Not every location shoot comes with a great backdrop. Outside, you're at the mercy of the weather. Inside, it's often a dim office, a cluttered meeting room or overhead lighting that does nobody any favours. Our Hamilton studio has everything a good shoot needs in one place: a light-filled room for natural light portraits, calm neutral set ups, professional lighting and backdrops. Headshots, branding, families, products or the whole team, the space is ready when you are.
OUR STUDIO
HAMILTON CENTRAL
Oversized windows and floaty sheers fill the space with soft, even light that flatters everyone. No harsh shadows, no awkward angles, just glowy skin and a feel that's warm, natural and very you.
the natural light
Creamy textures, warm timber, cosy cushions and furniture that actually moves. One corner can be a lounge, a desk, a dining setting or a calm neutral wall, so you leave with variety without changing location once.
the STUDIO styling
When you need crisp, consistent and polished, we bring in the pro gear. Studio strobes and softboxes mean your whole team matches, whether we're shooting five people or fifty, and products come out sharp and true to colour.
the studio LIGHTING
White, textured cream, black and grey backdrops for clean, classic portraits. Perfect for headshots, LinkedIn profiles, and anyone who wants the focus firmly on the face.
The backdrops
“Ruth is one of those photographers who makes you feel at ease, with a knack for capturing the moment and tailoring her extensive skill”
Simon Wickham, LeadWell.nz
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with her personally and professionally both with LeadWell and at Harkness Henry too - I highly recommend her services in commercial, personal and big occasion photography - I encourage you to check out her beautiful work and get her onboard”
“The whole team are incredibly organised, friendly, and easy to work with, making every shoot feel relaxed while still delivering high-quality results. ”
Heidi Gleeson, True Colours
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Gilmour Studios team across a range of projects from our annual Kerr & Ladbrook True Colours Long Lunch event to team headshots, and a full team photo. Each time the experience has been seamless and professional. The whole team are incredibly organised, friendly, and easy to work with, making every shoot feel relaxed while still delivering high-quality results. I’ve also attended events where they are the photographers and have experienced their friendly style and professionalism from a guest’s point of view. I’d happily recommend Gilmour Studios to any organisation looking for a reliable and collaborative photography partner."
“she knows how to work with and direct her clients to ensure everyone is comfortable and has an enjoyable experience. ”
Kristina Emson
"The best in the biz when it comes to branding shoots & headshots! Ruth is an absolute professional in every sense of the word and her work shows. We have been lucky enough to have Ruth shoot for us multiple times now and we will continue to use her for any future work. In addition to her creative talent, she is also just a lovely human being who knows how to work with and direct her clients to ensure everyone is comfortable and has an enjoyable experience. Couldn't recommend more."
“Everyone felt comfortable in front of the camera, worked seamlessly with our team and captured each person’s personality”
Ryan Cox, Hillcrest High School
"We recently worked with Gilmour Studios for a rebranding photo shoot and updated headshots of our key staff — and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results! The team were absolute professionals from start to finish. Everyone felt comfortable in front of the camera, worked seamlessly with our team, and captured each person’s personality beautifully. The turnaround was incredibly quick, and the quality of the photos is simply outstanding. We’re so grateful for their creativity and skill. Highly recommended to anyone looking for exceptional photography and a smooth, enjoyable experience! We are looking to have more done now the first round were so good!"
“They have been looking after my personal branding photography, and all I have to say is WOW. I can't believe how good she made me look”
david Remmerswaal, Digital Dimple
"Ruth and her team are absolutely fantastic at everything they do. Their studio is incredibly professional and comfortable. They have been looking after my personal branding photography, and all I have to say is WOW. I can't believe how good she made me look, even my wife was impressed. Here's proof that you should get your photos done by Ruth and her team from Gilmour Studios."
“she so easily acclimated to the setting, made everyone comfortable, and most importantly produced absolutely stunning photos.”
Amanda Taylor, Edwin Holly Law
"Ruth is an incredibly talented photographer. We felt at ease and confident having our photos taken. I’ve had Ruth photograph my work headshots and a personal event, and in both environments she so easily acclimated to the setting, made everyone comfortable, and most importantly produced absolutely stunning photos."
"She took the time to truly understand what I was after, provided plenty of useful tips and advice and ultimately made the whole process fun."
Jonathan Brown
"Ruth is a master at what she does. She took the time to truly understand what I was after, provided plenty of useful tips and advice and ultimately made the whole process fun. Her work speaks for itself."
"no doubt because she took the time to educate herself on our brand prior to the shoot. She has an incredible eye for capturing real moments"
Alix Stevens, Furniture Creations
"We recently worked with Ruth Gilmour on a branding photo shoot for our home staging business, and it was truly an outstanding experience from start to finish. Her communication was clear and prompt every step of the way. What really impressed us was Ruth’s deep understanding of posing, lighting, and composition. She carefully considered each team member’s outfit, body shape, and height, subtly guiding us into positions that felt comfortable and flattering. Her attention to detail is exceptional, and you can see it in every frame. The final images perfectly captured the essence of our brand—creative, approachable, and elevated. We now have a cohesive set of images that we’re proud to use across our website, social media, and marketing materials."
"She goes out of her way to get the best shoot possible. We were so excited to get the photos and they were incredible."
jess hill, dreamview creamery
"When we needed a collection of images for our website and promotional material Ruth was my first port of call. I had no idea how to bring everything we needed together, all I knew was that I wanted to capture every aspect of our business from products to processes to an image of our team. Ruth guided us through what she needed for the shoot to run smoothly and made sure she was able to get everything we asked for. She goes out of her way to get the best shoot possible. We were so excited to get the photos and they were incredible. I couldn't recommend Ruth enough, she really is the best!"
"Always easy to get hold of, lovely to deal with and the photos were excellent."
Gemma Lewell, Lodge Real Estate
"Ruth was brilliant to deal with, I found her from a google search and after looking at her gallery felt she would be perfect to do some work profile shots of myself and colleagues.
Booking in a time was prompt and no issues on any editing we asked for and a quick turnaround to having the photos. Always easy to get hold of, lovely to deal with and the photos were excellent."
"She made us feel very comfortable with our individual and group photos. Her eye to detail is excellent."
Jane Te Wharau, Zen Medi spa
"We absolutely love our photos that Ruth did for our Dayspa in Cambridge. She made us feel very comfortable with our individual and group photos. Her eye to detail is excellent.
I would highly recommend and will be using her again for future photos."
"Ruth was able to work with my brief, clamber over furniture to get the right angle and never once complained about standing in the rain!"
Rhonda Parry, Our minds matter
"SUCH a fun and fabulous experience, completely blown away with very professional results which truly capture 'me'. These photos were for my new website so I had much invested in these! Ruth was able to work with my brief, clamber over furniture to get the right angle and never once complained about standing in the rain! So grateful to Ruth for her patience, being able to work with the dismal weather and my messy house."
