Ruby self portrait in lounge.
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Ruby Hamilton, a photographer & content creator based in Auckland is known for her coastal cool meets 90’s LA minimalist vibe. Ruby gives us a glimpse into her home, in a series of self-portraits.
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You have created content & photography for brands of note Meadowlark, An Organised Life, La Tribe, Syrene Skincare & Chloe Zara Hair amongst others in the fashion, beauty and lifestyle space. Tell us a bit about what led you here.
My entrance into becoming a freelance creative was a little bit dramatic and a lot unplanned. At the very beginning of the pandemic, I along with several hundred very talented co-workers lost our jobs quite abruptly at a magazine publishing house. I had just started my “dream job” as the digital content producer for Fashion Quarterly and very early into the role. I was very fortunate to have had some very supportive contacts and friends who started reaching out pretty soon after seeing what I was up to. It kind of just snowballed from there, so for the last couple of years I have been working with brands on their content, social media, styling and creative direction.
What message or feeling do you try to evoke with your work?
Warmth, nostalgia and the intimacy of the in between moments that easily get overlooked.
Which Photographers inspire you?
There are so many incredible talents out there and some of my closest friends are amazing photographers who I am always inspired by.
I definitely feel drawn to different vibes depending on my mood but a few whose work I am always in awe of are Jessica Ruscoe, an Aussie based in France, my dear friends Holly Burgess and Ash Brooksbank inspire me always. Kat Gillespie and Sydney Noelle are wedding photographers that I am very drawn too.
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What is your most memorable /pinch me moment?
I tend to have quite a lot of imposter syndrome so I regularly think “is this real life?” But one of note just recently was having my first editorial Daydreamer featured on Anyone Girl. Yasmine has been a creative who I have admired for such a long time, and to have her excited about what we created and to see it online was surreal.
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Anyone Girl Editorial Shoot Photography Ruby HamiltonStyling Tori AmblerHair & Make Up Natalie Dent Model Zjana | N Model Agency
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Favourite place to unwind/relax?
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The ocean, always.
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Where do you look for inspiration?
A lot of my inspiration comes from people in my life and just chatting to people. Although Instagram can be a bit of a beast sometimes, I do love exploring and finding things to be inspired by. Usually it’s other photographers or makers, I find interiors really inspiring as well. I think it has a lot to do with the textures and how light moves through living spaces.
How would you describe your interior style?
It's minimal and pared back with a few trinkets here and there. I love candles, and lots of books. I adore my recent addition, Wonderland by legendary un-fashion photographer Annie Leibovitz, it was a birthday gift from my partner. I like organic lines and neutral colour palettes and I'd say that I'm inspired by 70's motifs with a bit of coastal influence. Even though I like to keep things fairly minimalist, I do have some really special artworks and trinkets passed down to me from my dad's extensive travels.
Where do you look to for interior inspiration?
Usually pinterest and instagram, sometimes i've seen a specific piece of furniture or room that I like the look of and end up down a rabbit hole.
I tend to be quite drawn to the interiors of creators whose work I really love, or people whose style i like. I guess interiors are just an extension of that! I have really loved watching Emily's new build @komorebi_home_ and love the style of her hinterland property.
What pieces do you have on your interior wishlist?
If my living space was big enough, i'd say the Float Sofa by Sarah Ellison.
An incredible lamp by Gubi and a large Slim Aarons framed original piece from his island series.
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What is your favourite Arc scent?
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That’s a hard choice but I think it has to be the new Agni scent. The perfect masculine and feminine mix. It feels so warm and homely.
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How would you describe your style?
For the most part my style is practical and fairly pared back. I love a relaxed look but also like playing with volume and shapes. My colour palette is very neutral, it helps me to feel calm and confident.
Any rituals you follow to help with motivation/relaxation?
I find it hard to relax, naturally I am quite an anxious and high energy person, but I have really leaned into making my home the thing that brings me calm. Little rituals like lighting a candle and cooking have really helped me to relax more.
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Stevie Nicks, Anthony Bourdain, Meryl Streep & Stanley Tucci
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If you could invite a table of guests to dinner, (past or present) who would it be?
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Stanley Tucci and Anthony Bourdain, both are foodies who I adore. I find their approach to food so joyous and relatable. I'd invite my friends and Stevie Knicks (because I think she would be so fun and intriguing). Oh and maybe Meryl Streep? Because why not!
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Most treasured piece?
My Acne Musubi Bag that was a birthday gift from a dear friend and mentor of mine. She knew this was on my dream bag list and picked the perfect colour. Its a piece I will treasure forever.
If you’re settling in for the evening what music would you be playing?
This changes a lot depending on the mood, but for dinner time it’s typically a mix Etta James, Fleetwood Mac, Angus & Julia Stone and some Van Morrison.
Any projects for 2023 you’d like to tell us about?
2023 Is looking like quite an optimistic year, I feel excited to create and embrace new challenges.
Etta James
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