Conversations with Mary Caroline Russell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Caroline Russell.

Hi Mary Caroline, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After going to local shows in motel ballrooms and skating rinks with a disposable camera, I discovered music photography—a world where all of my great loves met. I loved the community around music & the ability to capture how a room felt. After high school I felt like I needed to stay in my hometown, which a the time felt awful. However, that decision is what created a chain reaction of meeting different people and eventually landing in Atlanta with photo passes to almost every show I could have ever wanted to shoot. I would borrow a camera from school, shoot the show, and then stay up all night editing to get the photos out as fast as I could. One thing lead to another and before I knew it I was getting paid to shoot.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, definitely not. I don’t think pursuing anything creative comes with a “smooth road”, but it is definitely always interesting. There are plenty of struggles, I think consistency is one of them, income has been sparse in different seasons, & the ever present self doubt that creeps in no matter how successful you have been. It is not a convenient life, but it has been really really beautiful.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My favorite work to be a part of is behind the scenes story telling with artists. I love being a fly on the wall with a calm presence & getting to help tell the story of tours, or album making, or special performances. I think it is such an honor to be trusted in intimate spaces like that & such a gift to be able to be a part of giving fans a glimpse into their favorite artists worlds.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marycarolinerussell.com
• Instagram: marycarolinerussell