For the past 20 years, one photographer has had exclusive access to the more than 300 Victoria's Secret angels during their iconic holiday season fashion show.Photographer Russell James has had the privilege of being backstage photographing the world's top models including the likes of Bella Hadid, Miranda Kerr, Kendall Jenner, Gisele Bundchen, Naomi Campbell and the list goes on.James, who is a native of Australia, was hired by the million-dollar brand 20 years ago in order to give its campaigns a more 'fashion-forward look'.The 55-year-old photographer is mostly noted for his innovative concept of shooting the backstage action which he described as 'a delicate environment with the girls', an intimate statement that is perfectly captured in the fun-filled nature of his snaps, which feature the likes of Kendall, Miranda, Candice Swanepoel and Taylor Hill.His new book titled, Backstage Secrets: A Decade Behind the Scenes at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, is full to the brim of the 'sexiest' backstage images from his many years working as a photographer at the major event.Speaking to DailyMail.com, James explained that some of his favorite images in the book include shots of Gisele, Doutzen Kroes, Taylor Hill and more.'They all mean so much.Gisele taking the stage and ushering in the next level of fashionability, a shot of Doutzen looking between the legs of the dancers always brought a smile to my face and seeing Taylor Hill walk her first show was really cool,' James said.'The cover of Miranda though kind of says it all.This is a secret world we all get a glimpse into for a brief window once a year.' He also revealed that the most common thing the girls say while they are backstage is that 'I am so nervous.' 'My most common reply is ‘Don't worry, every one of the girls here is just as nervous’.It's a healthy kind of anticipation.So many of those same models have said to me after that it was the single best day of their professional life,' James said.The photographer explained that one of his main inspirations for his new book was the 'incredible evolution' of the show.'I have been lucky enough to witness from backstage - up close and personal.The show was a hit out of the gate,' James said.'However, I don’t think anybody knew it would grow to become the single biggest fashion show on earth.It really is a modern cultural phenomenon.' He added that his experience has 'changed significantly' from working his first show 20 years ago to the latest show that took place in China.'My experience backstage has changed significantly but there are some key elements that have not and that are at the heart of the show and its success,' he shared.'The biggest change I have seen has been that it used to be raw and random backstage.At the time, the show started it was all about the front of the stage.'However, social media did what it does and changed everything.The backstage story and behind the scenes have now become possibly as important as main stage.Ba
