, which might appeal to James’s interest in gritty realism.

 8. *Chris Killip* – A British photographer known for his stark documentation of working-class communities in Northern England during times of economic hardship, Killip’s work reflects resilience and struggle, perhaps inspiring James to capture similarly powerful social commentary.

 9. *Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen* – With her focus on life in Byker, Newcastle, Konttinen captures a strong sense of place and community. Her influence on James might inspire a deep engagement with the environment and the close-knit relationships within specific locales.

10. *Ian David Baker* – A British photographer known for his intimate portrayals of queer youth in the 1970s and 80s, Baker’s influence may lead James toward a tender, yet raw examination of youth and identity, particularly around LGBTQ+ themes.

11. *Chris Lowell* – Lowell’s photography portrays a dreamy, nostalgic Americana: treating the landscape as a main character with a sense of whimsy and a sense of humour permeating throughout the work. James might pull from this aesthetic to contrast more intense or surreal elements.

12. *Sally Mann* – Mann is celebrated for her hauntingly beautiful portraits of her children and Southern landscapes, often touching on themes of memory, mortality, and decay. James could draw inspiration from her ability to evoke deep emotion through intimate and sometimes unsettling imagery.

In summary, James is influenced by a mix of raw documentary realism, subversive countercultural narratives, and surreal, unsettling atmospheres. This fusion could result in work that both critiques society's darker aspects and reveals the intimate, sometimes uncomfortable truths of personal identity and environment. Or something else.