It's About Time

Globally recognised photographer Russell James is known for a singular artistic vision that unites technical mastery, fashion, celebrity, cultural storytelling, and humanitarian purpose, driven by an uncompromising commitment to authenticity.

It’s About Time is James’s definitive legacy publication and the first book to present a complete, curated journey through his three-decade career. Spanning continents, cultures, and genres, this book features James’s early work with Indigenous communities, intimate portraits of some of the world’s most influential figures, and groundbreaking imagery that helped redefine modern fashion and supermodel culture. The book comprises a compelling mix of never-before-published images, newly created portraits of global figures, and James’s most iconic works. Candid behind-the-scenes moments reveal a rarely seen insider’s view of the industry.

Across its pages, It’s About Time traces James’s artistic evolution, technical innovation, and enduring focus on human connection. More than a retrospective, the book offers readers an extraordinary visual odyssey—following a young Australian photographer as his work carries him onto the global stage. This is an essential volume for collectors, photography enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to powerful visual storytelling.

Russell James OAM is a globally recognised photographer born and raised in Perth, Western Australia. His artistic vision was shaped in the vast landscapes of remote Australia, where early journeys with his father fostered a deep connection to land, culture, and Aboriginal communities living within their ancestral traditions. In the mid-1990s, James transitioned into fashion photography, rapidly establishing himself as an international figure working across fashion, celebrity, culture, and humanitarian storytelling. His work has been presented in over 20 exhibitions worldwide, with pieces from his Nomad collection acquired by the Western Australian Museum. James’s commercial clients have included global brands such as Rolex and Victoria’s Secret, with major exhibition tours sponsored by Mercedes-Benz. His achievements have been recognised through leading fashion industry honours, technical awards from companies such as Hasselblad, and government recognition, including the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), awarded by Queen Elizabeth II for his photography supporting Indigenous and marginalised communities worldwide. In 2001, he founded the Nomad Two Worlds Foundation, dedicated to creating opportunities for Indigenous and marginalised artists around the world.