1. Will you start by telling us where you work and live and the type of photography you do?
I live on the borders of Manchester and Cheshire, with my husband, two children and a menagerie of pets. I’m a lifestyle photographer, and use mainly natural light on location. I specialise in fashion, boudoir and portraits.
2. what inspires you as a photographer?
My inspiration can come from various sources all around me, I particularly like American style photography (maybe it’s the golden beaches and sun!) I find my inspiration flows when I’m out walking the dogs. I have more time to think. I recently did a shoot with a pregnant lady, she was naked, sat in a wheelbarrow in the middle of a corn field! That was one of my dog walking inspirations (laughs). Anything out of the ordinary or quirky inspires me. I do also work very closely with a hair and makeup artist (Clare from www.harryjon.com) who is very pro-active when it comes to inspiration. I get weekly updates and a follow up phone call to see what I thought of her latest inspiration mood board (laughs again).
3. How long have been a photographer?
3. How long have been a photographer?
I’ve been a professional photographer since 2009, it seems much longer that that though. I did do a GCSE in photography at school (a long time ago), there was something magical about being in the darkroom and seeing your images appear in front of your eyes, the processing used to be the most enjoyable part for me. Photography was the only subject I got an ‘A’ in! Maybe I should have taken up photography years ago!
4. When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?
I have two children, one 3 and one 13, so they take up lots of my time. Any other spare time you can find me pumping iron at the gym or riding my horse ‘Stollie’.
5. Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?
Anything by Scott Kelby! But one in particular when I was just starting out; Scott Kelby, Digital Photography Box Set (3), How to Make your photos look like the pro’s... One of my favourite books is Vanity Fair portraits, it has some inspiring images. I love books, and have quite a collection now…its amazing how props, books and photography equipment are taking over my house.
6. Best marketing idea?
Moo cards (moo.com) are great marketing tools. Networking groups and social media (Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn) brings in business for me.
7. Worst marketing idea?
My husband! Telling potential customers that I’ll do a discount for them!
8. Do you have a studio and if not do you feel having a studio would help your business grow?
I don’t have a studio at the moment but this is something that I will be looking at in the near future. I have an ever-growing wardrobe of props so I need somewhere to store it all! With the British weather being as it is and doing a lot of boudoir photography a studio would be very beneficial. Freezing temperatures and lingerie are not conducive to good boudoir images!
9. What do you think makes a photographer successful?
Several elements: First and foremost are great images. You also need to be a people person, be a great businessperson, understanding marketing and be able to sell yourself (the difficult part). A photographer has lots of different hats; the taking photos side is actually the smallest element.
10. What’s your weakness in this business?
Self doubt – every time I show my images to a client I worry they wont like them! Thankfully, I’ve only had tears of joy!). I know many photographers and “creative’s” who feel just the same.
11. Are you a Nikon or Canon?
I’m a Nikon girl of course!
12. and Lens?
70-200mm 2.8 for portrait, I also use a 24-70mm 2.8 and then I also have a 50mm which I use for boudoir. I’ve an 85mm on my Christmas list!
13. If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
A novelist; I have written 3 novels and part of a 4th one, all are sat in my cupboard waiting to be finished off…one day J
14. Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business?
Starting up in photography is expensive. I’d say buy the best lenses you can afford and a have a professional website designed. Train with as many different photographers as you can, but develop your own style.
15. Tell us your proudest moment of your career?
I’ve had a quite a few moments which I’m proud of, I work for an American charity Inspiration Through Art (formerly The Littlest Heroes Project) and have met some amazing and courageous children and families through the project, I was the first UK based photographer to be accepted onto their recommended photographer list. I was commended in the 2010 Professional Photographers Magazine “Professional Photographer of the Year Awards” with the images displayed in a private gallery in London and also I had work published in a New York based magazine and have also had a six page feature in F2 Freelance photography magazine.
Thanks Sue, a really great interview!
Here is where you can find Sue Westwood-Ruttledge
Here is where you can find Sue Westwood-Ruttledge
Great interview Sue, look forward to working with you on more projects!
ReplyDelete