STYLE & DESIGN
IN CONVERSATION WITH:
Ruby Hamilton
We speak to Ruby Hamilton, LIÁN LOU muse and Auckland based creative, on her journey into full-time
photography, her serene, neutral personal aesthetic and how she finds balance and happiness in her day-to-day.
Can you tell us about yourself and how you got into photography?
Im a photographer and creative based in Auckland.
It actually started out as a hobby, I used take photos of me and my friends with our horses when I was young and it sort of just kept going from there. I’ve always loved magazines, editorials and visual story telling so I think I just kept creating as I grew up as a form of self expression.
I was in my early years of high school when I started to use Tumblr and that was our real first look at using imagery and photography to express ourselves online. I posted a lot of my photos on there, my first experiments with film came from that as well. Then instagram came along and the rest is sort of history. After studying photography at university I was working in different marketing and editorial roles, that lead me into working on production for shoots, styling, managing, and creating content for social media and digital platforms. This helped me create a really good base to understanding all aspects of brand story telling. But when I got made redundant at the beginning of covid, I turned to creating more and more just for my own social media and then brands started reaching out for me to work on shooting content for them during lockdowns.
Fast forward three years of freelancing and I am a full time photographer!
What does your morning routine look like?
This varies a lot depending on if I have an early start time for shoots, or weekend weddings. I love a walk in the morning sun with a podcast, most mornings consist of my favourite songs, and a fresh coffee and breakfast.
Do you have any favourite subjects to shoot?
It’s usually the people in my life, people I love. People In love, the little in between moments of everyday life.
Do you have a preference, digital or film?
Film for sure, we have a love/hate relationship but it’s mostly love. I find myself surrendering more and more with film and I love what comes from it when I hold no expectations.
Are there any other photographers, current or historical that inspire you?
There are too many to count! Im constantly finding new photographers exploring different styles, lighting and subject matters. But I have some very very talented friends in the industry too who are constantly inspiring me and pushing me to be better.
Describe your workspace, how have you curated a space that inspires creativity?
I am extremely lucky to have a very serene, sunny little office at home that I have set up and can work from. I have a big comfy seat in the corner and a lovely console cabinet situation with plenty of drawers and shelves to hide away my ever growing collection of film cameras. I also have a big pinboard that I change over regularly to help me feel inspired. I also have candles and books around that keep me feeling grounded.
How would you describe your personal style?
For the most part my style is practical and fairly pared back. I love a relaxed look but also like playing with volume and shapes. My colour palette is very neutral, it helps me to feel calm and confident.
What is your favourite piece from our recent Resort 2023 collection?
I adore the Serenite sarong. Sarongs are a permanent fixture in my wardrobe. Something I will always have a deep affection for from my years spent in the islands. I love that you can wear them in several ways, I am also really loving yellow as my pop of colour amongst a very neutral wardrobe! And although the weather is sadly beginning to cool and change, I know I will be using this during any mid-winter escapes and for summers to come.
What are your aspirations for the next 5 years?
To continue creating, doing what I love and just really owning my craft and just always learning new things. To continue fostering my relationships and prioritising my friends and family. My biggest aspiration is just continuing to choose balance and happiness.
Are you working on any exciting new projects that you’d love to share with us?
There’s always something in the works! I have lots of really great things coming up, and I am mostly excited to be booking my next season of weddings for 2024. I can’t wait!
MUSE — Ruby Hamilton
STYLED IN — Serenite Sarong in Soleil Yellow, Petale Bralette in Fleur Broderie & Assure Blazer in Croissant.
