ABOUT THE ARTIST
Russell LLoyd Jensen, M.Photog.M.Artist.Cr., CPP
Master Artist and Photographer Russell Lloyd Jensen has always centered his artistic vision on capturing the inner and outer beauty of people and their stories. He has built a passionate career, running a successful studio in western South Dakota with his wife Dr. Paula Jensen and their three children. Along the way, they have formed lifelong friendships and deep connections within their community through their shared love and commitment to photography.
Russell's artistic journey began as a student exploring various fine art mediums, including painting, drawing, ceramic & glass sculpture, printmaking, and eventually finding a love for the photographic arts. For over three decades, he has refined his craft, starting with developing his first roll of black-and-white film in the darkroom to creating captivating images in today’s digital world. His portrait and illustrative photography has earned national acclaim, blending technical mastery with artistic flair and emotional depth that resonates with viewers.
Notable Teachings and Awards
2011 and 2014 Wyoming PPA State Convention speaker and State Print Competition panel judge in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016 as well as the Print Juror Chairman in 2019 and 2022. North Central Photography Conference Speaker in 2017. WPPA Board of Directors 2018-2025.
His portraits have been honored by having multiple works selected as part of the Professional Photographers of America's International Photographic Imaging Excellence Collection as well as the Showcase Collection. In 2016 he was awarded the South Dakota Photographer of the Year award as well as the CPP award for the highest scoring print case from the SDPPA.
He has been awarded the prestigious titles of Master Photographer, Master Artist, Photographic Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer through the PPA and was also awarded the PPA National Award from his colleagues in the WPPA for his generous contribution of his time and talents to the service of the profession of photography, their organization and fellow photographers. Russell would like to thank the board of directors for serving alongside him and to the membership as a whole where he has found and continues to find lifelong friendships among those who share the same passion for art and photography as he does.
Nationally Recognized
In 2017 he was awarded the 1st place trophy for his image "Disintegration Dance" at the Northcentral District Print Competition in the Illustrative and Commercial Photography Category. That same image went on to be awarded one of the top 10 images in the Nation for the 2017 International Print Competition. He again placed one of his senior portrait images in the top10 in 2021 for his image entitled "A Whisper Unto My Father".
In 2018 he entered for the first time in the Artist print category for the IPC and all 4 prints entered received a merit of excellence in photographic art earning him a bronze medal and in 2024, through his pursuit of excellence in his digital artistic skills he achieved the distinction of Master Artist through the PPA.
The awards are great recognition among his peers but the true reward is knowing that he is continually improving his work and his technical skill as a craftsman and a photographer. Raising the bar in photographic excellence and delivering the absolute best for his clientele has always been his goal whenever he looks through his lens to compose the next image.
His captivating and dramatic portraits can be seen across the country in the homes of the families that have cherished memories to view and to hold dear to their hearts. His work is also a part of the Permanent Collection at the Rourke Art Gallery & Museum in Moorhead, Minnesota.
If you have seen any theater or dance in the Black Hills Area then you also have had the opportunity to see his works through many theater production companies from the local region. Many thanks to all of the local theater and dance companies that Sage Studios has collaborated with over the years: Black Hills Playhouse, Black Hills Community Theater, Flutter Productions, Central and Stevens High School Drama, the Academy of Dance Arts, Barefoot Dance Studios & the Black Hills Dance Theater.
Educator and Mentor
A proud member of the Professional Photographers of America, Russell also serves on the executive board of the Wyoming PPA. With a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education and years of service as an art educator for the state of South Dakota, he continues to teach and share his knowledge and craftsmanship with others who have found themselves diving into the world of photography.