About

REDONDO Beach Photographer

John D. Russell

ABOUT

Thanks for taking time to visit my site. My name is John D. Russell and I am a Professional Photographer + Digital Media and Marketing Professional with a love for travel, adventure, and entrepreneurship.

I am based in Redondo Beach, CA. and specialize in photography, video, drone, web design, social media, and graphic design services.

In addition to being a Professional Photographer, I am also a Creative Director and manage a small but dynamic team of talented designers, photographers, video professionals, creatives, and social media experts. We help clients big and small, all over the globe, level up their visual media and make more money. 

the photographer

My journey as a Professional Photographer began when I was 13. I began to learn the craft on my mom’s Olympus 35mm film camera and used to process my own negatives in the dark room at my high school. What started as a hobby became a passion and a dream job but it wasn’t until I lost my only family that I saw it clear enough to know that it was my life’s work.

I’ve been shooting full time since 2006 and I’ve traveled to over 30 countries on assignment. I am internationally published, recruited by Getty and a member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Some notable assignments include: being embedded with the Colombian Air Force for 6 weeks, riding motorcycles through Rajasthan, India for 2 weeks, photographing celebrities Kaley Cuoco, John Legend, Bruno Mars and working with an organization that is fighting human sex trafficking in Cambodia.

Photography is everything to me. Learn more about my story and see why.

To see my work please visit the photography page of my site.

THE Videographer

Video production started for me almost out of necessity. My love for storytelling was drawn to the medium. My 28 years of experience as a photographer allowed for an easy transition with the advent of the dSLR with video capture capabilities. Today, I shoot video for businesses, artists, speakers, resorts, realtors, coaches and more. If you need a sales video, educational video, or highlight video aka sizzle reel, I’d love to connect and discuss how we can tell your story with video. To check out some of my video work click here.

the DRONE PILOT

I’ve always been fascinated with flight. I started flying radio controlled (RC) aircraft when I was 10 years old. I used to build RC gliders with my step day and throw them off the cliffs in Palos Verdes. He even co-owned a small Mooney airplane and we used to spend weekends flying around Southern California and the Western U.S. Fast forward to today and that love for flight and RC craft still exists although now flying is done with my drones and as a skydiver. =) Fun fact: I have a goal to earn my private pilots license in the next 9 years. To see some of my drone work please click here.

THE WEB DESIGNER

When my mother was sick and I was serving as her primary care giver. I needed a job that would allow me to be able to work from home. I began working in internet marketing but in order for me to be a successful internet marketer, I had to learn HTML. I literally began learning and building websites by reading a book on HTML! Back then it was HTML version 1.0. =) Since then I’ve built hundreds of websites for clients in all kinds of verticals. My web design clients choose me because I’m easy to work with, have transparent pricing, and my turnaround time is next level fast. I tend to build visually stunning, modern websites with lots of negative space and extremely mobile friendly. To learn more about my web design services click here.

the SOCIAL MARKETER

I was an early adapter with social media. I leveraged it to launch 3 successful ventures of my own. No paid ads. No tricks – just good strategy and a lot of hard work. I know what works and how it works. I’ve worked with brands like Ford and Toyota creating photo and video content and also helping with strategy and execution. In 2018, I launched a new venture called $1 Dollar Social. If you need help with social media content creation or managing your social media my team can help. Learn more here.

THE DESIGNER

I’m a visual person. As a Professional Photographer, the visual is everything. I understand composition and general design trends well. Through the years, I’ve helped clients with logo design, business card design, graphic design, flyer design, and even letterhead design. If you need a cost-effective logo design or simply need help with a sales flyer, my creative team can help. Click here to learn more about our graphic design services.

the ADVENTURER

In 2014, I started taking clients on bespoke photography adventures around the globe. It’s the culmination of 3 of the things I’m most passionate about – travel, photography, and philanthropy. Every adventure includes a give back component to a local community we visit. Whether we’re jumping trains in Myanmar, riding motorcycles through India, on photo safari in Africa of climbing one of the Seven Summits, you can rest assured the connections you make and the images you take will stay with you forever. To learn more about my current trip offerings check out PRSPCTV for more info.

THE EDUCATOR

I love to teach and share my experiences and knowledge with aspiring photographers. In 2018 I started the South Bay Photography Group specifically for amateurs and do a lot of private, one-on-one coaching for people who are wanting to learn more about photography and their cameras or smart phones. In 2019 I will also be teaching photography at the Los Angeles Center of Photography. If you want to learn how to use that new camera or want to become a professional photographer, I’d love to connect. To see upcoming classes and offerings please click here.

John D. Russell is a proud member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA)

RECENT PHOTOGRAPHY

Did I mention I love my job? =)

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WANT TO WORK TOGETHER?LET’S CONNECT!

As a Photographer based in Manhattan Beach, CA. I work around the Greater Los Angeles, Southern California and am available for travel worldwide. Please use the form below to connect.