“I find nothing more challenging or important than achieving a personal connection with the person I am photographing. To find a personal and intimate moment is rare and wonderful. Many have been photographed hundreds, even thousands of times by others, before me. I search for a unique glimpse that is truthful and powerful. In a successful portrait, there is a moment when the person I am shooting understands the truth about me—that I have a genuine and passionate curiosity about them. If we are lucky to reach that magical moment, I freeze it in time through my camera. 

Many people have said that the eyes are the window to the soul. Sometimes that’s true, however it can also be in the seemingly smallest detail, like a ring or in the quietness of having eyes closed. My love of the portrait is really about my love of real connection with people. My camera is simply the tool.”

Born in Western Australia, Russell James lived in Japan and Europe before settling in New York City. Greatly influenced by the light, culture and landscapes, his images have become synonymous with provocative, unique perspectives of many of the most prominent people of our time.