Russell loves not having the same day twice. Your photos and videos won’t look like anyone else’s because you aren’t like anyone else. Your brand shines when it is able to stand apart from the competition, and Russell works with you to ensure the imagery you create together is the best reflection of your brand—your values, personality, mood and aspirations.
Russell’s been photographing in Cleveland—and traveling for clients nationwide—since 1993. Years of agency work taught him how to make every moment look its best no matter the circumstances or constraints. In 2005, he launched his own photography business and, as both a still and motion photographer, has been working directly with clients ever since.
From half-day shoots to weeks-long jobs, Russell partners with clients to meet their photography needs, no matter the size or scope of the project. He feels challenged by working within whatever the constraints of the job bring—whether that’s only moments to capture a subject, a tight environmental space or an endless shot list. He loves using what’s available to make the moment its best—adding elements of any environment to create visual interest in the frame and create truly compelling, dynamic photos and videos.
Worked into Russell’s photographic approach is a passion for using lighting to create the right mood and moment. His honed technique makes an environment and subjects come to life with proper lighting—without using standard techniques that make the lighting scheme obvious. With an unconventional approach, Russell’s lighting fills a space and replicates natural light so the focus and energy of the photo is on the subject, not the set-up.
Russell loves collaborating with graphic designers, art directors, producers, editors, marketing directors and office managers to see a vision come to life. From brainstorming creative approaches to scouting various options and always being flexible to ensure everything needed is accomplished, Russell enjoys the process of working together to make each project an overwhelming success. And, with an extensive network of collaborators, Russell can easily coordinate any additional roles need for a shoot—assistants, makeup artists, stylists, sound technicians, retouchers and more.
When he’s not behind the lens, you’ll find Russell cycling across the streets of Cleveland, mountain-bike racing out of town, taking his cats to the vet or feeding his neighborhood squirrels.