By Morgan Burkett
The Greenville Advocate

The High Horse Gallery will welcome Greenville native Joy Harper Hartley Russell home on Aug. 9.

Russell will be at the gallery for a book signing of her newest work, Dauphin Island Alabama. Dauphin Island Alabama features pictures of the island that Russell captured.

Russell first became involved with photography when she received a brownie box camera as a child.

“I lived in Greenville when I received this camera,” Russell said. “I used to take pictures over at the Beeland cotton gin and on the bridge over the railroad track.”

Russell was proud to admit that all of her photography skills are self taught, but said that her favorite part was editing photos.

“With today’s technology, you can enhance a photo and make it look just as real and beautiful as you see it with your eye,” said Russell.

She explained that being able to capture a simple photo of a memorable moment, like a wedding, is why she loves photography.

“Capturing such a happy moment and being able to look back on it and remember every detail from the pictures is why I am involved in photography. It’s a tool that everyone needs to take advantage of,” said Russell.

After attending a conference in 2002, Russell and her husband decided to purchase a beach house because of how beautiful the location was. In 2008 they made Dauphin Island their permanent home.

“My favorite events to capture are the concerts, car shows, and weddings,” Russell said.

“There are so many events that do happen here and the surroundings make everything seem even more alive.”

The idea for Dauphin Island Alabama came when publisher Duane Wood visited the island and fell in love with its beauty. Wood then gathered a team to bring his vision to life. Carroll Uithoven is the book’s author and Russell and Sjon Hopkins served as the photographers.

The book features 76 pictures of the island and all of the islands history.

“Many people may not know, but Dauphin Island is full of rich history of the French and Spanish,” said Russell.

The book signing will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the High Horse Gallery.