Russell James is one of the most important fashion photographers working today. Born in Australia, Russell started his career as a laborer in a trash can factory. It took more then two decades to find his way from Perth, Australia to the fashion world of New York City. In 1997, on the brink of having to admit defeat and go back to Australia and get a factory job, Russell got his ‘break’. He was asked to shoot Tyra Banks for the cover of Sports Illustrated and a fashion story for W magazine in the same week. That was the beginning of his career that now includes photographing for major brands like Victoria’s Secret, Evian and Hermes as well as the most important magazines around the world. Russell James has had numerous exhibitions and has published several books. In the more recent years, his passion has extended to using his art to create awareness.

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Rihanna and Miranda Kerr by Russell James/Contour by Getty Images