• Luxury Now
  • People
  • Design
  • Films
  • Travel
  • Eat + Drink
  • VIP Events
  • Real Estate
  • About Nobleman
    • About
    • Subscribe / Shop
    • Advertise
    • Media Kit
    • Contact
  • SHOP
  • Luxury Now
  • People
  • Design
  • Films
  • Travel
  • Eat + Drink
  • VIP Events
  • Real Estate
  • About Nobleman
    • About
    • Subscribe / Shop
    • Advertise
    • Media Kit
    • Contact
  • SHOP
Behind the Lens with John Russo

A one on one with Hollywood’s most iconic photographer’s,

I had the pleasure to sit down with John Russo and chat about his 20 years on top as a celebrity and fashion photographer, his role in creating iconic images of celebrities, and how his empire just keeps growing.

Current location: Los Angeles and Montecito

Current vehicle: Mercedes G wagon is my every day driver. And there’s fun little Ferrari for the weekends.

Favorite designer at the moment: John Varvatos with a side of James Perse.

Between your Beverly Hills and Montecito living, you seem quintessentially Californian. How did your New Jersey roots become so well adjusted to the West Coast?
Being an outdoorsman, I’ve always yearned for the mountains and beach. I love the fact that I can go snowboarding on Saturday and spend Sunday driving up the coast.

What speaks to you about Montecito? Los Angeles?
I love the fact that Montecito is a small town. I love the views and it does remind me of the east coast. The beautiful sprawling estates, the people are so nice without being over the top and it’s the perfect place to decompress, play tennis and enjoy my friends. I should work for the Board of Tourism because I love LA. I love the weather, all of the amazing restaurants, and that you can have anything, any time. More importantly, you can have it delivered!

What was your journey to becoming one of today’s most in-demand celebrity photographers?
I was so driven that I basically put horse blinders on and had my eye on the prize. I was incredibly focused on becoming what I knew I was destined to be. I believe in manifesting things. When I was a 19-year-old living in New Jersey, I literally made a vision board and knew that I would achieve the things I set out to do. There was no fallback and no plan B. I’m not doing that!

When did you know you were going to be a photographer?
My dad was always an incredible photographer and he gave me my first camera. The was my first and original inspiration. I knew it would be my career after my first critique in my first photography class in college. My professor’s name was Wendell White and he hated me. We put up our photographs and he asked who the photographs belonged to. I claimed them and he was clearly impressed. He told me, “if you stay with this, you’ll be incredibly successful.” I believed him.

You attended Yale for a period of time. Is Yale known for their photography department?
Yale is known for their photography program, but it’s more of a fine art program. To be honest, I didn’t go entirely for the photography and in restrospect, I went for all of the wrong reasons. But I have a great sweatshirt as a result.

Many celebrity photographers focus solely on portraits and people, but you are equally skilled at shooting interiors, food, cars—basically, you can make anything look sexy. What’s your secret?
I just love photography. I love every aspect of photography and I’m the kind of person who’s not going to allow myself to be limited. I decided I wanted to travel the world and stay at the best hotels. So naturally, I decided to shoot said hotels. I’m the kind of person that it’s all or nothing. I can’t only shoot actors, it has to be musicians, models, all of it. I don’t just want to stay in the best hotels and eat the best food, I need to photograph it all.

What is your prep process before a big shoot?
If it’s celebrity, I do extensive research on existing shoots to see what worked and what didn’t. I always find out what they like, what they don’t like, are they fond of photo shoots, what is their favorite food, etc. I do extensive storyboarding with my team—we have giant easels and panels where we map out the poses, lighting, wardrobe, makeup and hair. A lot of work goes into it, but I never cut corners and don’t believe in skimping.

You’re a bit of a real estate mastermind. Do you have a history in real estate or do you just know a good deal when you see it?
When I first moved to LA, it was my idea to buy dumps—basically run down houses, fix them up, decorate them, photograph them for fabulous magazines and sell them furnished and turnkey ready. I sold my first two houses to rock stars and quickly realized there was a niche market for that in the LA area. People just want to walk into a home with their toothbrush and clothing. I’ve done 6 homes in total, and am on my 7th. About one every year and a half or so.

Do you use a designer or design your homes yourself?
I use an amazing designer, named Erin V who understands my sensibility and style. She’s incredible with texture and very good at pulling together my vision.

What’s your next real estate move?
I have Malibu on my mind.

I’m amazed by your fragrance line, cosmetics, nail polish and now handbag collections. How on earth are you successful in so many varied fields? Do you follow a formula?
The formula is branding, branding, branding. I put out super high quality products with my name on it. No one can argue with quality. The first book that we did was a tremendous success and we have another on the way.

Tell me about 100 Making a Difference.
100 Making a Difference is a collection of amazing human beings who have devoted a large portion of their life to philanthropy.

Do you have a background in business? How do you find the time to create on so many levels?
My dad was a business owner and as as child, I watched him create his business successfully. I’ve always wanted to be in control of my own destiny, and have my own businesses to promote the products and ventures that I love.

What’s your current interior esthetic? Is it changing?
My current esthetic includes lots of textures with greys, black and beige. Yes, it’s changing—it used to be all white, all the time.

You’re an avid tennis player. How many of hours do you play each week and with whom?
This is not a trick relationship question. In my next life, I’ll be on the ATP tour. I’m pretty much obsessed with tennis. If I could play all day, every day, and my knees would allow it, I would. In addition, my partners are always changing.

What is your current relationship status?
Currently single and dating until the right partner comes along.

If given the choice of set or on location, which do you choose?
On location. Always.

You’re very close to your parents. How important is family to you and why?
My parents are so amazing and have been supportive in every aspect of my life. Family will always be important to me.

What’s next for John Russo?
To continue this amazing journey, while playing lots of tennis, spending time with my friends and enjoying minute of it.

Words by Elizabeth Chambers
Photographed by Jason Bush

Share

People

  • James Marsden

    ORDER NOW
  • JOIN OUR VIP MAILING LIST

  • nobleman

    Luxury & Style for Gents
    Father’s Day is the perfect time to go all out f Father’s Day is the perfect time to go all out for the remarkable men in our lives. Our exclusive NOBLEMAN Gift Guide is a handpicked selection of timeless pieces, curated with something for everyone from these amazing brands:

@eleventy_milano @dolcegabbana @zegna @montblanc @alangesoehne @leisuresociety_ @tudorwatch @skorpiostequila @kenton_michael @auracalifornia @imperiacaviar @pini.parma 

#nobleman #noblemanmagazine #fathersday #giftguide #luxurylifestyle #mensfashion #luxuryfashion
    Step inside the iconic Orient Express - a timeless Step inside the iconic Orient Express - a timeless blend of luxury, style, and old-world charm. Where are you training off to?👇

#nobleman #noblemanmagazine #noblemanstyle #orientexpress #luxurytravel #luxurylifestyle #europe
    A NOBLE PAIRING: An evening where fashion, food, a A NOBLE PAIRING: An evening where fashion, food, and fine wine came together in perfect harmony. We began at the Dolce & Gabbana boutique for caviar + champagne and cocktails, and a first look at their stunning Pre-Fall collection.

The experience continued with a Michelin-starred dinner at Knife Pleat, where Chef Tony Esnault delivered an unforgettable wine pairing menu alongside Prestance Wines. Live music set the tone as guests indulged, connected, and celebrated the art of refined living. 

Thank you to our partners @dolcegabbana, @knifepleat, @prestancewines, @imperiacaviar, @peroniusa and to our incredible guests. Until the next one…

#nobleman #noblemanmagazine #luxurylifestyle #southcoastplaza #dolcegabbana #knifepleat #michelin #finedining #winepairing #winedinner #michelinstar
    Lakeside living at its finest. Would you move to L Lakeside living at its finest. Would you move to Lake Como for this?👇

#nobleman #noblemanmagazine #lakecomo #italy #LuxuryLiving #luxurylifestyle
    It’s time for another NOBLEMAN GIVEAWAY! One luc It’s time for another NOBLEMAN GIVEAWAY! One lucky winner will receive this @WestminsterTeak Odyssey Yacht Furniture Set, including 2 folding chairs and a side table, seen firsthand at our NOBLE Wine & Dine Alexander Marine lounge with Wolfgang Puck.

Perfect for summer in any setting, it’s a modern take on the classic director’s chair, reimagined for luxury outdoor living. Crafted from solid teak and marine-grade stainless steel, with Sunbrella-upholstered cushions, this lightweight yet durable set brings yacht-worthy elegance to any space.

Here’s how to enter:
1. Like & comment on this post
2. Follow @WestminsterTeak + @NOBLEMAN
3. Tag 3 friends
Bonus entry: Share this post to your story

Winner will be announced Monday, June 2nd. Good luck!
    This Memorial Day, we honor the noble men and wome This Memorial Day, we honor the noble men and women who selflessly gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, valor, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedom will forever be remembered 🇺🇸
    The most glamorous race of the year is here. From The most glamorous race of the year is here. From superyachts to the world’s fastest cars, the Monaco Grand Prix is where speed meets sophistication 🇲🇨

Who are you rooting for to win this weekend?

#nobleman #noblemanmagazine #formula1#monacograndprix #monaco #montecarlo
    You’re invited to an unforgettable evening of lu You’re invited to an unforgettable evening of luxury: a VIP culinary experience at Michelin-starred restaurant @KnifePleat by @ChefTonyEsnault, with exclusive wine pairings from Napa Valley’s @PrestanceWine and an @ImperiaCaviar reception hosted at @DolceGabbana 

Friday, June 6 | 5pm–9pm
South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa
Just 50 seats available - early bird pricing now live!

To secure your ticket, click the link in our bio. Use code EARLYBIRD at checkout. Hope to see you there!
    “I believe that the secret ingredient is always “I believe that the secret ingredient is always passion.”

The legendary @WolfgangPuck for our NOBLEMAN Exclusive in Issue No. 29. Copies still available at NoblemanMagazine.com

#nobleman #noblemanmagazine #wolfgangpuck #spagobeverlyhills #spago #coverstory #mensstyle #chefoftheyear
    Ferrari 512 TR or Lamborghini Countach 25th Annive Ferrari 512 TR or Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary. Which one is in your dream garage?

📷 @gdecollection #nobleman #noblemanmagazine #ferrari #lamborghini #luxurylifestyle #dubai
    Today we celebrate the strength, grace, and uncond Today we celebrate the strength, grace, and unconditional love of the incredible women who shape our lives. Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at NOBLEMAN❤️

#nobleman #noblemanmagazine #mothersday
    A NOBLEMAN approved home design: dark, refined, an A NOBLEMAN approved home design: dark, refined, and the epitome of modern luxury.
Rate this design from 1–10👇

#nobleman #noblemanmagazine #luxuryinterior #designinspo #luxurylifestyle
    Follow on Instagram
  • Follow Nobleman On



  • 28241 Crown Valley Pkwy F, #444
    Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

  • Style & Substance

    NOBLEMAN celebrates the modern man. We inspire men to live life to the fullest and with purpose. It is the premier luxury lifestyle magazine specifically dedicated to the discerning man of today.

  • JOIN OUR VIP MAILING LIST

  • Nobleman Magazine

    About
    Advertise
    Media Kit
    Jobs
    Contact
    Shop
    Privacy Policy


© 2022 Nobleman Magazine. All rights reserved.