In keeping with the theme of our debut W'23 collection, TAKE CARE, we're asking our favourite creatives and community members about their lives, their work and how they take care - whether that be of themselves, others or the world around us.
Introducing, Ruby Hamilton. Working in the realms of fashion and digital content, Ruby is a an incredibly talented photographer based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.
CP: Tell us a little bit about your career and creative journey so far?
RH: I always find this question tricky to answer because although i'm still very much at the beginning of my career I do also feel like I have been doing this for a long time. I started out in a marketing role that I cut my teeth on all things creative and marketing. Since then I have been lucky enough to work in the realm of digital content and social media for publications, tried my hand at styling and shoot direction, brand management, as well as creating content and shooting for a range of fashion and lifestyle brands. I started freelancing at the very beginning of covid once I lost my job and just started shooting and styling for brands from then as well as doing quite a bit of social media and brand management contracting. Over the last couple of years, I have been lucky enough to work with local and international brands on creating content and imagery for them. This year I have been really focusing on my photo work and its been so rewarding!
CP: Talk us through your creative process - what does this journey look like for you?
RH: It really is so different for every job, but usually when I receive a brief I like to work with the clients on mooboarding and mapping out what they might like or need visually and then I like to build this out. I like to work closely with my clients to collaborate on this process.
CP: You have recently launched Lovers by Ruby Jayne, which we just adore. Tell us a little bit more about this new venture?
RH: This past summer just been I had the opportunity to second shoot weddings with the extremely talented Sapphire Studios and it really opened me up to wedding photography and I have just been loving every minute of it. It's such a joy to share someone's special day and help them tell their story.
My favourite things to shoot are the intimate, in between moments of life and people and weddings are just such a beautiful example of that. There is also a beautiful fashion element to weddings which is something i really love as well. Weddings are a really lovely balance for me to commercial work and I am so excited to see what the future holds!
CP: Favourite project or client you have worked on?
RH: Oh this is such a hard question! I have so many special clients and I feel so lucky to be able to work with some very very clever women!
CP: What does a typical day in the life look like for you?
RH: This changes every week! but I am a big fan of routine, so I really try structure my days with lunch breaks and walks when i am home editing or in and out of client meetings but if Im out and shooting then I like to start or end the day with some down time like a walk or pilates. I do a lot of cooking as well, this helps me stay really grounded and in a good routine when things get busy.
CP: How are you doing, Ruby?
RH: I am really good thank you, the last few weeks has been crazy but I am just riding the wave and enjoying the privilege of being able to do this job! I do struggle a lot with anxiety, for now she is being behaved but I know that being busy with work is a big trigger for it so I have to work extra hard to make sure I am grounded and having a balance to keep on top of it.
CP: How do you take care? Whether this be prioritising self care or looking after others or both?
RH: Being with my family and friends, cooking and feeding them is like my favourite thing to do. This always makes me feel so grounded and whole.
CP: What are your tips for aspiring creatives looking to forge their own path?
RH: Just try your best to stay true to who you are and what you value, always value your work as well. It's such a privilege to work and be in a creative role, especially as photographers. It's hard work but always remember to have fun with it because really we are truly privileged to do these jobs.
CP: You’re based in Auckland, what are your favourite local haunts?
RH: There's so much to do here, it's just a matter of going and finding your fave spots! In summer, my favourite thing to do is grab a coffee and go for a swim at Minnehaha. I always head to Newmarket for shopping, everything is right there and it's so nice to explore the little lanes. I'm a sucker for a new restaurant opening as well, I always have my eye on what's new to try.
CP: You've just returned from shooting AAFW. We are simply obsessed with your gorgeous shots from the week - tell us a little bit more about this?
RH: This was an experience I have had on my goals list since I was 14 years old and I am so honoured to have been able to go. I got a job working with The Fourth Creative, a Sydney based photographer as her digital assistant and second shooter. It was a huge few days but it was so much fun and I learnt a lot. It was so great to see so much diversity at fashion week and so many talented kiwis there too!
CP: And finally, what is next for Ruby Jayne and Lovers by Ruby Jayne?
RH: I am just riding the waves, working hard and making the most of every experience that I am lucky enough to have. Being self employed as a creative is such hard work but at the end of the day it is so much fun and such a privilege! So I am just enjoying it all. The best is yet to come!