John Russell, a native of Traverse City, first picked up a fly rod at the age of 12 with his Uncle Russ, who passed on the basics and the beauty of the sport. The hook was set. Two bamboo rods of his uncle’s hold a place of honor on the rod holders.
A graduate of TC Central High School, Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), and Michigan State University (MSU), Russell retired in 2004 after a 30-year career with the Traverse City Record-Eagle as Chief Photographer. He has taught photography as an editor-in-residence at Northern Arizona University, MSU, and NMC.
Russell and his wife Meg own Great Lakes Images, a freelance editorial photography company, since 1985. Clients range from local and regional customers to national and international newspapers, magazines, and wire services. Monthly vendors include the Detroit and Chicago newspaper markets, the Associated Press and many regional and national publications. Russell also writes for the Detroit News, covering the northern portion of Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
Russell was the official photographer for the Traverse City Beach Bums, the Traverse City North Stars hockey team, NM3 Magazine, and served as photo coordinator for the Traverse City Film Festival and the Comedy Arts Festival. He is the longest serving officer and secretary of the Michigan Press Photographer’s Association, served on the board of the local YMCA for nine years and the Heritage Center in Traverse City and is past commodore of the Grand Traverse Ice Yacht Club, board officer with the Twin Bay British Car Club, and serves on the board of the Traverse Area Camera Club. He and his wife also volunteer with the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, honoring veterans with twice-yearly trips to Washington D.C. to visit memorials and thank them for their service.
Hobbies include antique automobiles, fly fishing, ice boating, flying, and grandkids. He is honored to be part of the ongoing work to enhance and preserve the cold water resources of Northern Michigan.
