An exhibition celebrating the life and work of much-missed Irish News photographer Hugh Russell has heard tributes to a professional who always made the time to share his knowledge and experience with those still learning the craft. Christian Brothers Camera Club chairman John McCann shared anecdotes of the pranks and laughter members enjoyed across 40 years and recalled how Hugh’s entry into press photography began when he returned from the 1980 Moscow Olympics with a bronze medal for boxing and a camera. At the time of his death in October 2023, he had been preparing a talk and exhibition to celebrate his 40th anniversary and prestigious career with The Irish News and photographs he had chosen were among hundreds on display at the north Belfast camera club, a selection of which are published here
Hayley Russell looks at a picture of herself as a child during an exhibition at Christian Brothers Camera Club in north Belfast of her father Hugh Russell’s work
Irish News picture editor Mal McCann and Hugh Russell Jnr at an exhibition of his father's work to celebrate 40 years of photography at Christian Brothers Camera Club in north Belfast. PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN Enjoying an exhibition of Hugh Russell’s work to celebrate 40 years of photography at Christian Brothers camera Club in north Belfast. PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN An exhibition was staged of the late Hugh Russell’s work to celebrate 40 years of photography at Christian Brothers Camera Club in north Belfast. PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN An exhibition of the late Hugh Russell’s work has been held to celebrate 40 years of photography at Christian Brothers Camera Club in north Belfast. PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN Hugh Russell's wife Kathy and children Hugh, Hayley, James and Callum, with members of the Christian Brothers Camera Club. PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN Hurdling, by Hugh Russell South Armagh victims' campaigner and flag protester Willie Frazer Jimmy White during a game with Chris Wakelin at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast during the Northern Ireland Open The Dark Hedges in Co Antrim Wife-carrying at the Dalriada Festival The Fall of Fashion takes to the street of Belfast Beirut hostage Brian Keenan returns to Belfast after more than four years in captivity It's Time for a Fair Deal, Peter... The DUP's Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson at a manifesto launch Loyalist leader Jackie McDonald at the Bobby Sands mural Gerry Conlon leaves London's Old Bailey a free man in 1989 Love your neighbour in Ardoyne, north Belfast Shannon Sickles and Grainne Close become the first same-sex couple in the UK to celebrate at civil partnership at Belfast city hall Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness lets one get past him outside Stormont Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams Diving at Bangor's Aurora Aquatics & Leisure Complex Northern Ireland fans at the Belfast Fanzone Galway's Niall Collins wins the ball over Kilkenny’s Shane Staunton Thomas Mackle during the Ulster Road Bowls final in Armagh
