People pack Dufresne Plaza and Lisbon Street during the city’s annual winter event.
Russ Dillingham
Staff Photographer
A lifelong resident of Lewiston, Russ stumbled into photography as a college student working toward a career in psychology. His great-grandfather Louis B. Costello was the publisher of the Lewiston Daily Sun and Evening Journal and his grandfather, who Russ is named after, was a staff photographer before becoming publisher. Russ planned to move to a big city to live and work until a light came on while he was in the darkroom. During summer breaks he worked in the press and composing rooms at the Sun Journal and between his junior and senior year landed a job as a darkroom technician in the photography department where he developed an interest in taking photos. He immediately demonstrated a creative eye and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. When the Sun Journal launched a Sunday edition, he was offered a job that began his 35 year career. He lives in Lewiston, where he and his wife raised four boys. His innate curiosity and love of new technology has kept his passion burning. From using 360-degree cameras to becoming a licensed drone pilot he is always eager to try something new. After three decades of doing the same job he still is excited to come to work every day and is always seeking new challenges and adventures.
Week in Photos: Snow in Lewiston-Auburn, museum construction and Poland Spring Resort
Sun Journal photographers select some of their favorite images from Nov. 28- Dec. 4, 2025.
Mystery Photo for Dec. 7, 2025
Correctly guess where this photo was taken and you could win a $25 Hannaford Supermarket gift card.
Bird’s-eye view of Lewiston museum taking shape
Russ Dillingham shares construction progress of the Maine Museum of Innovation Learning and Labor.
No shirt shoveling
Near freezing temperatures don’t bother this “New Mainer”
Lewiston-Auburn gets its first snowstorm of the season
Russ Dillingham captures people at work, at play and surviving the conditions.
Local dancers plié their way into the holidays
‘A Christmas Nutcracker’ cast rehearsed at The Dance Center on Saturday in Auburn. Photos and video by Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer
Football playoffs, Thanksgiving events and Christmas prep wrap up Lewiston area Week in Photos
Sun Journal photographers select some of their favorite images from Nov. 21-27, 2025.
Mystery Photo for Nov. 30, 2025
Correctly guess where this photo was taken and you could win a $25 Hannaford Supermarket gift card.
33 years ago, a Lewiston girl planted a blue spruce. Now, it’s the city’s Christmas tree
The girl’s mother was contacted by a relative, sparking memories of a family tradition. Photos and story by Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer