Rinzi Ruiz
About
Rinzi Ruiz (www.rinziruizphotography.com) is a Fujifilm X-Photographer / Global Ambassador and freelance photographer focused on weddings, events and portraits based in Los Angeles, California. He originally studied graphic design and computer animation at the Art Institute of Los Angeles but after 12 years in the design industry found a passion for photography and made the switch. He is known for his street photography with his focus on light and shadow and the human condition. Rinzi was a featured photographer in the LA Times Framework and has had various photographs featured in the LA Times SoCal Moments. He has also been featured in Light It Magazine, The Candid Frame Podcast, Inspired Eye Magazine, Art Photo Feature, Fotoflock by Epson and Backyard Opera. His work was exhibited at the Hatakeyama Gallery and The Think Tank Gallery. His work was published in Arte Fotografica Magazine, Rangefinder Magazine and Eloquence International Creators Magazine. His rapid development as a photographer is informed from a commitment to make time for his art, as well as developing a critical eye for what works and what doesn’t. Inspired by both contemporary and master photographers, his understanding of the tradition of photography is helping him to develop a distinct voice.
Gallery
LACP Interviews Rinzi Ruiz
LACP asks Rinzi Ruiz ten questions about their background, career in and beliefs about photography.
LACP: What kind of photographer are you?
Rinzi Ruiz: I’m a street photographer at heart and make a living as a professional freelance wedding, event and portrait photographer.
LACP: How long have you been shooting?
RR: I started my photography journey in 2009.
LACP: Where did you get your training?
RR: I studied arts, graphic design and motion graphics in my college years. I am mostly self-taught and learned photography through the internet.
LACP: When did you know you wanted to devote your life to photography?
RR: In 2012, it sort of hit me that photography had become something I was really passionate about and knew that it was going to be a bigger part of my life.
LACP: Did you ever come close to giving up?
RR: Professionally there were times where I had to rethink if I was making the right decision in sticking to this path or go back to the 9 to 5 route again for security but I’m glad I didn’t give up.
LACP: Have you sacrificed anything by being a photographer?
RR: It doesn’t feel like I sacrificed anything. I love what I do but during the pandemic when there was no work I had to think about the security thing again but then became glad I didn’t give up again.
LACP: What have you gained by being a photographer?
RR: What I’ve gained in this photography journey is a very long list but to keep it short, fulfilling a passion, doing what I love, making friends from all over the earth, meeting some of the best photographers of our era, a camera brand having my back, teaching the things I’ve learned, support from so many people and an overall positivity.
LACP: What classes do you teach at LACP?
RR: This will be my first class teaching street photography at LACP.
LACP: What do you love most about teaching?
RR: The moment someone gets it and becomes inspired.
LACP: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making a career in photography?
RR: My advice would be to ask if you don’t know, practice as much as possible and to be your genuine self.