2013 has been such a big year for me both professionally and personally.

RandR Digital Imaging which I founded almost three years ago with a dear friend and mentor is going stronger than ever in 2013.  This year we have consolidated our majority coverage of nightlife and event photography in the Whitsundays and have successfully expanded into Mackay, covered all the local fight nights as well as become the official photographers of Pride and Glory Muay Thai based out of Mackay and aired our first TV advert for a Mackay client.

Russ Benning Photography is solely focused on Weddings, Family Portrait sessions and Commercial work and has hit the ground running, establishing a great network of fans and clients early on.  Without you all, what I have achieved this year could not be possible.  Thank you to all the Brides and Grooms who have seen my vision and booked for both 2013 and 2014.  I’m excited to be booked interstate and internationally to create what I’m incredibly passionate about.  To all the families that have embraced a style that is more real and candid, thank you for bringing me into your lives.  To my commercial clients who have given me the opportunity to shoot (and eat!) your amazing food and to capture your venues, thank you also.

movember-after

On a personal level I’m incredibly excited and proud to announce that I made over $10,000 for a great charity Movember which helps mens health especially male depression.  I wanted to make it clear to all the guys in my life that it’s ok to have a rough time and it’s ok to talk to someone about it.  Hopefully with this effort my message has been received.  As a little kicker, I was true to my word and ended up shaving off my beloved dreadlocks as we reached the target (professional photoshoot of my new look to be coming very soon in the new year)!  Again, none of that could have been possible without the support of a really great team that got behind the cause and pushed harder than I could have asked.   Photo right is directly after the $10k shave off pictured with my beautiful girlfriend Sophie, without who none of this would have been possible.  I love you.

As we are in such close proximity to the new year and all the excitement that will come with 2014 I have included some of my favourite moments of 2013.  I hope you enjoy them and please, bear in mind; 2013 was just a VERY small tip of an enormous iceberg for me and I’m so happy and proud to be sharing it with all of you!  Thank you for making my 2013 so great and I can’t wait to see you all in 2014!