We join Instagramming adventurer Kevin Russ on his voyage to the fictional island of New Penzance, the setting for Wes Anderson's iconic film
Like most of us, American photographer Kevin Russ watches films as a means of escapism. Unlike most of us however, rather than returning to his desk with a burgeoning sense of wanderlust, Russ acts upon impulse, frequently adventuring to far-flung places to capture an array of spectacular landscapes. The resulting photographs, taken on an iPhone, form the basis of Russ's dreamy Instagram feed – think mist-covered mountains, wild horses grazing in snowy meadows, and from time to time a picturesque film location. Most recently, Russ travelled to Rhode Island in New England, the verdant location for Wes Anderson's much-loved 2012 movie Moonrise Kingdom. In Anderson's heart-warming tale of young love, the island takes on the fictional guise of New Penzance, where it provides a suitably romantic backdrop for Anderson's sumptuous 60s drama.
"I enjoy visiting film locations and happened to be in the area so I decided to go there to explore," Russ tells AnOther. "The island is very small and very New England. The people there were kind and proud of where they lived." Russ was extensive in his pilgrimage, seeking out Suzy's red-cladded seaside abode, the lighthouse, the idyllic bay where Sam and Suzy camped out and exchanged declarations of love and the rocky paths they took to get there. He even found the cabin that was transformed into a makeshift chapel where the star-crossed, pre-adolescent lovers intended to take their vows. Here, we speak to Russ about the power of Instagram, alongside his atmospheric Moonrise Kingdom series.
Why photography?
I first picked up a camera 12 years ago to be creative in a way I hadn't before and just followed my instincts and inspirations from there. I have no plan to get here or there or anywhere really – I'm just taking it one day at a time.
When did you join Instagram, and what do you enjoy about the platform?
I joined Instagram in August 2011 but it was nearly a year and a half before it really caught on. I was definitely surprised at how big it suddenly became. It's what everyone's using now, so that's where agencies go when they need to find a photographer. The iPhone though has given so many people a decent camera so photography is accessible to many more people now.
What do you enjoy about shooting on an iPhone?
I shot on a DSLR in my first years as a photographer, and at first the iPhone only was important to me because it changed how I saw light and composition. Now I shoot on it all the time, although I also use film cameras; I just don't post many of the pictures.
Do you have any good anecdotes from your time in "New Penzance"?
I learned that Edward Norton has visited the farm on the island on a couple occasions since making the film to show his friends the beautiful land, and also that Bruce Willis bought a couple of the wool blankets the farm makes there.
What other film locations would you like to visit?
Probably something nostalgic from my childhood. My favorites were E.T. (1982) and The Parent Trap (1961).
What are the most important ingredients for a good photograph?
Composition first, then light.
Follow AnOther Loves Wes on pinterest.
