More about Russell R....
What do you love about your job?
Happy, satisfied clients! That's what truly gets me hyped. Creating high quality images is fun--but my customer's smiles are my ultimate reward!
In addition to happy clients, I enjoy pushing my creativity--learning new aspects of photography--looking for new ways to tell a visual story. If I can improve my craft, that helps my clients get better results!
What types of shoots have you done and how did you make them special?
I once photographed delicious food from a food truck. Up to that point, all my other restaurant clients were brick-and-mortar. I soon discovered that photographing anything inside a food truck is nearly impossible because there’s literally no room inside for me to set up my laptop, flash, and camera equipment. But I always bring different prop surfaces along with me, just in case—and this shoot was the only one I used them for. I set up just outside the food truck, and was able to complete the session. The food looked great, and the surface I provided did too! Sometimes, I hesitate to pack an extra gadget or surface—but I bring them anyway, because you just never know. It’s such a relief (for me and my clients) when we’re faced with an unexpected hurdle on a shoot, and I’m able to confidently say, “I have just the thing!”
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In the commercial/product/food world, my client doesn’t always know what photos will work best for them. So, I offer suggestions and consultation. For example, one client needed photos of ice cream toppings for his website. I suggested we photograph each topping individually against a white background, to avoid any visual “clutter”. My client realized I had their best interest in mind--and that helped solidify their trust in me.
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In addition to commercial work, I’ve also shot youth sports, family, and portrait. In those shoots, I help direct posing, and try things out in order to find a "look" or "emotion" that appeals to my clients. Sessions are never filled with giant gaps of awkward silence with just me clicking a button on a camera. Instead, there's a constant flow of communication. I ask for feedback every few shots--to see how my client feels, or to show them some of the raw files on the back of the camera. I encourage them to let me know if there's a prop or a certain "look" they're after, and I go out of my way to help them achieve it. Also, I'm always on the lookout for unscripted, candid moments to capture, as those can sometimes be more powerful than posed shots. Those little extras make each session special.
Awards, honors, and recognitions received
Editor's Pick, Twenty20 Envato Elements "Nerd Culture" Photography Challenge, July 2020
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Nominee for the Ross Bunnell Local Coordinator Team of the Year, 2018 from the Washington State Secretary of State, and Combined Fund Drive Program
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Certificate of Appreciation for Event Photography 2018 from the Washington State Secretary of State and the Combined Fund Drive Program
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Certificate of Appreciation for Youth Sports Photography provided to the Northridge Bulldogs Football Program, 2018, Thurston County Youth Football League
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Formally recognized by the Thurston County Boys and Girls Club for photography services provided to the Combined Fund Drive Annual Golf Tournament, 2018
A fun fact about this photographer
I enjoy other creative outlets like video, and music. I also enjoy writing "how-to" articles on my photography website.
Featured as one of the Best photographers in Olympia
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