Meet Ruta Swanson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ruta Swanson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ruta, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I’m originally from Lithuania, and when I moved to the U.S., I quickly realized how different I was. I became aware of just how much my culture had shaped me – how I communicated, what I believed and what I valued. I was often the only one with an accent, and the only one who didn’t grow up in a system that teaches you how to sell yourself loudly. And honestly, I felt like I didn’t measure up.

But then I learned that this isn’t a liability. It’s a differentiator – if you know how to use it. You listen more. You read the energy better. You build intuition. And when you do speak, people tend to pay attention.

Sometimes it can feel isolating – but this experience made me realize that, in some way, everyone is the only one in the room. We all carry different stories, values and ways of seeing. And that’s the point. When you stop trying to smooth out your differences and start showing up as your genuine self, you make space for the right people to find you.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve been drawn to the arts for as long as I can remember. When I first came to the States and finally had a little money saved, the first thing I bought was a computer and a camcorder. I was completely fascinated by the power of storytelling—how visuals and sound, when paired just right, could move people. Make them feel something. That’s where it started for me: video.

I was determined to make it a career. In one of the storytelling classes I took, someone said, “If you’re a good photographer, you’ll be an excellent videographer.” That stuck with me. So I picked up a camera and started taking photos here and there—just to see. Honestly, I found photography kind of boring. Video felt way more dynamic, more emotional.

And then my daughter was born.

That changed everything. I started to understand the weight a single image can hold—the way a photo can freeze time in a way nothing else can. That’s when I really began to focus on photography, though video has always stayed with me.

Today, Amber Shore Pictures offers both wedding photography and videography—together or on their own. We’re a husband-and-wife team: just the two of us, working in sync, without turning your wedding into a production. Some couples book us for photography, others for video-only coverage, and many choose both.

What makes our approach unique is that every photography collection includes a short highlight film. It’s not an add-on—it’s part of how we tell the story.

Photos hold stillness. They preserve detail, expression, atmosphere. But video brings in something else—the sound of a laugh, the rhythm of a moment, the wind in the trees, the clinking of glasses, the way the day feels.

When couples bring us in for both photo and video, everything flows. We’re not two separate teams. We move together, anticipate each other’s angles, and stay focused on the same goal: to preserve the day in a way that feels honest and effortless.

It’s not about making the day feel bigger. It’s about telling your story.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1- Resilience without self-pity

Creative work is full of uncertainty, long stretches without feedback, and moments where it feels like you’re getting nowhere. Over time, I’ve learned how to keep moving even when things feel unclear. Resilience, for me, has looked like resting when I need to, adjusting when something isn’t working, and showing up anyway – quietly, consistently, without needing applause.

2- Paying attention
Not just to light or composition, but to people, to energy, to what’s really going on in a moment. You can’t learn that from a YouTube tutorial – it comes from watching, from slowing down, from caring enough to notice. You can have all the technical skill in the world, but if your clients feel stiff, disconnected, or unsure in front of the camera, it won’t matter. Learning how to create a calm, grounded space for people – not just posing them, but actually helping them settle into themselves – is one of the most underrated but powerful skills in this work.

3- Knowing when to say no
This one took time. Early on, I thought I had to say yes to everything—every opportunity, every inquiry. But not every job is the right fit, and not every client will value what you bring. Learning how to politely and clearly decline something that doesn’t align with your work or your values is essential. It protects your energy and makes room for the right people.

One piece of advice for those just starting out? -
Live your truth, observe, and keep a calm mind—most problems are solved there. When you’re grounded, it’s easier to see what matters, what can wait, and what’s worth letting go. That kind of clarity makes everything else more sustainable.

How would you describe your ideal client?

The people we work best with are grounded, kind, and intentional about how they spend their time. They’re not looking for a show or a staged version of their life. They care about how the day feels, not just how it looks. They want to be present with their favorite people, and they trust me to document that honestly and thoughtfully.

Most of our clients are busy professionals who value quality, clarity, and calm energy. They don’t need manage everything – they just want to know they’re in good hands. When there’s mutual trust, the work flows, and what we create feels like them – not like a trend, not like a template, but something real and lasting.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Ruta Swanson (me) – Amber Shore Pictures

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