photo by Masrat Zahra
Russ Bray is a documentary photographer based in the Midwest region. The work he makes currently focuses on building his foundation early in his career and learning how to capture every human in a story with tenderness and thoughtfulness. Everyone we meet has a story that is a unique manifestation of humanity, and he hopes to capture as many facets of what it means to be human as he can. 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 as he believes that in his career, trust comes before the work.
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
POY Coordinator & Webmaster, University of Missouri, Jan. 2025-present
Worked behind the scenes to run Picter and make the process of showing submissions to the judges smoothly.
Updated the website during and after the competition to display the winners for the public to view.
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 Webmaster, University of Missouri, Aug. 2024-present
Organized early of the CPOY archives to make them accessible on the College Photographer of the Year website
During CPOY 79 judging, I built the entire CPOY 79 winners page in a timely manner.
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
Photographed ‘At the Crossroads’
Eddie Adams Workshop, Jeffersonville, New York
Photographed ‘SNY’s 143rd Infantry’
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