All photographs, paintings, videos, poems/poetry, recipes, and derivative works are copyright by me, John Russell, and all my rights are reserved. I take my copyright seriously: under penalty of law none of my images or other properties may be downloaded, copied, duplicated, reproduced, altered, or otherwise used in any manner whatsoever without my written permission.

Do not use any of my images, paintings, recipes, videos, photos, poems/poetry or other works of art on any websites, blogs, or in or on any other media without my written permission. Copyright © John Russell; all rights reserved.

*****

I began drawing at the age of four and I began to paint in my early teens, when I also began to take an interest in photography. Chronologically I define myself first and foremost as someone who has always loved abstractionism, surrealism, and dadaism, and those disciplines inform my photographs. I also have a never-ending love affair with color.

I have made independent study a focus for my entire life, but I've also had formal training in art: I studied art at Angelo State University as an art major pursuing teaching certification with the intention of becoming an art teacher at the university level.

I pursued my photographic education by graduating from the New York Institute of Photography in New York City, and I have taken Nikon School workshops in NYC and PhotoPlus Expo workshops/seminars in NYC. I am forever indebted to my wonderful instructor at NYI, Elinor Stecker-Orel, for enabling me to get the art out of the camera.

Galleries have represented me, and my work has been exhibited in numerous juried shows. My paintings and photographs are in collections throughout the United States and overseas.

Photos of Zoom Lens (12)

  • Angels We Have Heard On High by Zoom Lens
  • Trying to travel incognito - Does the beard give me away? by Zoom Lens
  • Nyet! by Zoom Lens
  • My Beard in all of its Glory by Zoom Lens
  • Suzy and Me by Zoom Lens
  • Self Portrait in Straw Hat with Magnolia by Zoom Lens
  • Fingerpicking for Alex... by Zoom Lens
  • Biker at Large by Zoom Lens
  • Thirteen by Zoom Lens
  • My awesome tattoo by Zoom Lens
  • Zoom Lens by Zoom Lens
  • Was a leeetle windy today on the bike by Zoom Lens
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Zoom Lens' favorite photos from other Flickr members (14,129)

  • music from Kashka's house by Katrin Hagel .
  • Blue Heron at Bonita Bay by Tenryuu
  • Frozen Crows by buckethead777
  • Abstract Construction by B&WPhotog
  • Two Angel's Trumpets - Lumen Print by B&WPhotog
  • some old stuff by buckethead777
  • Keys by Dominic McNamee
  • memories...............Explore by gailpiland
  • sea-1100 by Shacky (keithalancaster.com)
  • mislead by bets_fineartist_<3 PEACE<3_Blessings !
  • searching by bets_fineartist_<3 PEACE<3_Blessings !
  • first law of camouflage......... by maxxximpact
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Contacts (1,744)

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Groups (5050)

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Testimonials (9)

  • view profile

    irene2carton says:

    "i have wanted to write this for the longest time but was not sure i had the words to say it right .
    john is the most fantastic photographer ever he sees art in every single thing in the world that is such a beautiful gift to have . he is so brilliant and adventerous in his art trying every single avenue and it is a pure joy to me what he discovers next to turn into a very special artwork. i am amazed and delighted enchanted and filled with inspiration sorrow joy fun the list is endless depending on what john posts
    he has talent in everything from the beautiful poems the music the photography the abstract work and the very special roses , never in all my life have i seen photos with such imagination flare style and brilliance his photostream is a constant joy to me .
    john is the best contact ever , filled to the brim with fun and laughter and his kindness and talent knows no bounds . he helps beginners like myself and gives so generously of his time and talents to help everyone . take a look at his photostream you will be enchanted and get lost for hours in it .
    it has been a joy for us to see your work and get to know you
    irene denis gemma and sarah
    i tried to keep it short but i am irish lol"

    29th January, 2011

  • view profile

    Mr. Ducke says:

    "Among the thousands of decent photographers one encounters on Flickr, there are a small minority whose work stands out with a strong individual aesthetic. John is one of this select group. He sees the world - and its tiniest components - in a unique and intriguing way, and he draws us into his imaginative world.

    I might add that John is the most creative "photo titler" out there; I too often laugh at his titles, yet then see that it was perfect for the photo.

    Finally, John is a faithful and encouraging Flickr friend and contact. Those of us who enjoy working with editing software often put a lot of time and passion into our work; the results will probably never be as popular as straight-up kittens, sunsets or breasts, and we can accept that. But it IS nice when someone notices and makes an appreciative comment - and often John is the one who does..:)"

    20th June, 2010

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    TheNewJane says:

    "John is a new Contact of mine. I am very picky about who I make a Contact... I have whittled my hundreds of Contacts down to 75 in the few years I've been with Flickr. A look at John's sets convinced me I wanted to see more.
    His Underwater Smoke Set is phenomenal; colorfully intriguing.
    The Kaleidoscopic Visions Series is loaded with textural interest, and I love the Phychedelic Roses Set, which is full to the brim with amazing petal shapes and colors and exquisite details. I look forward to seeing more of John's work!"

    8th June, 2010

  • view profile

    firegirl22 says:

    "A creative talent like John (Zoom Lens....just love that name!) is why I joined Flickr. His gift with color is incredible and always leaves me completely amazed (and wondering how he did that!). His photostream is like a beautiful dream that I could watch over and over. My absolute favorite is his collection of roses...unending beauty. Thank you John for sharing your gift with us! :)"

    1st November, 2009

  • view profile

    Silver Crow in Flight! says:

    "I have on more then one occasion been baffled, perplexed and awed by Zoom Lens amazing shots and processing techniques. When you read his profile you will find that he has a good solid base of formal training in photography for his compositions and yet his work doesn’t come off as some stale and technically correct fabrication but is usually a very fresh and engaging perspective shaped by his apparently abundant personality and life perspective. I always anticipate with great enthusiasm his next post and I’m sure to learn something new and creative to try myself from his abstract digital visions. Thanks for sharing John and keep pushing me to see beyond my lens for what it is all really about!"

    18th October, 2009

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    ​favourite waste of time​ says:

    "John is truly awesome. A bit of a soft heart in a rough package. He makes something wonderful whenever he puts his hand to showing us his visions... gorgeous work. I especially love his abstracts. I look forward to seeing what he coaxes out of a shot of a bike or a few petals from a rose. Have a look and you will be amazed too."

    8th October, 2009

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    utahbabyblues says:

    "John has a creative spirit which allows him to create wonderful abstract photos. They are both beautiful and moving and I thouroughly enjoy looking at each one of them. Each one is unique and allows the viewer to open their own imagination and creativity. Thanks for the inspiration to start creating my own abstracts!"

    4th October, 2009

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    tomswift46 (No Groups with Comments, no graphics,f says:

    "John is a fun contact with a surrealist vision of the cycling world...He is a fine fotografer with a sense of the absurd and I look forward to many more years of silliness between us!"

    3rd October, 2009

  • view profile

    motocrissy says:

    "Besides being a great Flickr friend, John (aka Zoom Lens) is one of the most creative people i know. From his abstract impressionist work to his latest 'camera toss' technique - his photos are true pieces of art. I'm glad we crossed paths in this crazy Flickr world. Oh, did i forget to mention - a pretty nice guy too :-)"

    1st October, 2009

Name:
John Russell
Joined:
June 2009
I am:
Male and Taken
Occupation:
Photographer; painter.