Photo by Greta Cross
Russ Bray is a documentary photographer based in the Midwest region. The work he makes currently focuses on building a foundation of what this region’s community is, showing how the people in this area interact with each other and the land they inhabit. Living in a trailer park for most of his life until college, Bray has a perspective especially unique within the photo realm that extends to both his photos and interactions with the community, finding understanding for any situation and bringing a tenderness to difficult conflicts and issues that is rarely found.
Bray is available for commissions in the Midwest and the surrounding area of Springfield, Missouri.
Contact Info
russbray19@gmail.com
417-551-2035
instagram: russ.bray
Education
2026
MA in Journalism, University of Missouri (Expected)
Concentration in Photojournalism, Documentary Journalism, and Visual Editing
2023
BFA in Photography, Missouri State University
Cum Laude
Honors College
Minors in Art History and Philosophy
2019
International Baccalaureate Diploma, Ozark High School
Jobs
Equipment Locker Manager, University of Missouri, Aug. 2024-present
Used equipment extensively across the big three brands to familiarize myself with them
Helped students check out the correct equipment and recommend certain items
CPOY Website Technician, University of Missouri, Aug. 2024-present
Organized portions of the CPOY archives to make them accessible on the College Photographer of the Year website
During CPOY 79 judging, I inputted winners into the site and organized it to have it updated consistently and timely each day.
Photographer, Missouri State University’s Photo Services, Feb. 2022-Aug. 2023
Made photos at a variety of events, from sports games to banquets through the method of client work for the respective MSU departments
Used Lightroom, Photo Mechanic, and Photo Shelter together to quickly and efficiently get photos out to the clients
Photojournalist/Visuals Editor, Missouri State University’s The Standard, Aug. 2020 - May 2022
Was the main photographer for the newspaper for the majority of my time, taking several assignments a week during times of short staffing
Worked with the team to create visuals complementing the other mediums that accompanied each story and article
Ran the visuals side of the paper, working with each person to build ideas and execute them whether it was photography or illustrative/design work
Volunteer Work
Graduate Leader, Missouri Photo Workshop, Sep. 2024
Assisted the Director of MPW, Brian Kratzer, with logistics and managing the volunteer crew
Exhibitions
2024
Elwood Studios Gallery Night, Group Show, Elwood Studios, Springfield, Missouri
2023
Mountain Workshops Exhibition, Group Show, Judy Richard Hall at Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky
LoosenArt THE FAMILY, Group Show, Rome, Italy
Senior Exhibition, Group Show, Brick City Gallery, Springfield, Missouri
2020
About A Mask, Group Show, Online Exhibition
Workshops/Programs
2023
Mountain Workshops, Paris, Kentucky
Did a project on Lil’s Coffee Shop
Eddie Adams Workshop, Jeffersonville, New York
Awards
2022
Newspaper Division I - Sports Photography, Honorable Mention, Missouri College Media Association
2021
Newspaper Division I - Sports Photography, Second Place, Missouri College Media Association
2020
Best in Show, About A Mask Exhibition
Newspaper Division I - News Photography, Third Place, Missouri College Media Association
Newspaper Division I - News Photography, Third Place, Missouri College Media Association