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In this feature, we will share information and images from photographers who are on our Professional Photographer Registry. That means that you can be sure that each photographer showcased here has been in business (legally!) for a minimum of three years, has a portfolio of professional level work that is technically sound, and is operating a business designed to be sustainable and profitable. In short, the photographers in our articles are operating their businesses with integrity, and dedication to preserving artistry in the photographic industry. If you are on our registry and would like to be featured, please email takeoffyourmommygoggles@gmail.com!
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We’re very pleased to welcome Ruthi of R. David Original Photography to the Photographer Spotlight! Ruthi works primarily in Virginia and Washington DC. Adept at numerous types of photography from portraits to weddings to events, Ruthi’s work is inspiring in its range. Read on to learn more!
(PS – photographers, don’t miss the info / discount code for Ruthi’s upcoming Central Park workshop – at the end of the article!)
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Name: Ruthi David
Nickname(s): Mom/Mama/Mommy/Roofi (according to my friend’s 5 year old)
Business: R David Original Photography – I have two distinct divisions: 1. Fine art portraiture, primarily for families and children. 2. Editorial and Events – lots of politics, since I covered the Obama campaign for three years, including the President’s photolines for Mid-Atlantic Finance events. Lots of live music, lots of administration galas and awards ceremonies, some White House events, and a few weddings thrown in for good measure.
Tell us about your studio(s): I am on-location only. My portraits are about 90% outdoor locations, and events are all over!
Tell us about the style of portraits your produce for your clients: My portrait work is all natural light, and leans toward the classic side – not too funky or modern, but very natural. I am a huge fan of late day “magic light” and lean towards lots of backlight and golden light. I love closeups that show every little detail about a face. I believe that knowing the light is the most important thing about being a photographer. I also do a TON of silhouette images – they are sort of a specialty, and lots of people come in asking for them.
Are you a self taught photographer, or did you have formal instruction? Both. I grew up in a house with parents who were both excellent photographers. We had a darkroom in our basement and chemicals in our fridge. I studied darkroom photography in high school and college, and switched to digital after the birth of my first son. I am self-taught where digital differs from film, but formally trained on the technicalities of a camera and taking a photograph in general.
What products that you produce completely knock your client’s socks off? Gallery mounts have been very popular. People also love the little accordion books, and like that they can have their images featured on Facebook.
What color socks are you wearing? I almost never wear socks. I like being barefoot or in flip-flops. Or heels. Not much in between.
What’s your favorite thing about being a photographer? Making my own hours and seeing my favorite clients year after year as they grow up.
Least favorite thing? The organizational aspects. I drown in disorganization.
Name some things that inspire you. There are so many! Music. New York City and Central Park. My kids (of course). My friends. A perfect weather day. A perfect sunset. Lots of times my inspiration is based on light – that seems to be a recurring theme here!
What is your favorite indulgence? Pedicures.
What are people surprised to learn about you? That I was a State swimmer as a kid, and a very competitive rider. I can still jump a horse over a really big fence.
Who do you wish you could photograph – and why? I am SO LUCKY that I have photographed so many people that would’ve been in my top 10. Photographing Barack Obama in candid situations is more than I ever could’ve dreamed of, and I got to do it for years. And as a result of that work, I was able to photograph so many amazing people that were directly related to those situations. If i could do a portrait of someone, I would like to do someone with a really interesting face. I would love to a classic portrait of Lady Gaga.
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PHOTOGRAPHERS: Ruthi has a Natural Light Workshop in Central Park coming up in just a few weeks! Here’s the info – and a discount code for TOYMG readers!
Natural Light Workshop in NYC – August 3rd 2012 – with Ruthi David, Sony World Photo Awards Commended Photographer!
Central Park West.
I will bring a model (adult) and extra lenses (Nikon and Cannon). A few child models will be accepted on a limited basis, as well. Please let me know if you interested in having your child photographed at the workshop (model spaces open to children of workshop attendees only). We will meet in the Park and you will have either a one or two hour group mentoring session, to both observe and shoot in natural light. You will receive a signed release allowing you to use the photos in your portfolio, and I will send you home with some best practices and editing tips. One month of follow-on mentoring via email or IM included. Mention Take Off Your Mommy Goggles and receive a discount on the fee - $150 per person for the first hour, or $225 to stay for two hours. (Regularly $250/hr or $350/2 hours).