Russell James

Russell James (Australian, b.1962) is a beauty and celebrity photographer who also directs television commercials, music videos, and art films for Victoria's Secret and Gillette. James's photography is influenced by Australia's extraordinary light and open landscapes. His images combine the natural elements of air, water, earth, and sun. James attributes the inspiration in his work to the photographer Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), who was one of the pioneers of the Fashion Photography Movement.

Before taking up photography at the age of 30, James had experimented with various careers including that of a police officer, a tradesman, and, earlier on at the age of 15, a metal worker in Perth, Australia. James sees these experiences as pivotal to whom he is today and a contributor of valuable insights that influence how he sees life behind the camera lens. In collaboration with indigenous artists from Australia, James began the artistic project entitled Nomad Two Worlds in New York in January 2009. Nomad Two Worlds has a two-fold mission. The mission is to collaborate with indigenous artists and to promote the beauty and rich cultural history of indigenous people worldwide.