Pettit & Pettit
Russ Pettit Jr.'s
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Russell W. Pettit Sr.
Russell Pettit Sr., a passionate and dedicated individual, found himself at a crossroads on the verge of retirement, contemplating how to fill his days with purpose and fulfillment. Presented with the choices of delving into photography or model trains, he embarked on a journey that would shape the next chapter of his life.
In the fall of 2000, Russell made the pivotal decision to enroll in a basic photography class. This marked the beginning of a profound exploration into the art of capturing moments through the lens. Starting with 35mm black and white film, he delved into the intricate process of developing film in a darkroom, mastering the nuances of traditional photography.
A pivotal moment in Russell's photographic journey occurred in 2000 when he participated in a workshop with Alan Ross at the esteemed Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite. Learning from Mr. Ross, one of Ansel Adams' accomplished assistants, proved to be an eye-opening and informative experience, solidifying Russell's commitment to honing his craft.
His educational odyssey continued with a Kerik Kouklis workshop in 2003, focusing on platinum and palladium processes. Here, Russell not only expanded his repertoire of alternative printing techniques but also delved into the realm of digital negatives, embracing the intersection of traditional and modern methodologies.
Undeterred by challenges, Russell progressed through various formats, transitioning to medium format and eventually embracing the large 4 x 5 film. His dedication and curiosity led him to a semester dedicated to scanning 35mm black and white and color negatives, a skill set that would prove invaluable in the evolving landscape of photography.
Equipped with an Epson Stylus 1270 printer, Russell ventured into the realm of digital printing, a significant shift in the photographic process. Today, most of his captivating images originate from negatives, with the Epson SC-P900 serving as the canvas for his artistic expression.
Russell is living a life enriched by the pursuit of artistic expression and continual learning. His mastery of photography, coupled with a deep appreciation for the nuances of the craft, sets the stage for a retirement filled with creative endeavors and the timeless joy of capturing moments frozen in time.
Russell W. Pettit Jr.
Russ' passion for wildlife started at a young age, around 8 or 9 years old, exploring fields and levees near his home in Concord, CA, in search of snakes, lizards, and various critters. This childhood fascination laid the foundation for a lifelong connection to the natural world.
Although Russ temporarily shifted his focus to sports and music during his teenage years, his love for wildlife never truly waned. It resurfaced in the fall of 2022, toward the end of the pandemic, when he embarked on a bird and wildlife photography journey armed with just an iPhone. Realizing the limitations, he then transitioned to an old Canon Powershot 500, demonstrating his commitment to improving his craft.
Recognizing the need for both technical expertise and quality equipment, Russ turned to YouTube for guidance. This led him to a more deliberate approach, focusing on refining his technique and investing in better gear to achieve the high-quality wildlife photography he aspired to capture.
In February 2023, Russ took a significant step forward by acquiring his first 35mm camera, the Canon 80D, paired with a Sigma 100-400 zoom lens. Eager for more megapixels and an extended reach, he later upgraded to a Canon 90D with a Sigma 150-600 zoom lens. Despite the improvements, capturing birds in flight and achieving "Animal Eye Focus" remained elusive.
Russ recognized the need for a mirrorless camera with an RF mount to enhance sharpness, especially for birds in flight. In pursuit of this, he made a strategic decision to trade his existing equipment for a Canon EOS R7 and the RF 100-500mm zoom lens. This formidable combination became the backbone of Russ' current wildlife photography setup, showcasing his commitment to staying at the forefront of technology for optimal results.
Today, armed with the Canon EOS R7 and the RF 100-500mm zoom lens, Russ continues his wildlife photography journey, capturing the beauty and essence of nature with precision and passion.