Ibiza has always been a magnet for creatives, artists and free spirits that think outside the box. A self-taught photographer, filmmaker and author, Harry Russell is one of them; a citizen of the world who has found a source of inspiration in the White Island that keeps calling him back. In 2026, Harry is celebrating 20 years as a photographer and is working on his first book to commemorate not only his career, but also his inspiring story – a tale of perseverance, courage and adventure, and one that is intrinsically intertwined with Ibiza.
Harry’s interest in photography was sparked in childhood as he watched his mother capture family memories on film. “She was a hobbyist with really old cameras from the ‘90s. She used to always take photos, and she used to document everything I did with a video camera,” he says. “So I think being in front of the camera from such a young age must have had an influence subconsciously that I was drawn to the camera.”
However, Harry honed his camera skills outside of the classroom. “I didn’t do too well at school. I even failed photography,” he laughs. “My tutor said my work was rubbish and I’m probably not going to go anywhere with my photography if I carry on like this.I wouldn’t say I was a natural at photography, but I’ve always been a creative person. My love for the camera and creativity meant I found my own lane and way of learning. And when I did find that, I excelled and was able to travel around the world internationally, recognised as a photographer and filmmaker.”
Harry first came to Ibiza in 2010, and like many island dwellers, has a funny story to tell. “My friends signed me up to do a dance audition for The Zoo Project – as a prank – and I ended up getting the job! But I freaked out and ran back to the UK and my 9-to-5, answering phones in a taxi office. I only returned to the island in 2014, with a camera.”
Nowadays, you’ll rarely find him clubbing as Harry embraces the island’s quieter side. “Nature, wellness, and the sunsets. I’m here for the daytime,” he explains.
A keen freediver, he loves capturing the island’s underwater worlds. “Ibiza’s water is the clearest I’ve seen in the 53 countries I’ve visited,” he says. I also love photographing the old fisherman huts. I like showing the traditional side of Ibiza rather than its luxury image.”
Describing his style as emotive, playing with natural light and cinematic tones, Harry primarily shoots outdoors – always connected to nature or contrasting urban textures.
With two decades behind the lens under his belt, he has witnessed immense changes not only in technology, but also through the rise of social media.
“I started before YouTube existed, using tape cameras. I’ve gone through tape, early digital, and now everything we have available today. I still like vintage equipment though – I recently bought an old tape camera again. I like going back to where it began,” he reflects. “Social media has turned art into a rat race. We’re forced to constantly produce content. It strips art away from creativity. I’m trying to go back to doing things for myself rather than clients. Art should be slow. It shouldn’t be rushed.”
At the same time, Harry is not afraid to challenge himself. “I’ve always got crazy ideas. And there are a lot of people who, throughout my life, have told me I shouldn’t do this or that, to be more realistic, I don’t think that could work. I’ve just learned to not listen to the noise. If you think something can be done and you’re crazy enough to go and do it, and you’ve got the determination, then anything is possible.”
Again, it’s a confidence that was instilled in him during childhood. “I’ve always had that inner belief because I watched my father, and he’s a bit of a superhero for me. He’s done so many amazing things,” he says. “I’ve watched him play competitive sports until he was 50. He travelled the world as a musician, playing in multiple bands. I watched him make his own record label in the basement of our old home, and when he realised the money wasn’t there to support a family, he went into the business world – he’s done very well.”
Not unlike his father, Harry has also had the courage to pivot – always connected to his creative pursuits, but channelling them into new avenues. As well as curating his book, in February 2025 he organised and hosted his first creative and lifestyle retreat in Bali, called Tropic Lust.
“I had decided to invest in a pretty ridiculous villa for everyone. It seemed like all the odds were against me and I shouldn’t have done it. I even tried cancelling because I hadn’t sold a single ticket yet, but I carried on and sold the whole retreat and put on something pretty spectacular. It was really scary doing it all by myself,” he admits.
Harry is launching a table photography book of his 20 years of his work. He is currently busy whittling down the final 200 photographs from a selection of a mind-boggling 18,000+ photos
He smiles, “Having a father who’s an entrepreneur and a musician has instilled in me that anything is possible. There are no hurdles other than the ones I put in front of myself. That’s how I see it.”
