Cambridge Wedding Photography Hayley Ruth one of the Cambridge Wedding Photographers

HayleyRuth has always had a love for photographs and photography.

Tell me about your Cambridge Wedding Photography Blog?

My blog shows pictures from my recent portrait and wedding shoots, but it’s about much more than photography. I’m building a place to support brides through the planning process, providing details of useful contacts and trusted suppliers, as well as enabling my clients and potential clients to get to know a bit more about me. It’s hard buying online as there is little human interaction and people like to buy from people, so my intention with my blog is to create something that will help people get to know me and see how I work

How did you get into Cambridge Wedding Photography?

I’ve always loved photographs and photography. My grandparents gave me my first camera when I was ten, and when my grandfather died I inherited his SLR camera. I had lots of fun with it and friends really liked the photos I’d taken of them and their children. When the camera broke during a trip to New York, I bought my first digital SLR and my work as a portrait photographer took off.
Gradually, people started asking me to photograph their weddings too. I’d worked in wedding only venues during my late teens, so already knew the industry well. Organising my own wedding and going to those of family and friends has allowed me to see a wedding from every perspective. It is exciting to be able to put all that experience into my photography. I’ve never lost that excitement. I love being part of each couple’s individual journey, creating a really personal record of their day to help them relive it again and again.
Photography’s a long way from my previous career in HR but, just like in HR, it’s the opportunity to work with people that I enjoy. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy landscape and other types of photography too – I’m constantly pushing myself to learn new skills and techniques to transfer to my wedding and portrait photography.

Why did you start your Cambridge Wedding Photography blog?

When I was first starting out I was following a lot of American photographers blogs, and really enjoyed seeing their new work rather than just their websites. I looked around for UK Photographer blogs and they were few and far between so I decided I should give it a go. I started with a news page on my website but rapidly outgrew this and so earlier this year transferred to a wordpress.com blog and it’s proving such a hit that I am in the process of setting up my own customised blog, so watch out for it’s launch later this summer.

What is the biggest tip you would give to a newbie blogger?

Just do it! It’s hard getting started and thinking that no one will be interested in what you have to say or share, but honestly they are. And – publicise your blog, twitter has been great at bringing new traffic to my blog.

Where do you see growth in the blogging field?

Well having said that I couldn’t find many UK photographer blogs, I have noticed this year there are lots more appearing and that it seems to be a hot topic of conversation amongst them at meetings. I think it’s starting to take off in the UK now, and I am meeting people nearly every week who are considering it, just started a blog or had one for a while, and not just photographers, even just individuals who think they have something to share. It’s really exciting to hear about all the new knowledge and information that is being shared this way. It does make me wonder how we managed without it before!

What do you do to improve the world?

I capture happy memories for people to keep, so they can be reminded of the good times no matter what! I also support a number of charities with my time and skills whenever I can.

What do you do that is green?

I am only a small business, but I use recycled products, recycle everything or reuse it. As I can do a lot of my business online I find that I don’t travel as much now either and where possible I use my feet or public transport.

What is one thing about you that not many people know?

Because of Twitter everyone now knows about my stripy sock collection – so I guess it would have to be; I have abseiled off the top of the pyramid stage at Glastonbury (About 18 years ago!)

What’s your favourite book?

That’s tough too as I read all the time, about 2 books a week, so whatever I haven’t already read! Easier to say possibly, everything but NOT Mills and Boon.

What is on your iPod?

At the moment – The Script, Elbow, Dire Straits, Travis, Embrace, Empire of the Sun – It changes fairly regularly.

What are your contact details (email, company, blog, facebook, myspace, forums, etc)?

Blog: www.hayleyruthphotography.wordpress.com
Web: www.hayleyruthphotography.co.uk
Twitter: hayleyoats
Facebook: Hayley Ruth
Linkdin: Hayley Oats

What events do you go to?

I organise UK [b] School events and meet ups, the [b] school is a forum for professional Photographers, if anyone is interested get in touch.
I am also a member of a number of Photography networks which are great for sharing and I always learn a lot.
TWIG – M you know the score here ;o)
SWPP – Conference and events
Anything else that sounds interesting

How do you prefer to communicate?

I love to meet people face to face, however the majority of my communication is either online or by telephone in the first instance.

Who would you recommend, and why?

For Photographers:
http://digitalprotalk.blogspot.com/
http://www.beckersblog.com/  If you want to see how to use social media for your photography business – Becker has it nailed!
http://www.jasminestarblog.com/  Another one who provides photo magic and helpful info on photography having risen to dizzy heights in only 3 years in the US
http://www.randallphotography.co.uk/blog/  I love his work and he’s a great help to new photographers!
http://www.fazackarley.com/blog/  another great support for me and his work absolutely rocks!
http://www.chromasia.com/  David’s work speaks for its self. HOT!
Non Photography:
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/  some great thoughts on here that can challenge thinking
http://www.engauge.co.uk/Ask/  check out the chocolate mug cake and other great tips for business and people management on here.

What is one thing people can do for you?
Subscribe to my blog and get in touch.

Cambridge Wedding Photography Hayley Ruth one of the Cambridge Wedding Photographers