Garry O’Connor is the highest ranked proponent of Karate Budo in the world. Photographed on a cold wet winter’s morning in a plantation near Garry’s house, Russell says the subject and its environment were inexorably tied together. “In Japan, pine trees represent strength and vitality, and are often used as symbols of masculinity and power.”

Rex Fuge and Ian Charlton host a guided walk through the Old Chiltern Cemetery in November. “I ended up lying on my stomach in the dirt next to an ant nest to get this shot,” Russell says. A wide-angle lens was used to enhance the dramatic effect of the wrought iron lattice.

am Cavanough with Niblick at a dawn training session at Lake Hume in preparation for the Albury Gold Cup. “It’s exposed for the sky to maintain that rich colour while ensuring that the horses remained silhouetted,” Russell says. “To me, this photo is about the expectations of both horse and trainer as a new day dawns leading up the big race.”

Russell was driving to Yarrawonga when a storm cell went overhead. “The clouds were really heavy and black over most of the sky, but the sun poked through for just a minute and this double rainbow just exploded in front of me.” Russell says it is a case of being in the right place at the right time. “Sometimes you just get lucky.”

Capturing North Albury’s Kane Godde diving for a mark, as Wangaratta’s Matt Grossman gave chase, was all about precision. “Sports photography is all about freezing that split second, a moment that captures the physical and emotional cost of competition,” Russell says. “I really like the combination of pure strength, grace and athleticism in this image,” he says.

Cathy McGowan celebrates with Ken Jasper as her apparent victory over Sophie Mirabella for the seat of Indi unfolds on election night. “After a very public campaign she is greeted by a horde of orange-clad supporters,” Russell says. “It has been amazing to witness. The level of interest and intrigue that has developed during the campaign is amazing after years of political stagnation.”

Barry Robins and Valerie Lippingwell were in a caravan that was destroyed by the Mulwala tornado earlier this year. The joy displayed on the faces of Barry and Valerie amid such utter destruction is a testament to the human spirit. “They were simply rejoicing the fact they were still alive; when the storm hit they were sure they would both die,” Russell says.