Riley Russill
Director / Photographer
Horseshoe Bend Profile Pic.JPG

Info

 
 

Hi, I’m Riley Russill — a director and photographer based in New Mexico, shaped by the road, raised in the Southwest, and sharpened by the Bay.

I tell stories that feel like memory: grounded, soulful, and rooted in where people come from. My work lives at the intersection of grit and grace — from long-haul road trips to quiet studio moments, from grassroots founders to cultural movements in motion.

The Bay taught me game. It gave me the tools to move with intention — to bridge the beauty of raw nature with the hustle of real life. I document people in their becoming: entrepreneurs, artists, and community builders shaping culture from the ground up.

Whether I’m chasing light through the desert or helping a client bring their vision to life, I’m always after something honest. Something that lasts.

If you’re building something with heart — let’s make it visible.

SELECT CLIENTS

Agencies & Creative Partners:

Motive - Talweg Creative - Idea Peddler - McKee Wallwork & Co - Sanders/Wingo - Exclaim Inc. - K2MD - Media Matched - Core-Visual - Sovereign Objects

Commercial & Lifestyle Brands:

Mountain Dew - Snapchat - IDEO - Allbirds - Incase -Comcast Xfinity - Bridgestone - Kashi - Nature’s Path Organics - IAMBIC - Fresh Chile Co. - New Republic - Santa Fe Brewing Co. - Taylor Garrett Whiskey - Field Trip Jerky - Organ Mountain Outfitters - VNTG.LA

Tourism & Destination:

Visit Mexico - New Mexico True - Visit Albuquerque - Visit Taos - Denver Arts & Venues - Visit Laredo - Environmental Defense Fund - Bernalillo County

Architecture & Construction:

HB Construction - ABC Supply Co.

Healthcare:

NMPCA - Be Well NM

Editorial & Storytelling:

Outside Magazine - The Associated Press - New Mexico Magazine - Palm Springs Life - Guest Life New Mexico

Sports & Culture:

Oakland Roots SC - New Mexico United - NMSU Athletics - Boys & Girls Club of America - Wynwood Walls, Miami - Neighborhood Sports Club - Black Love Mural Festival - Run Club ABQ

Film, TV & Music:

Inspirado TV - Pineloft Entertainment - Oh Lawd - Era Cinema

“Riley, I wanted to take a minute and send you a personal note of thanks for yesterday’s shoot. I (and probably every other human on the planet) hate photos of myself because I never feel like I come across as myself. Looking at your work, I can see that you made me feel comfortable… but more than that, you made me feel seen. I just want to say thank you. Thank you for sharing your talent and your gifts.”
— Lacee Peloquin - Strategy Director, McKee Wallwork + Co.
“Since Organ Mountain Outfitters started working with Riley, we’ve seen our brand grow throughout the region. It’s our goal to expand throughout New Mexico and the Southwest. We’ve seen an increase in revenue from online orders since working with him. His ability to tell a story with our products has increased our audience engagement overall.”
— Chris Lang - Founder, Organ Mountain (MOVE FWD, Fresh Chile Co. - Partner, Share Your Story Podcast - Host)
“Thank you for your images – they look gorgeous. I’ll be tagging you when I upload them to LinkedIn and IG!”
— Maeve Wang – Founder, IAMBIC (TIME Best Invention, Techstars ’24)