Ward Russell Welcomed at ARTSingapore
Former Cinematographer Now Dedicates Time to Photography
Oct 14, 2009
Ward Russell is an accomplished cinematographer who began his career 25 years ago. He has now put that career on hold to pursue photography, opening his own studio last year in Santa Fe, New Mexico, according to Mr. Russell in a personal interview on October 8, 2009. Ms. Chen Shen Po, ARTSingapore Fair Director, came to PhotoArts Santa Fe and put out a call looking for photographers to show in Singapore. Russell is the only one, out of 10 photographers invited, to physically make the trip. “I just closed the show I had at the gallery. . . . decided to come down, take a vacation and see what the art world in Singapore was all about. It’s pretty exciting.”
Russell’s Career as a Successful Cinematographer& Director of Photography
Russell is particularly known for his work on the movies The X-Files, Days of Thunder and The Last Boy Scout . When asked about his biggest challenges as a cinematographer, he admitted that he didn’t accomplish his success in the usual way. “Hardest thing was moving from gaffer to cinematographer. . . . I was one of the first few gaffers that moved straight from lighting to becoming a director of photography.” Although he skipped through some of the technical work, he made up for his lack of experience by becoming a cameraman and shooting commercials. This happened after he became captivated with light.
In college “I fell in love with what you can do with light. It was always light that fascinated me.” He started studying scenery in college, moving to theatre light and electrician work. “Then I realized I was doing all the work for the cameramen, so decided maybe I should become a cameraman.” It was then that he started shooting short commercials and is currently credited with over 500 commercials.
Thoughts on Working with Some of Hollywood’s Biggest Names
- Director Tony Scott has worked with Russell for over 15 years and is responsible for moving him up to cinematographer after starting as a gaffer. “He’s great. One of the most visual photographers. . . . I always prefer to work with a director who understands the time it takes to make something good.” That was true of Tony Scott. With him “you knew it was a challenge before even signing-up. You knew you would be pushed to the limits.” He appreciated everyone and the end result was always good, continued Russell.
- Tom Cruise “was a hoot. He was very young when I worked with him. Started with him on Top Gun [as chief lighting technician]. . . . He was very nice.” He was also very pleasant to work with and very dedicated, Russell continued. Cruise would join everyone at the bar after shooting.
“They are doing a lot of it. Even with The X-Files movie we had over 300 shots with some computer generated elements to them. Used properly I think it’s a wonderful tool. You can solve so many problems with photography by using it. . . . in that way it’s wonderful.” The problem is when you overdo it and make it so extraordinary over the top that it becomes unbelievable. Any big-time movie you see today has that problem, Russell continued.
“At the same time I use these visual effects in my photography. . . . I use the digital tools available to me to enhance the images. Now if something is there we can remove it. It’s gone, it’s history. In that way I love it. ” Russell agrees that it enhances the creative part of photography. Lighter darker warmer cooler was all a photographer used to be able to do in a lab. Now they can get much more dramatic and restructure a photograph, continued Russell.
“We are past the time where you are just documenting things. You can take the photographic elements and create a whole new visual image that is strictly in the mind of the artist. That is what art is all about, that creative energy that the human being brings to the subject. Now in the realm of photography, we can do the same things that painters and graphic artists have done for years. “ He is enjoying focusing on his own photography and being in full control of his work. Something that is not always the case for a cinematographer.
Tour of Asia For Photography Exhibit?
It's a little unclear at the moment where the photography exhibit is going next, according to Russell. Ms. Chen might show them in other parts of Asia within the next six months. "Since it is an introduction of photography to the art community here in Singapore, none of us are sure what the reaction is going to be," stated Russell, “We are all eagerly awaiting the results.”
Photography is becoming a collectible item and a much more accessible one, according to Russell. Usually the prices are cheaper because they can be sold in editions of 10 or 20 units each. The price of Russell's prints ranged from SGD $1200.00-$3960.00 at the exhibit.
AIC101
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