Whether you're trying to get your first clients, build a business that works around family life, or finally feel confident in your pricing - I’ve been where you are. And I’m not here to hand you a one-size-fits-all formula. I’m here to help you find what actually fits you.
I work with photographers at all levels - from brand new to burnt out - who want to grow in a way that’s sustainable, intentional, and true to who they are. Think: real conversations, a safe place to ask the ‘silly’ questions, and practical strategies that you can actually use.
My sessions are a mix of coaching and collaboration - whether we’re mapping out your packages, prepping for your first wedding, refreshing your website, or figuring out how to juggle it all without losing your mind (or your weekends).
Life should be captured beautifully. I can't wait to help you capture it.
"...Couldn't recommend her enough...
I booked a last minute one on one mentor session with Ruth last week while I was in town. We went over all the technical side of using my camera and also learnt lots of tricks for dealing with lighting issues. Couldn’t recommend her enough! I’m looking forward to when she brings her workshops to Akl!”
- Laura Patterson
Below is some of the content I have covered during these sessions.
Whether you are an experienced photographer or hobbyist, a mentoring session will help you grow creatively and technically. The direction of the session will be determined by what you would like to learn. Nothing is off limits when I mentor you. We can discuss anything you need help with during this time and you can ask me anything you want to know!
Mentoring For Creatives & Photographers
- Using your Digital SLR - what all those buttons do
- Understanding light & how to manage difficult lighting conditions
- Understanding composition and how to use this to improve your images
- Editing & editing workflows
- Creating your workflow for your sales process
- Using systems to be more productive
- Creating your workflow for your sales process
- Creating profitable products and packages
- Choosing the best apps, programmes, subscriptions to support your business
ruth gilmour
And so much more...
My two or three-hour mentoring session is perfect if you have a specific area/s of your photography or in your business that you want to work on. Often these sessions are used for coaching on pricing, editing or just chatting over a bunch of questions you might have around business, social media etc.
Pick My Brain
Options:
2 Hours - $450 + GST
3 Hours - $600 + GST
additional hours - $120+GST per hour
One-on-one mentoring
12 Weeks of Mentoring
Sometimes you need more than a one off session to really target specific areas of your business, to improve your shooting, for accountability and to reach your goals!
Six one hour sessions to be used across 12 weeks (zoom call only).
$700 + GST
During this 2.5 hour session we'll chat over how I plan my shoots including prep, locations, posing and lighting. Together we'll plan a shoot according to what you would like to add to your portfolio and/or the type of session you feel you need the most help with.
During the shoot as I pose and direct, I will talk you through my thought processes. We will finish our time together with a debrief discussion. This can include a Q & A viewing and editing the images we just photographed or a portfolio review.
Live Photoshoot
Includes:
- 60 Minute Photoshoot
- 90 Minute debrief session after the shoot
- Templates: My portrait shoot guide, contracts, email templates & loads of other resource
This live shoot can be added on to any mentoring session package as well as purchased individually.
One-on-one mentoring
$850 + GST
Things we could talk over...
This full day mentoring session is 7 hours long and includes a live shoot. Through the pre-mentoring questionnaire we will identify the areas you need to focus on and together come up with a plan of action! Nothing is off limits during this session, I'm an open book and welcome any questions you may have. This session also includes a live shoot, a great opportunity to build confidence as well as create images for your portfolio.
Full Day Of Mentoring
Investment
$1600+GST
one-on-one mentoring
Creating a seamless client journey from enquiry to delivery — one that builds trust and sets clear expectations
You want clarity around pricing, positioning, or your brand direction
Developing your portfolio to reflect the work you want more of
Gaining confidence behind the camera, especially in real-life client settings
Setting sustainable pricing that aligns with your goals and values
Includes:
6 hours One-on-one mentoring in person
Pre-mentoring questionnaire
Templates: All five of my shoot guides, contracts, email templates & loads of other resources
Platter to graze on
BONUS:
I will shoot 5 branding images of you during our session that can be used for your marketing and branding! worht $750
"...Ruth was wonderful...
I initially contacted Ruth via her Instagram stories and got an immediate very helpful response, and from there, I was fortunate enough to have a one on one tutoring session with Ruth. I have had my Sony Digital SLR for 6 months using it on Program mode and was ready to learn more! Ruth was wonderful! She gave me clear understandable explanations at a good pace. We had fun trying out the different functions and I now feel like I know my camera so much better and am confident to start playing around more.
- Faye Chell
"...I absolutely loved Ruth's Photography workshop...
I learnt so many valuable skills that I now use when taking photographs of my loved ones. I feel so much better equipped to capture those special moments in my family and I love how much better my photos now are. Thanks so much for teaching us the tricks of the trade!..."
- Anke Richmond
FAQ
Where do mentoring sessions take place?
The mentoring sessions can take place either online, in person here in the Waikato or I can travel to you. Travel up to 30km of the Hamilton CBD is included in the price of your mentoring session. Mileage costs may apply for further travel.
What do we go over during a Photography or Creatives Mentoring Session?
Anything and everything! Nothing is off limit, you are steering the ship and every business is unique with different challenges. Before your session, you will be sent a questionnaire so I can find out more about you and your business and together we will identify the areas that you need the most mentoring in.
How does the live shoot work?
This is such a great opportunity to build confidence in directing! We'll collaborate to come up with a shoot that meets your learning objectives. I'll co-ordinate with the client and cc you in on all communications. On the day I'll lead the session as I usually would but you are more than welcome to shoot for your portfolio as well as direct on your own. After our session we'll look at the images and debrief the process and experience. Two weeks later I'll send you the gallery of edited images so you can see the results.
What is the booking fee?
The booking fee is 25% off your session fee and is to secure your date in my calendar. The booking fee is non-refundable if you decide to cancel your Mentoring Session.
"...would 100% recommend doing a session with Ruth...
Would 100% recommend doing a session with Ruth if you were wanting to learn how to use a DSLR or if you're even a photographer wanting to sharpen up your skills a little. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field and is very clear, patient and thorough in the delivery of this knowledge.”
- Catherine Smith
Slide into our inbox — it's always open.
Every photographer’s journey looks a little different, and this is your space to ask questions, share your goals, or simply tell me where you’re feeling stuck.
Fill in the form with as much (or as little) detail as you’d like, I’ll be in touch to talk through your options and see if mentoring together is the right next step for you.
