Russ and Marcia met in college at SUNY New Paltz in the Hudson Valley of New York. He was a Graduate Teaching  Assistant working toward a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Photography.  She was completing her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech and Language Pathology.

       Russ became involved  in photography while in high school. Since he was the son of a part-time professional, he had the necessary equipment , a darkroom, and a willing instructor.       

 

      He went on to study photography in college, earning a degree in art and education. In his senior year, Russ decided to attend graduate school, and was accepted at SUNY New Paltz. While there, he was appointed Graduate Teaching Assistant. His goal of attaining a Master of Fine Arts Degree was primarily to teach on the college level.                     

       After Russ graduated, he became an adjunct photography instructor at four colleges in New Jersey and New York. Seeking full-time employment, he accepted a two year sabbatical leave position teaching photography and design at a large high school in New Jersey. During this time his photographs were represented by an "Uptown" New York City gallery.

     Before leaving New Jersey, Russ and Marcia had an architectural photography business. Using a large format camera, Russ photographed interiors for designers, and also did some commercial work. At the same time, a NYC interior designer noticed his fine art photographs, and used them for a number of projects.  

     The couple eventually relocated to the Hudson Valley. Marcia became employed as a Speech Pathologist in the public schools. Russ began a Certificate of Advanced Study program in Educational Administration at SUNY New Paltz. Soon afterwards he accepted a position as an art and photography instructor at a large high school. A few years later he was awarded the Certificate of Advanced Study, but decided to stay with his first love, teaching photography. During his tenure, many of his students won top honors in the NY State Scholastic Magazine Art Competition, and their work was exhibited at the State Museum in Albany.

     Nearing retirement, Russ spent his spare time entering photography competitions, getting work published, and exhibiting nationally. He was very successful. (See Awards and Publications.)