Davi Russo

Background

About Davi Russo

I’m a director and photographer from New York who’s based in Japan. I work on photography, digital content, and documentaries. For over two decades, I’ve used my camera and microphone to connect with people from all walks of life. My work is about art and authenticity, and it’s shaped by years of exploring identity, place, and memory across cultures and communities. I’ve filmed two dancers on the roof of the World Trade Center at sunrise on 9/11, collaborated with a global pop star who’s dealing with mental health, and documented incarcerated men making films inside San Quentin Prison. My work is rooted in trust, empathy, and deep engagement. I have a background in cinema studies and visual storytelling, so I can create projects that are not only visually strong but also emotionally resonant. I specialize in documentary-style narratives that often explore themes of trauma, healing, and human connection. Empathy and essay-driven storytelling are among my most valuable professional skills. Since my directorial debut with Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside, I’ve kept up with the changing world of media. I’ve created impactful campaigns for brands like Apple, Nike, Levi’s, and Vogue, while still pursuing personal work that connects me to place and community. During the pandemic, I turned my lens inward to my surroundings. Projects like Chinatown Alive and Thoughts On A Light Box show my ongoing interest in themes of freedom, resilience, and collective memory. Whether I’m working with artists, athletes, everyday people, or global brands, I bring a calm, focused presence and a collaborative spirit to each production. I believe the most powerful images come from relationships built on mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose. Member: Directors Guild of America, Local 600 Still Photographer Specialties: Intimate creative work with musicians, athletes, and non-celebrity subjects, documentary and branded storytelling, photography, camera operation, and micro-crew directing.