We recently had the chance to connect with Hunter Rutledge and have shared our conversation below.
Hunter, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
A lot of times people assume that running a photography business is all fun and creativity — and while it truly is rewarding, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Just like any other small business, we experience ups and downs, and lately, it’s been tougher than ever.
Since I first started my photography and design work, I’ve always had to hustle — pouring my heart into every session and every project. But with the economy the way it is, many small business owners like myself are having to work twice as hard for half the business. With inflation on the rise and the cost of living climbing, luxury experiences like professional photoshoots often fall lower on the priority list for families — and that’s had a big impact on our industry.
If you’ve ever loved a photo I’ve shared, had a great experience with a local photographer, or simply value the art of capturing life’s moments — now is such an important time to show your support. Whether it’s booking a session, sharing a post, or referring a friend, every bit helps keep small, creative businesses like mine alive and thriving.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there! I’m Hunter Rutledge, the creative eye and energy behind JHR Photo Design. I’m a portrait and design professional with a passion for capturing people at their best — genuine, confident, and full of life.
At just 23, I’ve already spent eight years building my craft and career behind the camera, working with incredible clients like Venture Commercial Real Estate and Charis Studios before dedicating myself full-time to portrait photography in 2020. My work has been featured in publications including the New York Times, D Magazine, Senior Muse, and Senior Year Magazine, and I’ve had the joy of photographing everyone from seniors and families to editorial and influencer clients.
When I’m not editing photos or setting up shoots, you’ll probably find me exploring local spots with friends, traveling somewhere new, or hanging out with my two dogs — Maverick and Oreo.
What truly drives me is the connection I build with each person I photograph. My approach is both artistic and personal — I want every session to feel fun, natural, and collaborative. I believe the best portraits aren’t just about how you look, but how you feel in the moment. That’s what brings your personality to life and makes an image unforgettable.
As a local small business owner, I pour everything into what I do — every image, every detail, every experience. Supporting photographers like me helps keep creativity and community thriving, and I’m so grateful for everyone who chooses to invest in that.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The people who have shaped my work ethic and professional mindset the most are Mike Geisler of Venture Commercial and Lisa Traeger of Charis Studios. I was incredibly fortunate to learn from both of them early in my career — two people who not only believed in my potential but also showed me, by example, what true leadership and integrity look like.
From Mike, I learned the value of consistency, professionalism, and always showing up — even when things get hard. Watching how he manages relationships, treats people with respect, and leads by example has influenced how I approach every client and project to this day.
From Lisa, I learned the heart side of the business — how creativity and compassion can coexist in a career, and how much impact genuine connection can have on the art you create. She taught me the importance of staying curious, staying humble, and never losing that spark that made me fall in love with photography in the first place.
Both Mike and Lisa have become more than mentors — they’re examples of the kind of person and professional I aspire to be. Their guidance helped me find balance between artistry and business, reminding me that success isn’t just about the work you produce, but about how you treat people along the way.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering through some tough seasons in photography has definitely been humbling. No one really warns you that during the winter months, things can get quiet — like, eerily quiet. When I first started, I didn’t realize just how slow business could get once the holidays rolled around and everyone was done with photos for the year. It’s a hard pill to swallow, especially when you want so badly to go all out for your family and friends at Christmas but the bookings just aren’t coming through.
But honestly, those slow seasons have taught me a lot. They’ve made me hungrier, more intentional, and more resourceful. Now, I push myself to work even harder during the warmer months — planning, saving, and setting myself up so that when things do slow down, I’m ready. It’s taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of balance — because while it’s not always easy running a creative business, it’s worth every lesson it teaches you along the way.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest misconceptions in the photography world is that all photographers secretly hate each other or are constantly competing for business. Sure, there are always a few bad apples in any industry, but honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth for me. I’ve found that some of the most inspiring, kind, and talented people I know are my peers — and I genuinely love crossing paths with them.
There’s something special about running into familiar faces at locations we all love to shoot at. It’s this unspoken camaraderie — the knowing nods, the shared laughs, the mutual respect for each other’s work and hustle. Two people who immediately come to mind are Courtney Blisset and Natalie Embry. They’re both incredible photographers who not only produce amazing work but also radiate such genuine positivity and support. Seeing others in my community thrive reminds me that there’s room for all of us to succeed — and that lifting each other up only makes the creative world stronger.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
At the end of the day, I hope people remember me for more than just the photos I take. I hope they talk about my fierce love for my family and friends, because they’re the reason I push so hard and stay grounded no matter what season I’m in. I hope people see my dedication to my craft — the long hours, the attention to detail, and the heart I pour into every session. I take pride in showing up for my clients with genuine care and respect, because they’re not just transactions — they’re people trusting me to capture some of their most important moments.
More than anything, I hope my work reflects my love for humanity and the shared experiences that connect us all. Every person I photograph has a story, and getting to freeze a little piece of that story in time is the greatest privilege of what I do. If, years from now, people can look back and say I made them feel seen, valued, and celebrated — that’ll mean I did something right.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jhrphotodesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jhrphotodesign/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterrut
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jhrphotodesign/
