Leya Russell Photography

I am so grateful to share not only am I coping with my fear of flying, and actually go on a plane to Las Vegas this weekend to attend WPPI but I had the honour to meet with @jacqueline.tobin of @rangefindermag and she featured one of my images from Bangladesh as Rangefinder Online’s Photo of the day, today. To say I am so grateful and completely over the moon is an understatement! https://www.rangefinderonline.com//capturing-the-human-e/ #eeeekkkkk #wppi2020 #rangefindermag #cddbangladesh #bangladesh #followyourdreamsevenifyougetcrushed #calgaryphotographer #calgaryartist #photographerswithoutborders #morethanaphotographer @ Las Vegas, Nevada

This past year has certainly been an adventure!! I am incredibly honoured to be recently spotlighted by Photographers Without Borders- check out the link!! I am so grateful for everyone I had the pleasure to meet and photograph along the way and for the countless people who have helped me in my recovery. I have come along way and am almost healed up for my plane crash this past May. Thank you all for your love and support!! https://www.photographerswithoutborders.org//more-than-pho

Working for PWB and the CDD In Bangladesh has truly been one of the most inspirational and motivational things I’ve done in my life. I’ve been laid up for a little while but I only have one real story concerning personal hardship but so many beautiful stories of strength and the power of love to share with you all! Great news: my migraines have chilled out a little bit from the beginning of the week- which I am super grateful for. It has even allowed me to make a little b...log post about the work that I did overseas. I hope you enjoy it!! So many more images and stories to come!! https://www.leyarussell.com//leyarussellphotography-of-pho #photographerswithoutborders #photographerswithoutborders2019 #leyarussellphotography #cddbangladesh #bangladesh #beautifulbangladesh

Today marks my last day in Bangladesh with Photographers Without Borders and the CDD. It was truly an incredible experience and I am so very honored & inspired!!! I am so, so happy to have been able to work with everyone here!! Onik Dunnobad!! Many, many thanks from the bottom of my heart!!! #bangladeshiwillbeback #photographerswithoutbordersbangladesh #cddbangladesh #myheartisfullandtoomanystoriestoshare #isthissarinotperfectforacanadian #leyarussellphotography #calgaryphotographer #bangladesh

One of the amazing projects I had the pleasure to have been assigned is focused on deaf children. It is incredible what we are capable of doing when given the right supports and opportunity! Watching Hanayed, 10 years, dance gave me goose bumps!! This thanks to the hard work and dedication of CDD and her sister organizations, amazingly persistent field workers , families, communities and local governments. To say that I am inspired is an understatement!! #photographerswithoutborders #photographerswithoutborbersbangladesh #caringforthoseinneed #leyarussellphotography #cddbangladesh #shecandancewithoymusicinherheart #calgaryphotography #bangladesh

Cyclone Mock Drill performed just days ago on April 30, 2019. This drill teaches people what to do, where to go, and how to save the most vulnerable in times like this!!!! In the past disabled people were unaware of what to do in times of disaster, people unable to access early warning signals such as if they are deaf or blind they cannot hear or see instruction and were left behind. Programs like this one by the CDD save lives!

Cyclone Fani!!! Help me help the CDD continue its life saving work!!! https://www.photographerswithoutborders.org//support-leya- #cyclonefani #photographerswithoutbordersbangladesh #cddbangladesh #calgaryphotographer #headofthesnake #caringforthoseinneed #wowjustwow #cyclonebangladesh2019

Cyclone Fani Made landfall today! Devastation in her wake!

Cyclone Fani just rolled through India and Bangladesh. Taking lives and leveling villages. Help me, help the CDD so they can continue live saving projects like mock drills, and build cyclone-resistant homes seen below. The CDD has painstakingly created these programs that help the most vulnerable in times of great devastation, like this!! Please donate now to help them continue their work!!! Funding for this project is up at the end of this year. These drills teach people what to do when storms and floods like Cyclone Fani happen and give them safe shelter!! Thank you so much!! https://www.photographerswithoutborders.org//support-leya- #photographerswithoutborders #cddbangladesh #cyclonefani #leyarussellphotography

Only two year ago little Samira, who suffers with C.P. could not even sit up on her own. Today with therapy provided through the CDD, she is walking unaided and can even help her mother with chores around the house- like chopping vegetables seen here!!! #photographerswithoutborders #photographerswithoutbordersbangladesh #caringforthoseinneed #cddbangladesh #amazingtheraythatchangeslives #leyarussellphotography #calgaryphotographer #followmeitwillbefun #checkoutthataudience @ Rangunia Upazila

As the call to prayer washes over the rooftops of Chattagram with the setting sun, I no longer feel a stranger in a strange land. I know my neighbors & the people who frequent my favorite places. I know shortcuts around the city and something, something in Bangali. I can not help but feel so happy and free and so alive here in beautiful Bangladesh. #photographerswithoutbordersbangladesh #nolongerastrangerinastrangeland #beautifulchattagram #feelingfreeandhappyandalive #iliveforthesemoments #leyarusaellphotography

Community Handicaped and disabled persons therapists like Amiba Khadun, seen here in pink are real life super heroes! Working through local agencies through the CDD she works in rural community clinics and in the homes of of people who are most vulnerable. Providing physical therapy, recommendations for accessibility devices such as wheelchairs and teaching family members how to provide much needed techniques that change lives! Children like little Anus seen here are seeing major benefit and huge increases in quality of life through the selfless work she provides. #reallifesuperhero #photographerswithoutborders #bangladesh #cddbangladesh #calgaryphotographer #homecare #photographerswithoutbordersbangladesh #creatingabetterworldforall #caringforthoseinneed #leyarussellphotography @ CRB hill,Chittagong

Never had the pleasure of traveling to beautiful Bangladesh before but can't help but feel I was made for this place! Their national bird is a magpie- need I say more?! #photographerswithoutborders #bangladesh #magpiecove #leyarussellphotography #calgaryphotographer #bayofbangal #ohsohappytobehere #followmeitwillbefun

Fantastic first few days working with the CDD in Bangladesh! Beautiful country and too many inspiring stories to count!! #photographerswithoutborders #calgaryphotographer #bangladesh #leyarussellphotography #cddbangladesh #glodenhour

Just for a little perspective, if u think Canadian rush hour can be crazy your should try Bangladesh!!! #lettheadventurebegin #yesiminanubersoawesome #chattagram #bangladesh #antnothing

Landing in Chattagram yesterday evening! So excited to begin my work with the CDD in this beautiful country!! #bangladeshisbesutiful #sohappytobehere #photographerswithoutborders #chattagram #yupthosearericepaddies #sendingmylovebackhome #followmeitwillbefun

I'm getting so excited to head back to this part of the world!! So I figured I would reshare some images from my last trip! :)