Bio - Debra Russell

"It is not the medium, 
but the Art itself"

Debra has been producing captivating fine art in photography and paintings since 1994, reflecting her profound love for nature. With a knack for capturing nature’s nuances, she masterfully uses light and tones to evoke interesting moods, infusing positivity and intrigue into everyday subjects.

Graduating from Leggat’s school of fashion design in 1986, she later taught art and photography in South African colleges. Attending the National Photographic College and workshops by renowned photographer Martin Osner improved her photography. She also learned many advanced technical aspects of photography from master photographer, Peter Dooley. Her painting and design experience, combined with these skills, have provided her with a fresh perspective on photography.

Debra, a member of the Photographic Society of South Africa, has won numerous photography awards and showcased her work in numerous exhibitions and shows since 1994. Most notably, the Wendy Cooke-Tonneson Studio Exhibition in 1994 and the Theo Soggot School of Art student group exhibition in 2002. She was also a top 100 finalist for the Ekurleni National Fine Arts Award. She was chosen to exhibit five captivating works at the Gallery Afrique  opening exhibition, ‘Think Outside’ in 2025

Debra states  "It is not the medium, but the Art itself. Fine art photography is an exciting medium I've delved into, capturing atmospheres omnipresent in my paintings. A well-composed photograph depicting the right mood and lighting embodies artistry, enabling me to explore new facets of creativity."

Excited about her upcoming move to Cape Town, she can't wait to photograph the stunning Cape region, its diverse flowers, the sea, and the captivating cloud formations.