“At the height of COVID when the world was in near total shutdown, Sacha and I found ourselves locked down on the same continent in Australia. With the award season approaching and Sacha having significant nominations, we wanted to capture a photograph that was not a character or parody – quite simply, we wanted to capture the real Sacha.” – RUSSELL JAMES

James’ interest in people has led to a diverse portrait series featuring renowned musicians, actors, politicians and cultural icons. While the portraits themselves are striking, the series is rooted in the quiet moments off-camera — in the trust and collaboration that unfolds.

“The eyes truly are the window to the soul. It’s the place I search first that has the ability to connect us all in a very special way.” – RUSSELL JAMES

Portraits of Influence includes figures such as:
Rihanna, Scarlett Johansson, Hugh Jackman, Hillary Clinton, Barbra Streisand, Halle Berry and others.

Featured in books: Russell James (2008) and Nomad Two Worlds.