We had the good fortune of connecting with Blake Russell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Blake, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I think when it comes down to it, I am inspired by people. The people we meet everyday all have different stories about life and different backgrounds, so when it comes to inspiration for me, meeting people and gaining all of the different perspectives on life and of our world is what does it for me. Also inspiration doesn’t always have to be in a creative sense, most of the time I take inspiration as something I can apply in my life everyday. I find that when I have conversations with people and experience their take on things and listen to what they have to say, it always gets my mind and thoughts flowing, which to me is the very meaning of inspiration.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As far as my career I am an Electrical Engineer at my local utility company here in Pensacola, FL. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity at my age to be at a company where I can thrive and grow into a better version of myself in the time to come. College was very rough, it took me almost 6 years for a 4 year degree. I failed at quite a lot, but the people around me, my friends and family and even strangers inspired me to just keep going and to never give up on my goals and that it would all be worth it. They were right and I honestly am just so blessed to be at the point where I am today. Not to mention my career allows me the freedom and ability to further my progress in my photography as well which is just amazing to me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
At this point in life I really feel like I am just at the starting line. Having just recently graduated Engineering school I wanna shoutout to my friends who helped me through it all and helped me get to the point where I am today working as an Electrical Engineer, Preston Taylor, Trevor Levins, and Malik Santos. Also wanna shoutout to my amazing girlfriend Katie who is always there for me. As far as the people who really help me and push me to do better in my photographic journey I wanna thank Morgan Givens (@morgangivens.photo) who has mentored me in my sports photography, as well as Mitch McPherson (@_mitchmcpherson) who has been there for me with my wildlife ventures. Also want to shoutout Jon Rose (@jonrosestudios), Neo Pina (@neo_pina), and Josh Cato (@cato.graphi) who, while they may not know it, help drive me to be a better photographer everyday.

Website: blakerussellphoto.com

Instagram: @blakerussellphoto https://www.instagram.com/blakerussellphoto/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-russell-219b80183

Other: VERO: @blakerussellphoto

Image Credits
Personal photo was taken by Morgan Givens (@morgangivens.photo) All other photos are my own: Blake Russell (@blakerussellphoto)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.