Students at Spruce Mountain Elementary School enjoyed some outdoor fun as temperatures rise after brutal cold.
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.
Auburn chocolatier does the Valentineโs Day dip
Photographer Russ Dillingham captured Maine Gourmet Chocolates ramping up for Saturday’s holiday.
Lewiston area rallies, sports, outdoor recreations, fundraising focus of week in photos
Sun Journal photographers select some of their favorite images from Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2026.
Mystery Photo for Feb. 8, 2026
Correctly guess where this photo was taken and you could win a $25 Hannaford Supermarket gift card.
Lewiston police go behind the counter to raise money for the Special Olympics
Russ Dillingham focuses on officers working at the Tip-A-Cop event.
Snow cannon fires up on Auburn streets
Auburn Public Works removes snow on Summer Street
Lewiston apartment building fire doused quickly
No one was injured in the fire Tuesday on Cumberland Avenue.
Auburn students gear up for winter with help from Lost Valley
L.L.Bean snowshoes and Sonic sleds were recently delivered to Washburn School.
Mad Science workshop held in Lewiston
Atomic Alex and his dinosaurs invade the library to educate and entertain children and adults.
Mystery Photo for Feb. 1, 2026
Correctly guess where this photo was taken and you could win a $25 Hannaford Supermarket gift card.