Photographer & Visual Storytelling SpecialistRuth Gilmour is the founder and creative director of Gilmour Studios, a commercial photography studio based in Hamilton's CBD. With 20 years of experience behind the camera, she specialises in creating strategic imagery that helps businesses, brands and individuals build trust, visibility and connection. Ruth leads a small team from their central Hamilton studio, delivering personal branding, commercial, wedding and portrait photography across the Waikato and beyond. Known for her calm presence and ability to put people at ease, Ruth has a knack for helping even the most camera-shy clients look and feel their best.
2026 SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS
RUTH GILMOUR
COURTNEY HAINES
Personal Brand Strategist & Communications ConsultantCourtney Haines is a Brand and Communications Consultant specialising in personal branding, strategic communications, and visibility for women in business. Through her consultancy work and FaceFirst Hub, Courtney helps women build personality-led brands with greater clarity, confidence, and boundaries. She works with organisations, business owners, and professionals across New Zealand to develop communication strategies, strengthen brand positioning, and create practical pathways for authentic visibility. Alongside her consulting work, Courtney serves as Board Chair of Wāhine Safety Centre and is a passionate advocate for women’s leadership and economic empowerment.
SHOWING UPWITHOUT THE CRINGE
“Showing Up Without the Cringe” is a high-energy, interactive keynote designed for women in business who know visibility matters, but often feel awkward, over-analytical, or uncomfortable showing up on camera, in photos, or online.
Combining expertise in personal branding and photography, Courtney Haines and Ruth Gilmour bring humour, practical advice, myth-busting, and real-world storytelling together in a session designed to help attendees feel more natural, confident, and authentic in front of the camera.
Rather than focusing on “becoming confident,” this keynote reframes visibility as a practical skillset that can be learned, developed, and personalised.
THIS SESSION IS
Fun and relatable
High energy and audience-focused
Practical rather than overly motivational
Interactive and memorable
Supportive and confidence-building
TOPICS
Camera Confidence Is a Myth
How to Show Up as the Best Version of Yourself
3 Camera Rules to Live By
Taking Camera Confidence Into the Rest of Your Personal Brand
Why Most People Feel Awkward in Photos
Small Changes That Create Big Differences On Camera
Looking Natural Without Feeling Fake
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Attendees will leave understanding that visibility is not about becoming louder, more polished, or more performative.
It is about learning how to show up comfortably, clearly, and confidently as themselves.
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