Tell us a bit about your approach to the work you do, your time in the business and a few personal facts about you.
18 months ago I brought myself a camera. It started as a self-care exercise and developed into a passion. I was overwhelmed with life and I needed an escape. I found I was spending so many nights researching autism and learning about parenting that I felt lost and overwhelmed. My mental health was suffering. after much encouragement from my husband used our tax refund and brought a canon 6d with nifty fifty.
My name is Ellen Rugara. I’m from Melbourne Australia. My husband is from Zimbabwe and we have 2 beautiful, adventurous, crazy and wild children. One who happens to be on the autism spectrum. I have a passion for families, nature, diversity and the telling of authentic stories. When I start a business my dream is to photograph just that.
What about this session was most memorable?
I loved this session. It was only my 3rd ever family but I felt like so much clicked. Things I have been studying started really making sense. I felt (sort of) in control and I could see the vision in m head actually coming out.
Were there any hurdles?
I took these photos at a city park. We chose the location as it held deep significance for the family. This location did mean we were very limited in where we could shoot. The sunset was beautiful that night but just could not get a good look at it. One of the little areas that were so pretty had some people living in tents among the trees. We did not want to disturb them so we did not stick around there too long.
Your best photographer/session advice?
Be kind, confident and gently assertive. I am pretty good at the kind but at this stage totally faking the confidence and assertiveness. Fake it til you make it right.. I had Coleen Hodges lecture ringing in my ear. If you don’t like it. Change in. Remember you are in control.
The best prompt was. Everyone look at your favorite person. It got some genuine smiles and laughter.
What gear was used to achieve these?
I shot this whole session on a canon 6d and Sigma art 24mm. The couple was so polite they let me stick a 24mm only cms away from their face. I would have found it intimidating but they just went with it and turned out to be my favorite photo.
I also used presents LXCN4 and Rad BW
ABOUT THE ARTIST :
Ellen Rugara – Raised in Melbourne Australia. I am married to a wonderful man from Zimbabwe together we have two little ones. When I am not parenting or clicking away I am either drinking coffee or working as a Refugee Health Nurse. I have a passion to continue in my learning with a dream to one day tell other peoples stories and celebrating diversity.
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