When you hear the word “photojournalist” – What comes to mind? A warzone or conflict photographer? A sports shooter lugging a few supertelephoto lenses around the sidelines of a professional sporting event? Or maybe it’s the fly on the wall, spending countless hours following a singular subject, telling a singular, poignant story with images? Well, in my mind, it’s ALL of that and NONE of that. Let me explain
These tropes exist for a reason, they are often true. But today’s episode gets at the heart of photojournalism– applying our craft of using photos and videos to tell the most authentic, human story possible, visually. Photojournalism is everywhere and today’s guest shares her mindset and outlook as a photojournalist and editorial photographer AND how that’s helped her position herself as an expert in her craft, no matter her location.
Ruthie Hauge’s roots are in photojournalism and art. She received a scholarship to attend Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, where she majored in photography and minored in drawing. She was hired as a Staff Photographer by Sun-Times Media in Illinois where she worked for almost 7 years and earning 18 State and National Photojournalism awards. In the summer of 2012, Ruthie gave up her staff position to focus on her business and her new role as Mom. According to her bio, Before a long day of photography Ruthie's pre-game ritual includes 8+ hours of sleep, a burger, a playlist of Hall & Oates, and an iced white chocolate mocha. On assignment, Ruthie is usually doing whatever is necessary to get the best possible photo, whether it be sloshing through a ditch, balancing on the roof of a skyscraper, flying in a blimp or standing in a bathtub and She loves EVERY minute of it. Ruthie goes above and beyond for her clients while also capturing as much personality, life and storytelling in her images as possible.
In today’s episode, Ruthie and I dive in on treating your creative work as a business, how to get connected in new locations and building your tribe, and the importance of finding a partner who shares your values and complements your skills. So, without any further ado, my interview with Ruthie Hauge.
PHOTOS FROM THE EPISODE: COMING SOON
QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments!
SHOW NOTES: COMING SOON
Courtney Perry is a photojournalist based in Minneapolis, MN. Formerly a staff photographer at the Dallas Morning News, she now freelances for various local and national clients while based in the Twin Cities. Her home is filled with a spouse, his children, their dogs, and much love.
On today’s episode, Courtney and I explore how to enjoy photography without basing your happiness on your work, how she’s been able to build a stable and healthy client-base as a freelancer, and why having a “dark night of the soul” moment in your creative career can be a game-changing event to sharpen your focus as a photographer or multimedia creator. Without any further ado, today’s beautiful and timely interview with photojournalist Courtney Perry.