Darrell Russell (1969) is a Louisville Kentucky award-winning freelance sports photographer. Darrell’s parents are James and BENITTA RUSSELL of Somerset Kentucky. Darrell's parents are both retired.  His father was a mechanic and his mother a drag racer who was inducted into the Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2019.  Darrell is the youngest of four children.

         Darrell would frequent the drag races along with his parents and family. He purchased his first 35mm camera in 1985 to capture action photos of his mother while competing in NHRA and IHRA racing events.  Darrell’s sports photography interest transformed almost immediately into an exciting career.

           Darrell's passion and beauty of capturing action photos was embraced by the local and national audiences. His photos have appeared in The Shively Newsweek, Midwest Drag Racing Magazine, NHRA’s National Dragster, Vype High School Sports Magazine, The Louisville Sports Report, cardinalsports.com and bangshift.com.  Darrell has achieved 14 Magazine Cover photo credits.

         Darrell received an award for  his outstanding contributions to Drag Racing from the Kentuckiana Drag Racers in 1987.   His Kentucky State Fair awards include Best Digital Photograph (2010),  First Premium (2022, 2019, 2015 and 2010), Second Premium in accomplished division (2010, 2012 and 2017), Third Premium in accomplished division (2013 and 2018), Fourth Premium (2015) and Honorable Mention in accomplished division (2015 and 2017).  Darrell is currently a nominee for the Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame for photography.

           His love and passion continues to drive him today to produce beautiful and exciting action shots for both the young and old!