Russell James

Growing up in Western Australia, Russell James would have never imagined his photography would be displayed in National Galleries worldwide. Still maintaining his surfie looks, Russell has worked with high calibre celebrities to become an internationally renowned fashion photographer. Admitting that he grew up with unintentional bigatories, Russell is now working on an Indeginous project to conceptualise Australia's apology to the Indigenous people.

Russell grew up in a town where Australians with different skin colours (white and black) were seperated, and he knows first hand how many barriers there are in attempting to overcoming Australia's past. Leaving school at 14, Russell tried his hand at some creative works in sheet metal but following his father's footsteps, he decided to become a policeman. During his stint as an officer, Russell started trading on the stockmarket from some tips from high profile business friends he met through the police force. But ultimately, Russell lost it all, recovering Russell ventured overseas to earn some cash modelling. Travelling the world with his healthy Australian good-looks, he met a Swedish girl with whom he shared a baby. When he become more settled, his friend introduced him to photography. He saw how photos were made, and he had his epiphany.

Struggling to gain any attention for his passion, a common woe of the creative professional, he persevered. Narrowly escaping his nightmare of returning to metal works, he got an offer for W magazine to shoot a 10-page fashion spread. Shortly after, he shot Tyra Banks for Sports Illustratated. All of a sudden, he became a New York phenomen. Fearing he would be discovered for 'not actually being a real photographer', Russell rided the wave of success.

Russell was on the top of his game. After his first relationship deteriorated, he met Ali Franco, who is his partner of ten years. Her constant support over his many years of vibrant and illustrious success was welcomed by Russell, who travelled endlessly. However, caught in the commotion of realising his creative dream, Russel's personal life became somewhat comprimised. His daughter, Emily, then in her early teens, succumed to drugs and alchohol; a downward spiral that Russell blames himself for allowing to happen. To help his daughter recover, he sent Emily to a spiritual camp to regain her control. Feeling the pressure of the destructive situation, Russell accidently and frightenly overdosed on sleeping tablets and alchohol. Unintentionally brushing death, Russell woke up to his reality. Giving up alchohol and sleeping tablets, he supported his daughter in giving up everything they used to escape the world. His daughter graduated from her camp, and the family felt renewed. Russell was overwhelmingly relieved to have his daughter back.

When Russell felt all was back on track, he spent some time with an Indigenous family close to his heart. His bond with the Indigenous people meant the apology from Kevin Rudd was all the more significant. Russell reflected on his own childhood, and his own neglective treatment of aboriginals. He felt compelled to fuel the work to invest in breaking down barriers between disadvantaged groups and common society; he created Nomad. Backed by celebrities, like Donna Karen and Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas, Russell wants young people from all backgrounds to feel inspired to achieve their dreams. Richard Branson and other donators have helped fund the successful community project.

Far from the world of glamourous photography, Russell puts his community works first. Stylishly tackling community issues. Nomad Two worlds will open in August in Berlin.