Mary Lanigan Russo, a native Chicagoan and currently a resident of the Edgewater neighborhood, has been taking photographs for as long as she can remember.  

Mary spent three years in a Chicago photography program where she improved her photography skills and learned her way around the darkroom.  For two years, she served as a darkroom instructor.   Her involvement in the program enabled her to meet others who shared her passion, which led to the founding of Silver Iris Photography, a cooperative of women photographers.  Mary enjoys the challenge of producing archival-quality prints, including portraits, cityscapes and landscapes.  

"I enjoy producing archival photographs - on paper or canvas - that have a painterly quality.  I do not strive to shock, titillate, or make you think deep thoughts with my art.  I prefer to produce images that will, perhaps, remind you of a favorite person or place, bring back happy memories, or make you wish you were there.  Sláinte!"