Documenting Cruise Culture with Russell C. Banks

Street Photography Magazine

Russell Banks, the featured photographer in the July 2024 issue of Street Photography Magazine, is a street photographer known for documenting life aboard cruise ships. His visual narratives about passengers and crew have allowed him to carve out a unique niche.

Russell’s interest in photography began in childhood when capturing moments on film sparked a lifelong passion. This early fascination guided him through an education that started with an English major and evolved into photojournalism, allowing him to explore the combination of narrative and imagery.

At the University of Texas in Austin, he had the opportunity to study under Garry Winogrand, who greatly influenced his personal style and approach, which is evident in his work today.

Before presenting his work to the market, Russell attended esteemed portfolio review events like FotoFest in Houston. The feedback he received from publishers and photo editors confirmed the potential of his cruise ship project. So, he began showcasing his work to publications and galleries. His hard work resulted in a solo exhibit in Golden, Colorado, another at the Viewpoint Photographic Gallery in Sacramento, California, and a feature story in Street Photography Magazine.

Russell also discusses the process of preparing his work for these exhibits, a task that requires meticulous attention to detail, from printing large-format images to handling shipping logistics – a process that is not inexpensive.

As my business mentor once said years ago, “don’t wait for the phone to ring,” that’s a motto that Russell applies to promoting his own photography. He adeptly researches potential exhibition venues, identifies key contacts at publications, crafts personalized pitches, and maintains an active online presence. He approaches the business side of photography with the same dedication as his art.

Segments

01:25 Early Photography Journey
Explore Russell’s early days with a camera, from childhood snapshots to his transition into more serious photography during his college years. Discover how his interest in literature and music influenced his path to street photography.

04:03 Influence of Gary Winogrand
Delve into Russell’s experience studying under Garry Winogrand at the University of Texas. Learn about the impactful teaching style of Winogrand and how it shaped Russell’s approach to photography.

06:40 Venturing into Cruise Ship Photography
Follow Russell’s journey into using street photography techniques on cruise ships. Explore the challenges and unique opportunities of capturing moments in the quirky environment of a cruise ship.

12:12 Developing a Portfolio
Discover how Russell evolved from capturing images to curating a portfolio of his cruise ship photography. Learn about his process of selecting and presenting his work for exhibitions and reviews.

18:08 FotoFest Experience
Join Russell on his transformative experience at FotoFest in Houston. Explore the valuable feedback and insights he gained from industry experts and how it accelerated his artistic progression.

25:15 Preparation and Presentation
Meticulous preparation and presentation techniques Russell employed for FotoFest. Learn about the importance of being well-prepared and organized when showcasing your work to reviewers.

59:00 Preparing for Solo Exhibitions
Russell Banks shares his experience developing a portfolio and entering exhibitions, leading up to his decision to pursue solo shows. He discusses the process of refining his work, submitting to various exhibitions, and finally landing opportunities for solo exhibitions.

01:00:03 Navigating the Logistics of Exhibiting
Russell delves into the practical aspects of preparing and shipping prints for exhibitions. He shares insights on matting, packaging, and shipping large prints, highlighting the challenges and considerations involved in showcasing artwork in different venues.

Links from the show

• Russell’s Website
• Floating World – Street Photography Magazine article by Russell
• Instagram