Interview with Lauren Rutherford of Lauren Rutherford Photography

1.     Will you start by telling us where you work and live and the type of photography you do?

I live in Belfast, but since Northern Ireland is so small I shoot all around the country. I suppose I'd be termed a lifestyle or social photographer, I take photos of people – newborns, families, portraits and weddings.

2.     What inspires you as a photographer?

The thing that inspired me most when I was starting out was the new wave of wedding and lifestyle photographers who have come out of America (California in particular) in the past few years, who have really made the industry exciting again. I also love reading wedding blogs to discover the fantastic talent we have here in the UK and to see what is influencing today's brides, and looking at fashion magazines to check out the latest trends. I'm constantly inspired by the things around me – the shapes and textures of the city and the colours and beauty of the countryside. I'm quite often caught staring at strangers if the light is falling particularly nicely on their face!

3.     How long have been a photographer?

I've always loved photographs, but mainly looking at other people's! I bought my first dSLR to document a trip to Peru in 2007, but didn't really learn to use it properly until the end of 2009. I fell head over heels in love with photography and started my business 6 months ago.

4.     When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?

When I'm not photographing for work, I photograph for pleasure. Now that it's Spring again you'll most likely find me out and about in the parks of Belfast, taking photos of birds and macro shots of insects and flowers. It was my hobby before I became a professional photographer and it's still my hobby now. It's so different from photographing people that it still helps me unwind. I also enjoy going for drives with my boyfriend around our beautiful coastline, and hope to spend more time hiking in the mountains this year, a love of mine that I've been neglecting recently.

5.     Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?

I haven't read many books on the business of photography, I get most of my information online and through workshops. I couldn't have got my business up and running as quickly as I did without the help of The A to Z of Photography and Business course, run by Aspire (http://www.aspirephotographytraining.co.uk). I've also found the CreativeLIVE (http://creativelive.com) workshops really valuable, and love blogs like Tofurious (http://www.tofurious.com). I also get a lot of really valuable advice from the online communities I'm a part of, like the [b] school (http://www.thebschool.com) and Drama Free Photography (http://www.dramafreephotography.co.uk). On my 'to read soon' list are books like Purple Cow by Seth Godin, and Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders.

6.     Best marketing idea? 

Social media is vitally important to me – the triangle of twitter, facebook and my blog. Having a bride or parent share their photos on facebook gets the kind of exposure that would cost an absolute fortune in print advertising. Nothing beats word of mouth, which is why I concentrate on building real relationships with the people I photograph. Through twitter, clients can become friends, and that's so powerful.

7.     Worst marketing idea?

For me, probably getting leaflets printed without really knowing where to put them! When I started, I got a lot of printed promotional materials because I felt I should, but I don't think the kinds of clients I really click with find photographers by picking up leaflets. When people find me online they're almost always a perfect fit, because they know more about me and my style, so I want to concentrate my marketing in that area. When I do use printed leaflets from now on, I'll make sure I use them in a targeted way.

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 minute. I love doing my family and portrait sessions on location, because I love being outside and I don't think the studio environment suits my relaxed style. I would really like to have a natural light studio for my newborn work though, but it would be more of a luxury than a necessity at the minute. I currently visit babies in their own homes, but it often means compromising on space, quality of light, and even just which props I can fit in the car. A dedicated newborn studio with all my props at hand is definitely something I aspire to.

9.     What do you think makes a photographer successful?

I take a lot of pride in the technical quality of my images, so I'd love to say that that is what makes a photographer successful, but in reality it's so much more than that, and the photographs are just a small part of the equation. It's about having the personality to connect with the people you photograph, so that they feel comfortable to put all their trust in you. These days a quality, consistent, professional web presence is also a necessity. Ultimately, so much of the success of a photographer is down to having a good business head, something I know I need to keep at the forefront over the next few years. I don't want to be a starving artist!

10.   What’s your weakness in this business?

My big weakness is my shyness. Anyone I've met or photographed will think I'm talking nonsense because when I'm chatting about photography or out on a photoshoot I'm always full of confidence, I'm totally in my comfort zone. But I'm absolutely outside my comfort zone when it comes to sales, and singing my own praises. I know that confidence in those areas is vital to promote myself and to build a successful business, so I'm working hard at it!

11.   Are you a Nikon or Canon?

I'm a Canon girl, and I use a 5D MkII. I love the look of the images it produces, but I'm not anti-Nikon.

12.   and Lens?

I prefer to shoot with prime lenses. My favourite is the 135mm f2L, it's such a dreamy portrait lens, but I've recently bought a 100mm f2.8L and it's a lot of fun too, it gives the 135 a run for its money!

13.   If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?

Maybe a quantum physicist, since that's what I did my PhD in. Either that or a teacher - I love working with people and am passionate about science education and communication. I know, I'm a geek :)

14.   Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business.

Don't let anything hold you back! Chances are there will never be 'the right time' so just do the absolute best with the circumstances you find yourself in. I dived straight in, full-time, and although I haven't had the finances to invest the way I could if I had a salary as well, I've been able to invest time, which can be just as valuable. Be realistic, it takes a long time to get established and you shouldn't be disheartened if you aren't immediately booked up. Finally, and most importantly, do your research. Be like a sponge soaking up every piece of information you can, and learn from the mistakes of others so you can avoid making too many of them yourself!

15.   Tell us your proudest moment of your career?

It's been a short career, but my proudest moment so far was having my first ever wedding featured on my favourite wedding blog, Rock n Roll Bride (http://www.rocknrollbride.com/2011/03/emma-james-wedding-of-love-laughter/). Recognition like that, knowing how much Kat (the blog owner) values photography, is a real boost when you're just starting out. Even though I know that my photography will just keep on improving, I'm so pleased that I'll be able to look back on my first wedding with pride.

Here is where you can find Lauren
twitter.com/Rutherfordium
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurenRutherfordPhotography

Website: www.laurenrutherford.co.uk

Blog: www.laurenphotoblog.com