Photographer Ruthie Miller has become a community fixture as she captures the people and events of Harney County through the lens of her camera

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

If a picture is worth a thousand words, Ruthie Miller probably has enough to fill the Library of Congress and the collection is still growing.

Not only does Miller run her own photography studio, In His Image Photography, but she can be found snapping pictures at just about every event in Harney County.

“I just really enjoy photography,” Miller said. “A single photograph can tell a story,  and that’s what I look for.”

The beginning

Miller first went to work in the building where her business, Ruthie’s, now stands in November 1963. At that time it was a jewelry store owned by Orm and Miriam Carter. She eventually went into partnership with the Carters, and then took over sole ownership in the late 1980s.

Because of changing economics in the area, Miller scaled back the jewelry portion of the store a couple of years ago and began expansion of the photography section.

Although the jewelry inventory has been cut back, Ruthie’s still offers jewelry repair, watch batteries and bands, plaques, trophies, awards and engraving.

The photography

“My first interest in photography started when I was in high school, and then doing photography for other people came about when I started working here,” Miller said.

Since that time, Miller has offered portraits for just about every occasion including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, reunions, high school senior pictures, newborns and family pictures.

As far as where the pictures are taken, Miller said she can supply a variety of indoor and outdoor settings or she can go to the customer’s favorite location.

The newly remodeled studio at the store features a number of different textured backdrops, a variety of colors and lots of props and costumes.

While Miller prefers to shoot her photos in a natural setting, modern technology has made it possible to put the subjects in almost any setting.

Using a green screen as the background allows Miller to digitally alter the setting to just about anything or anywhere. “I have a disc of different backgrounds they can choose from, or we can use one of my photos of the Steens, Kiger Gorge or wherever and put them in,” Miller said.

While Miller has entered, somewhat reluctantly, the digital world, she still uses film and prints for customers. “People can come in and view photos on the computer, or we can have prints for them to look at,” she said. “Some people like to lay the prints out to compare, so it’s just customer preference.”

Along with portraits, Miller is kept busy with school pictures, individual and team photos for youth sports, attending high school events and many other activities.

Student photos

No matter what level of competition, you’re more likely than not to find Miller close to the action, camera ready. “I love sports,” she said. “I was active in sports when I was in school (Dayton High school), and then when I went to work, taking pictures of the games became a way to still enjoy sports.”

Miller added that by taking photos of students, she hopes they can look at them and see the good of what they’re doing. “I say sports, but it could be band or chorus or whatever,” she said. “Physically, spiritually, morally, you need to make that full circle to make a well-rounded individual.”

Miller’s photos also provide parents with memories of their children they might not have otherwise. “Not every family has the ability to take pictures at all events, so I try to get as many as I can,” she said. “I just really appreciate being around sports and the kids.”

Ruthie’s

Because Miller spends a great deal of time on the go, she relies on her employees to keep the store running smoothly. “Deshaunna Simpson, Shanna Runnels and Peggy Farley are invaluable,” Miller said. “They receive orders, place orders, number photos, sometimes deliver photos and a lot of other things. I couldn’t do it without them.”

Ruthie’s, at 380 North Broadway in Burns, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Working six days a week and after hours may seem like a lot, but Miller is unfazed. “I enjoy my work. I love the people. I’m a people person, and I enjoy being around families and kids,” she said.