Seascape nominee

The wind was gusting, rocking the camera on the tripod. I stood and watched for a while taking in the scene. A very grey day with little penetration from the sky. The inspiration for the image came from sea racing up the beach, skipping round the boulders and occasionally hiding the smaller rocks. It was that relationship of the brightness of the surf to the grey and black of all else that set my mind free.

John Russell has been working in the UK as an advertising photographer for over 40 years. His work, commissioned by advertising agencies and direct clients has been seen in all forms of media.

IN the early years he attended The London College of Printing, concentrating specifically on studio stills photography. After assisting in London for a couple of years, he set up his own studio in London, working for many famous high end brands. Although having now moved, he is still actively involved in running and working in his own studio in Devon.

He views his personal work as a release from the constraints of commercial adverting photography. His style derives from the post impressionists, in particular Georges Seurat, coupled with a love of an old film emulsion - GAF 500. Back in the day this film could produce images with a particularly large grain structure.

With this in mind, it is John's wish to concentrate more on his fine art images and make a greater contribution within this sphere.