Let's get to know each other! Here's a little bit about me...

I’m a Northeast Ohio–based photographer with a background in Applied Media from Kent State, along with minors in Photography and Visual Communication Design. My foundation in storytelling and visual design shapes the way I document moments not just as they happen, but as they’re felt. My path into photography wasn’t traditional. I started in drawing and painting, which eventually led me into special effects makeup, something I now do full-time as a content creator (you can find my work on TikTok @makeupbyruthie). That experience taught me how to build emotion, atmosphere, and narrative—something I carry into every session behind the camera.

Because photography isn’t something I rely on full-time, I’m able to approach it differently. I take on a limited number of sessions and weddings, choosing to work with people who genuinely connect with my style. It allows me to stay present, creative, and intentional with every shoot—never rushed, never formulaic.

What sets my work apart is my approach.

I’m not overly focused on stiff posing or perfectly curated moments. Instead, I guide when needed, creating space for natural movement, real connection, and genuine emotion to unfold. My goal is for you to feel comfortable and present even if you’ve never been in front of a camera before. Most of my clients tell me they feel awkward in front of the camera, and leave surprised by how easy and fun the experience felt. That’s always the goal: images that come from a place of ease, not performance.

My style is cinematic, but grounded in reality. I pay attention to light, composition, and subtle details, while prioritizing the feeling of the moment over perfection. My work resonates most with those who value authenticity over perfection. Those who want images that feel natural, unforced, and true to who they are.

Because at the end of the day, what makes a photograph meaningful isn’t just how it looks, it’s whether it brings you back to how it felt.