ABOUT ME

In 2005 my mother slipped into a coma..

I thought that was it. I was devastated. After pleading to the transplant coordinator at UCLA, my mother was given a second chance. She had been on the liver transplant list for 5+ years and her number was called. Thankfully.

She awoke the next day after the 10+ hour surgery..

My mom's body was taking the new liver well and she seemed to be on a speedy road to recovery but something just wasn't right. The doctors were combating a pesky lung infection that was seriously hampering her ability to breath on her own. For 31 days I communicated on a white board with my mother who was unable to speak due to being ventilated. She would point out letters and I would arrange them on the white board to form sentences..

I visited her almost every day. The ICU doctor in charge of my mother's care even highlighted the fact that I was there more than she was. Even still, I felt helpless and I guess being there gave me a sense of control. Sadly, my mother lost her battle and passed away in ICU, 31 days post transplant.

After I sent her off in style click here to view I had the unfortunate task of going through her belongings. To make things worse, I had to do this in two different states. Needless to say, it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life.

I donated almost everything to charity and kept some personal items that belonged to my mom, along with some of my own childhood mementos.

You know what else I kept?

Our family PHOTOS.

My mother was my only active parent and my only immediate family. I have no brothers and sisters and my grandparents passed away when I was in high school.

I realized that the only tangible memories I had of my family were in those albums and images my mom had kept through the years.

It was then that I realized the IMPORTANCE and the POWER of the image.

In this day and age, it seems that photographs are rarely printed out and archived as they used to be. It seems like a Facebook posting or even maybe a Flickr post is sufficient. While they are both fantastic platforms to share photos and information, they simply fall short.

That is why I have committed my life to being a photographer. This is not my hobby. I don't shoot for extra cash. Photography is my life. It is my passion.

My goal is to capture YOUR amazing life moments and showcase them in custom designed albums and books to be cherished for generations.

Aside from wedding, event and family photography, I also enjoy photographing events, real estate, travel, and commercial assignments.

Clients whom I have had the absolute pleasure of working for include: Ron Artest, Bruno Mars, CBRE, Bloume Baby, Quality Seafood, Inc., Baute, Tidus, & Maloney, Manhattan Dental, RSC Business Group, Chef Meg Hall, Nicole Myden PR, Portola Paints & Glazes, Skechers, Inc., Choura Events, Focus Entertaiment, PrintingForLess.com and many, many more.

Please contact me for all of your photographic needs. I have excellent references and a proven track record with personailty to boot! :)

John D. Russell
Head Photographer
John D. Russell Photography