Conversations with Marina Russell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Russell. 

Hi Marina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started about 16 years ago photographing families and weddings. When I started having kids of my own, I started to get more interested specifically in newborn photography. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t and sometimes I feel like I am still on that road. I think time or the lack of is my biggest struggle. I was always in the position where I had to support my growing family. Going through divorce with 2 small children gave me a very limited time to focus on photography. Once I’ve remarried and had more kids, things got even busier but my passion for photography kept driving me forward to develop my skills and talents. Definitely, a lot of late nights and early morning before my family is awake, I would spend working on edits or learning workshops to improve even further. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My specialty is newborn photography and I am very passionate about it. I love creating sets starting with outfits and final props. I’ve never been professionally trained seamstress but I always had a sewing machine. So, I slowly started creating patterns from outfits that I had and creating my own, that would match perfectly to my setup. And of course, every outfit would have a matching bow or a headband! When I was little, my grandmother taught me how to knit. Big thank you to YouTube, I know learned how to read patterns and knit cute bonnets and outfits for my little clients. I acquired a lot of props and design elements that I use in my sets. For me it is almost like a painting a picture, every element will have its own purpose and mining. I like my work to move people and tell their story. 

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
That’s a tough one, I have so many! I think most of them is centered around family, it is playing with my cousin or hosting a big gathering or traveling to see our distant relatives. I always loved connecting with people and enjoying time together 

Contact Info:

• Email: marina.russell@photobymarina.com
• Website: www.photobymarina.com
• Instagram: @marinarussellphotography
• Facebook: @marinasphotographyutah