RUSSELL MUNSON

Russell Munson has loved photography and aviation since his childhood in Denver, Colorado. He is the author and photographer of the book, “Skyward: Why Flyers Fly,” and the DVD, “Flying Route 66.” He provided all of the photographs for Richard Bach’s perennial classic book, “Jonathan Livingston Seagull,” which remains in print after more than fifty years.

Munson is reknown as an aviation photojournalist for his photography and writing in Flying magazine, Smithsonian Air & Space magazine, and other publications.

After graduation from Yale University with a major in graphic design he worked in New York City as a magazine art director, an assistant to advertising photographer Wingate Paine, and then served for two years in the Army where he learned to fly in an Army flying club. Afterward, Munson opened his studio in New York City to do general advertising and magazine photography. His love for flying led to his specialty in aviation photography. In addition, he has taught courses in Visual Perception as a Teaching Fellow at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, as an instructor at Yale University and the International Center for Photography in New York City.

Munson’s fine art aerial photography is in museum, corporate, and private collections.

In the air is Munson’s favorite place to be. He holds a commercial pilot license with instrument, multi-engine, and Douglas DC-3 ratings.