June 17 Program: Russell Graves "A World of Nature - Finding Photo Opportunities Both Near and Far"

Russell Graves, our speaker, will be joining us in-person to present "A World of Nature - Finding Photo Opportunities Both Near and Far". He will showcase images he has taken and discuss strategies that you can use to get amazing images every time you leave your house.

Russell was raised in rural Texas, characterized by a blue-collar upbringing, a strong work ethic, and a family that encouraged his imagination and creativity.  As a high school junior, Russell wrote an end-of-year paper titled Wildlife Photography. He received an "A" for the project and still has the paper today.  More significantly, this school project has functioned as a guiding declaration that has shaped his professional endeavors.

At 19, Russell had his first photographs and article published in a magazine, followed by his first magazine cover at 20. Although the early work appears basic in retrospect, it motivated him to continue improving his craft. Russell graduated with a degree in agriculture education from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M-Commerce), and subsequently taught agricultural science for the Childress Independent School District in the Texas Panhandle. His recognition includes being named Texas Agriscience Teacher of the Year multiple times and finalist for National Agriscience Teacher of the Year. ​

 After leaving teaching in 2009, Russell pursued photography full-time, capturing rural people and places for various projects including magazines, advertisements, television, and books. He also assisted a West Texas town with marketing strategies and development deals to promote economic growth.

In 2018, Russell began leading photographic workshops, sharing his love and knowledge of the outdoors and photography globally, leading hundreds of guests on adventures worldwide.

Russell feels he has come full circle by combining his love of photography with his teaching talents.  In the media, Russell has been called a rural renaissance man, recognized as a top photographer in Texas and valued for his ability to connect people and places through his stories. He has published extensively, authored six books, produced numerous magazine covers, and owns two businesses. Despite his professional achievements, Russell prioritizes his roles as a family member – father, husband, brother, son, and friend.

When he is not engaged in teaching or completing projects for his clients, Russell can be found on his beloved Hackberry Farm.  He can often be found operating his tractor and performing various tasks that enhance the land and support its inhabitants. He resides just a mile from the small stock farm where he was raised. The rich black dirt and creek water is a powerful poultice.