JOHN RUSSO AIMING TO INSPIRE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
BY EBBY MAGAZINE
Celebrity photographer John Russo uses his talents to change the world.
“I ONLY MANIFEST GOOD THINGS AND RECOGNIZE THAT EVERY DAY IS NOT GOING TO BE PERFECT .”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEN WALLER IN GRANADA, SPAIN
John Russo is a celebrity and fashion photographer based in Los Angeles. He has photographed campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Prada, and Nike and covers of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Esquire & GQ. John has photographed the world’s top celebrities, from DiCaprio to Angela Jolie.
He currently has two books: “About Face,” a collection of actors’ portraits using type 55 Polaroid, and “100 Making a Difference,” a book about the world’s top philanthropists and humanitarians. John has also created Gio Journal, A Visual Journal of the Finer Things. It is a beautiful digital publication/print on a digital demand platform.
Originally from Ventnor, New Jersey, John currently resides between Aspen, Colorado, and Montecito, California. He is also a fine artist who sells his work globally, his work can be seen at Johnrussofineart.com, follow him at @johnrussophoto.
Do you have a mantra? To enjoy every day of my life. Not to sweat the small stuff and realize nothing and no one is worth stressing about. Only manifest good things and recognize that every day is not going to be perfect.
The words you say to yourself when you’re facing a challenge or need to push through something? That's what is bothering me today will be less bothersome tomorrow.
How do you feed your soul? I create Art in any way I can. Whether through design, photography, or painting, having the ability to create Art is what truly feeds my soul.
What’s your self-luxury? Travel is my passion. I have been fortunate in my life to travel the world and experience its magic of it. But, as my mom has told me many times, “John, you just can’t sit still.” Truer words have never been spoken.
Is there a particular place that you visited lately that stands out for you? Yes, a resort called Finca Cortesin, a preferred hotel on the Andalusian coast of Spain. Finally, a property that gets it all right. That understands the luxury travel market and the expectations of guests. Everything about the property and the service is the reason why I believe in travel.
So how do you nourish your mind, body, and spirit? I nourish my mind by thinking about where I want to travel next. What new experiences do I want to have, and what great people do I want to meet? I nourish my body by exercise, rest, and massage. And as for my spirit, I think of my parents who are no longer with us; it is their memories that keep me functioning and motivated.
Have you found your purpose, is so, what is your purpose? I have many purposes. Share my photography with the world, inspiring young people toward success and loving without expectations or limits.
How do you stay so calm working in an industry that can be stressful? Sadly, there will always be awful people who thrive on creating drama, more in my industry for sure. The irony is that it doesn’t have to be stressful; it should be fun every day. We are creating beautiful photography, making people happy and creating social immortality through Art. I have learned to block those people off and not engage them completely.
You have found success in so many avenues of life, do you have a favorite? Currently, I’m focused on my travel photography for hotels and resorts and my photography workshops. They are zero stress and so fulfilling..
I saw that you have photographed Superstar Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s wedding and how was that experience? Yes, I have been working with both Jennifer and Ben for many years. They are both wonderful people. I was honored they chose me to capture their special day!
He currently has two books: “About Face,” a collection of actors’ portraits using type 55 Polaroid, and “100 Making a Difference,” a book about the world’s top philanthropists and humanitarians. John has also created Gio Journal, A Visual Journal of the Finer Things. It is a beautiful digital publication/print on a digital demand platform.
Originally from Ventnor, New Jersey, John currently resides between Aspen, Colorado, and Montecito, California. He is also a fine artist who sells his work globally, his work can be seen at Johnrussofineart.com, follow him at @johnrussophoto.
Do you have a mantra? To enjoy every day of my life. Not to sweat the small stuff and realize nothing and no one is worth stressing about. Only manifest good things and recognize that every day is not going to be perfect.
The words you say to yourself when you’re facing a challenge or need to push through something? That's what is bothering me today will be less bothersome tomorrow.
How do you feed your soul? I create Art in any way I can. Whether through design, photography, or painting, having the ability to create Art is what truly feeds my soul.
What’s your self-luxury? Travel is my passion. I have been fortunate in my life to travel the world and experience its magic of it. But, as my mom has told me many times, “John, you just can’t sit still.” Truer words have never been spoken.
Is there a particular place that you visited lately that stands out for you? Yes, a resort called Finca Cortesin, a preferred hotel on the Andalusian coast of Spain. Finally, a property that gets it all right. That understands the luxury travel market and the expectations of guests. Everything about the property and the service is the reason why I believe in travel.
So how do you nourish your mind, body, and spirit? I nourish my mind by thinking about where I want to travel next. What new experiences do I want to have, and what great people do I want to meet? I nourish my body by exercise, rest, and massage. And as for my spirit, I think of my parents who are no longer with us; it is their memories that keep me functioning and motivated.
Have you found your purpose, is so, what is your purpose? I have many purposes. Share my photography with the world, inspiring young people toward success and loving without expectations or limits.
How do you stay so calm working in an industry that can be stressful? Sadly, there will always be awful people who thrive on creating drama, more in my industry for sure. The irony is that it doesn’t have to be stressful; it should be fun every day. We are creating beautiful photography, making people happy and creating social immortality through Art. I have learned to block those people off and not engage them completely.
You have found success in so many avenues of life, do you have a favorite? Currently, I’m focused on my travel photography for hotels and resorts and my photography workshops. They are zero stress and so fulfilling..
I saw that you have photographed Superstar Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s wedding and how was that experience? Yes, I have been working with both Jennifer and Ben for many years. They are both wonderful people. I was honored they chose me to capture their special day!
