Russ Heinls' professional photography career began in Toronto where he made a name for himself photographing famous rock stars. It eventually became apparent that his creativity was being stifled by the confines of studio work. In 1990 an overpowering urge to fully explore and indulge his creativity lured him to British Columbia. Here, he fulfilled a lifelong desire to be surrounded by snowcapped mountains and the Pacific Ocean. His new studio and source of inspiration then became that of the great outdoors of the west coast.

To better understand his new environment on Vancouver Island, a number of small aircraft where chartered for sightseeing purposes. So impressed was he with the magnificent scenery he saw on these flights, that he instantly knew that the only way to effectively share his vision of this Pacific jewel with the world was through the eyes of an aerial photographer. Hence the " Eagle " took flight.

Three years later, Heinls' first aerial coffee table book "Where the Eagle Soars" was released and became a top ten regional best seller. Using only helicopters to shoot from, the book shares with the viewer his vision of stunning coastal seascapes as well as powerful, dramatic close up aerials of Victoria's charming architecture.

The success of his first book quickly lead to other aerial projects. The 1996 release of his second book, "Over Beautiful British Columbia" received critical acclaim as another regional best seller and was a nominee for The Bill Duthie Booksellers' Choice award. This book was shot as a companion to an equally successful one hour television special of the same title, filmed by the world renowned aerial film crew at KCTS-9 Seattle Washington.

The following year saw the release of two more critically acclaimed aerial books, "High Above the Canadian Rockies" and "Portugal , An Adventure of Discovery". The Portugal project saw Russ once again shooting along side the same KCTS-9 film crew that he worked with on "Over Beautiful British Columbia".

More recently "Over Canada" the aerial picture book (and a one hour television special filmed by KCTS-9 Seattle) was completed. The release of "Over Canada" coincides with Russ's sixth and seventh books, "Vancouver from the Air" and "Vancouver Island from the Air". Russ Heinls' work has been in constant demand by high profile international clients as well as various publishers. Aerial projects now take him to Europe across Canada and through out North America. He is especially proud to have been under contract for over seven years as the aerial photographer to Canada's world famous air demonstration squadron "The Snowbirds".

Recent developments in High Definition video cameras and customized, gyro stabilized mounting systems has allowed him to provide his clients with broadcast quality, silky smooth aerial footage at a fraction of the price previously associated with such endeavors.

The Russ Heinl Group offers both aerial "still" photography and aerial High Definition filming. The unique ability to shoot both formats from the same helicopter has been enthusiastically received by commercial clients who previously had to commission these disciplines separately.

Armed with an artist's keen eye for detail and composition and a master photographers sense of color and precision, aerial picture books and films have become the vehicle for his inspired vision. He has produced a considerable body of work including 11 aerial books, 5 aerial video programs and numerous short video programs.