serena russell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
serena, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Absolutely, I would. One of the main reasons is my attention to detail whether it’s the big picture or the smallest nuance, I make sure nothing gets overlooked. I care deeply about the work I do, and that shows up in the effort, consistency, and thought I put into everything. I’m not just checking boxes; I’m invested. And I think what sets me apart is the unique perspective I bring. I don’t just replicate what’s been done before, I look for ways to make things more meaningful, more impactful, and more original. So yes, I’d hire me—and I’d expect a lot from me too.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Serena, the owner of Serena R Russell Photography. I specialize in wedding photography that captures the real, raw, and beautiful moments. Those in-between glances, quiet laughs, and joyful tears while blending them with dramatic, cinematic visuals that feel almost film-like. What makes my work unique is the balance I strike: between the posed and the candid, the humble and the bold. I aim to be the best of all worlds, offering couples not just a gallery of pretty pictures, but a true reflection of their day, exactly as it felt. Right now, I’m continuing to explore creative ways to tell love stories in ways that feel timeless, intentional, and deeply personal.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My stepmother and father. They’ve always been incredibly supportive and seemed to recognize my creative spirit long before I fully understood it myself. Whether I was painting, drawing, cooking, or exploring something new, they saw that spark in me and never discouraged it. They encouraged me to push boundaries, to strive for excellence, and to pour my heart into whatever I was creating. That early belief in me gave me the confidence to keep going, and ultimately led me to build a life and career around creativity.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fear is something that’s easy to succumb to, and I’ve definitely faced it at different points in my life. But I’ve learned that it’s often in those moments of fear where you can find the greatest strength to push yourself forward. For me, fear has actually become a driving motivation, it’s a reminder that I’m stepping outside of my comfort zone, and that’s where growth happens. I don’t truly grow unless I’m a little scared. So rather than letting fear hold me back, I’ve learned to embrace it as a sign that I’m on the right path, challenging myself and striving to do better.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d probably say that staying true to my morals and ethics is everything to me, and that being my authentic self, unapologetically, is something I never compromise on. I’m quirky, I dress differently, I’m covered in tattoos, and I don’t always fit into what some might consider “normal.” But that’s exactly what makes me me, and I’ve learned to embrace it fully. My friends know I value individuality, honesty, and staying grounded in who I am, no matter the setting. It’s not about standing out for the sake of it,it’s about showing up as yourself, fully and honestly, every single time.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as someone who never gave up, someone who always strived to be better, to go further, and to reach the highest potential while staying humble and kind. It’s important to me that my legacy isn’t just about accomplishments, but about the way I treated others and the integrity with which I lived my life. I want to be remembered as someone who pushed the limits, but never at the expense of compassion or humility.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.serenarrussellphotography.com
- Instagram: serenarrussellphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenarrussellphotography
