Jennifer Harju // Statement: Androgyny
The 14mm lens was the only way to capture the scale of this concrete. I wanted to use the harsh geometric lines of the Department of Enterprise Services to frame Jennifer’s "Structured Rebellion" look.
Real excitement is encouraging.
When Jennifer Harju reached out to me via my website, Reddit, and Instagram, I knew this would be a significant opportunity. The raw enthusiasm was evident from the first message, and I couldn’t wait to deploy this session.
Jennifer found my Reddit post detailing The Lab—my equitable access initiative for creative endeavors. She was instantly interested in developing a specific look: Statement: Androgyny. Corporate Suits. Structured Clothing Rebellion. I was over-the-moon excited because this specific aesthetic was one of the foundational inspirations that encouraged me to create The Lab in the first place.
After a few months of planning, we aligned on a weekend for the deployment. I sent her coordinates to meet me at the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services near the Capitol Campus in Olympia. Having previously utilized the brutalist textures of this location for a commercial automotive shoot, I knew the specific concrete and glass environments would perfectly serve the structured, defiant vibe of this session—and they did.
Moving to the 85mm changed the entire conversation. It allowed us to pull back from the architecture and focus on that quiet, bold defiance in the eyes.
Energy: 100.
Jennifer arrived at the coordinate point completely ready to step in front of the lens. The energy was at 100 from start to finish. When an individual is on camera and truly wants to be there, it creates a different kind of visual data stream. She knew the look, she knew the vibe, and she brought her absolute A-game.
We moved dynamically through the brutalist architectural lines where the parking structures and main entrances intersected, achieving a diverse range of looks. I tactically switched between my 85mm and 14mm optics throughout the shoot, capturing varied environmental compression within the same visual context. This type of high-stakes editorial relies heavily on the symbiosis between photographer and subject, and I am incredibly thankful to have collaborated with someone as invested in the outcome as I was.
"Highly recommend Russell as a professional photographer. He’s organized, responsive, down-to-earth, and has an incredible eye for light and form. I give the strongest of referrals to Russell Moore."
Bold Confidence.
Capturing bold confidence from the asphalt. This frame is the heart of what The Lab is about: essential representation in spaces historically dominated by convention.
The resulting assets speak for themselves. While I admit to having a challenging time culling this specific gallery due to the volume of viable files, I am exceptionally pleased with every image that remains.
Often, I will keep an "experimental" image in a standard gallery if I love its form, knowing it might not be a commercial "cup of tea." This gallery is different. The mood is consistent: a powerful, quiet defiance that you can feel in every shot.
The Statement shoot wasn’t just about a look; it was a conversation about empowering individuals in spaces historically dominated by convention. Every time I pressed the shutter, I was capturing bold confidence—representation that isn't just optional, but essential.
Deployment Technical Specs
Location: Dept. of Enterprise Services // Olympia, WA
Optics: 14mm Wide-Angle / 85mm Prime
Mission: The Lab Initiative // Community Equity
Subject: Jennifer Harju
