Ruffian Creative is owned by Sarah Xiao out of Midcoast Maine

Born and raised in the lakes region of New Hampshire, I spent my formative years as an inland girl, swimming in lakes, hiking in the White Mountains, and alpine skiing to pass the glorious winters. After graduating from college, I moved to North Haven, a small island 12 miles off the coast of midcoast Maine to work on my friend’s Dad’s oyster farm. This experience set off a career trajectory of working on the water. As a result, I have spent the last 10 years of my life working on a sailboat, commercial fishing, and holding various positions in the aquaculture industry, all while documenting my time along the way.

My lived experience is shaped by a constant guidance and influence by the natural world and how people relate to it. My work is a reflection of that relationship.

I am a lifestyle documenter, specializing in 35mm photography, super 8mm, creative direction and content creation. I currently live in midcoast Maine with Bubs, my sweetie, and my dog Wiley.

I am open and available for collaborations, projects, and inquiries of any kind. Get in touch here. I look forward to hearing from you!

A smiling woman wearing a blue cap and sunglasses, with mountains, trees, and a parking lot in the background during sunset.