Russell James
Russell James
Over the past decade photographer Russell James’ images have become synonymous with provocative, unique perspectives of many of the most prominent women of our time in the worlds of entertainment, fashion and beauty. His works have appeared in leading publications such as Vogue, W, American Photo, and Sports Illustrated, and have been published in several fine art books, including the three hundred pages retrospective ‘Russell James’ (2009) by world leading art book publisher teNeues Publications. In August of 2007 Russell was awarded the Hasselblad Masters Award, and in 2009 Russell joined the prestigious ranks of Irving Penn and Helmut Newton as a resident artist of Camera Work, the worlds leading gallery for contemporary photography and vintage master works.
Russell’s diverse photographic achievements range from exhibiting for brands such as Hermes in association with Guggenheim to breakthrough advertising campaigns for global brands, such as Rolex, Victoria’s Secret, Evian and Revlon, to emotional portraits of many of the world’s leading celebrities, musicians and supermodels, such as Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry, Faith Hill, Black Eyed Peas and a host of others. He has been the subject of solo photographic exhibitions in New York, Berlin and Sydney.
Russell is also renowned for his fine art project entitled Nomad Two Worlds, a series inspired by the global consequences of cultural collision. Nomad Two Worlds is informed both by Australia’s ancient past and by an unfolding, present-day political narrative and has become a global example of reconciliation in action. Since its launch in New York city in 2009 with the support of Donna Karan, Hugh Jackman and the Australian Government the collection has previewed in the national gallery of Victoria in Australia and has been engaged to exhibit at the World Peace Festival in Berlin in 2011 in support of keynote speakers such as Desmond Tutu and others.
Russell first solo photography book ‘Russell James’ with forewords by Heidi Klum and Donna Karan featured some of Russell’s work most prominent work with people such as Scarlett Johansson, Mary J. Blige, Faith Hill, Halle Berry, Kristin Davis, Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum and over thirty others and has been released in more than seventy countries. His second book entitled ‘V2’ with forewords by Victorias Secret President Edward Razek and Sir Richard Branson was released by teNeues Publications in September 2010 and features the worlds most stunning beauties photographed on Necker island, home of Sir Richard Branson.
In addition to his photography, James is frequently engaged as a director and his works include short art films such as ‘Sardinia’ (2005) and ‘The Apology’ (2009) featuring Hugh Jackman and many others with music by Black Eyed Peas front man will i am James also directs television commercials, including national spots for Gillette and Victoria’s Secret. He is often called on to make national television appearances in his capacity as an industry leading photographer for shows such as Good Morning America, Oprah, Access Hollywood and in 2008 James hosted a nine part television series for Viacom’s VH1 Channel entitled ‘The Shot’.
His eye originally inspired by the rich natural location of his home lands in Western Australia, James developed his cutting edge and provocative fashion style in the cities of London, Paris, Tokyo, Stockholm and Milan in the years 1987 to 1996 creating a unique blend of fashion and extreme location as his signature trademark. Known for his love of the environment and dramatic architecture, James is often found shooting in locations ranging from the shores of the Caribbean beaches, to the outback mountains of Australia, to the ice flows of the Arctic Circle to the more civilized realm of designer homes and studios in the major cities of New York, Los Angeles, London and Paris.
James presently resides in New York City.
