Summary
My name is Russell Baer, and I am a professional photographer. I grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and later moved to Vancouver, BC, to study at the University of British Columbia. In my youth, being an artist in Canada was not as valued or supported as it is today. Despite this challenge, I dedicated myself to becoming a self-taught photographer while balancing my academic studies and the conventional expectations of adulthood.
To expand my artistic vision, I embarked on journeys to New York City and Los Angeles, where I learned new skills and perspectives that I brought back to Canada. After more than 20 years of capturing the essence of people worldwide, I created my project “Hollywood Hopeful”. This exhibition highlights the power of my images and shares the important stories behind them.
I aspire to encourage young artists to break through barriers and boldly pursue their creative paths to develop their unique visions. Canadian artists can indeed make a significant impact on the world, regardless of their origins. As a storyteller, my photography reflects my identity as an artist and celebrates the individuality of every creator. My greatest joy comes from watching my photos spark conversations and excitement in viewers. Now, after 25 years of photographing some of the worlds most well known faces, I am proud to share my story in an inspiring and unique way with a gallery show unlike any other.
Arts and cultural training and learning
1995-present Self taught photographer inspired by the artistic works of
many notable photographers including Yousef Karsh and
Herb Ritts. I learned through the repetition of exploring
every kind of photography to find my true passion as a
portrait artist.
May 2001 Photographed abroad including London and Paris to
explore cultural street photography and portraiture.
Selected artistic and cultural work presented to the public.
November 2024 Eden Magazine cover shoot with Katie Cleary https://
theedenmagazine.com/magazine/october-2024-katie-
cleary/ **artist fee
March 2024 People Magazine cover shoot with Ernie Hudson
https://people.com/ernie-hudson-says-its-nice-to-be-
noticed-at-age-78-exclusive-8622499 *artist fee
Nov 2023 Gallery exhibition of “Russell Baer’s Hollywood Hopeful”.
Rebecca Molayem Gallery Los Angeles. Photographic artist
exhibition presenting over 2 decades of works.
Jan 2005-present Photography portraits featured in over 100 publications
worldwide including Newsweek, Time Magazine, People
Magazine, Us Weekly, Hello Canada and Esquire. **artist fee
Artists and community collaboration activities
March 2008 “The House is Small” photographic exhibit presented
abroad. Locations included the United Nations in New
York. Partnering with UNICEF as lead photographer and
collaborator of exhibition showing the photographic works
created by the team of filmmakers and photographers who
travelled to Mozambique to work with the local children.
Selected arts and cultural work experience
November 2021 “This Hour Has 22 Minutes” 30th Anniversary cast photo-
grapher, producer and artistic director. Photography for
numerous publications including the Toronto Star, City
News Toronto and the CBC. Photographed in Halifax.
Teaching and mentorships
2001-2011 Lead mentor and photography teacher at Venice Arts.
A non-profit organization teaching “at risk youth” how to
use the camera to tell the stories of their lives.
www.venicearts.org
September 2007 Lead photographer in expedition to Mozambique Africa
teaching the orphan children of Maputo how to
document the story of their lives through photographic
images with the Venice Arts organization.
Artist talks, presentations and articles
September 2021 Artist talk to the graduating class of University of Southern
California Long Beach.
Feb 2024 Artist talk Vancouver BC with the clients of Premiere
Talent about photographic arts in the industry.
Awards and community recognition
August 2009 United States Congress Certificate of Commendation
September 2008 Certificate of Commendation from the City of Los Angeles
Selected media coverage
Feb 2024 Cover story Santa Monica Spotlight Magazine. Interview
about my photographic journey and upcoming gallery
show.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/
65e9282150aec12686833177/t/
67b7775a4a362e13e6ef20ad/1740076897779/
Russell+Baer+Spotlight+Magazine.pdf
Memberships and affiliations
Canadian Association for Photographic Art (CAPA)
Nikon Ambassador
Photographic Society of America (PSA)
Contact: Baerphoto@russellbaer.com