About Russell Sims

Russell Sims says that a fork in the road isn't always a bad thing.

Click on photo for larger image.

"I was deciding which way to go, and I decided it would make a great photo," Russell said of his award-winning photograph, "Paths Diverge."

The 16-year-old Crystal Springs Uplands School student frequents Huddart Park, where the photo was taken, often taking hiking excursions with his family. He has been known to take his Sony DCS-85 digital camera along in case a unique photo opportunity presents itself.

"I was actually going to take pictures of other things that day, when I realized it would be a nice shot," Russell said.

He first started taking pictures at the age of 10, but decided to get serious about it last August. Since then, he has explored a plethora of photography opportunities, which sometimes include playing cameraman for family gatherings, he said. He generally prefers a more natural setting though.

"I really like to take pictures of the beach, flowers, sunsets -- usually nature," he said.

He also plays tennis and does rock-climbing, when he isn't snapping photos. His favorite photograph hangs on his bedroom wall and features building silhouettes at sunset in Hawaii, he said. He may pursue photography after high school.

"I'd definitely leave the option open."

-- Tyler Hanley