Conversations with Jessica Ruiz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Ruiz

Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My passion for photography came well before the idea of earning from it. I picked up a camera as a teenager and never set it back down. At first, I carried my camera anywhere and everywhere with me capturing everyday life with friends and our goofy shenanigans. Through Tumblr, I fell in love with live music photos and music itself. Tumblr introduced me to bands that have been influential to me as a person and photographically inspiring.

I followed that calling and started going to local shows in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia to get familiar with the music scene and build relationships. Eventually, I made my way to the stage with my camera and started taking photos. I loved capturing the unifying quality of music and the energy emitted not only by the performing bands, but also the crowd itself. From local shows to music festivals, I captured live music photography until I moved to Colorado in 2017. After moving across the country, I took a break from my photo journey to focus on settling my roots and catering to mental health. As a creative in various mediums, I believe it’s extremely important to prioritize mental health and to learn how to channel emotions into art in a healthy way. After stepping away for a few years, I was finally ready to dive back into the music scene, but the pandemic hit. Concerts were taken away. I hit a wall and considered stopping photography altogether.

Despite the world shutting down and my own self doubt, giving up felt worse than the thought of failing. So I pivoted my photographic goal and picked up portrait photography! I covered the Colorado area for a friend’s adventure photography company by capturing couples and elopements with stunning views. From there, I built an entirely new portfolio and soon branched off to put myself in the Colorado market. That’s when Front Row Moments came to be! I aim capture the front row moments of your life. I want to be there to experience those pivotal turning points with you and show you how beautiful your soul is!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being a creative is an emotional roller coaster. The road can be smooth, bumpy, or rocky, but never the same and never dull. Learning how to roll with the punches and allowing space for rest is vital for any passionate artist. Coping and resting also looks different for any creative. For me, it meant forming a creative routine for my post process that allowed me to continuously flow without getting overwhelmed. Culling, editing, and refining photos takes hours of sitting in front of a screen. Breaking up my post process into chunks of time dispersed throughout the week and implementing breaks that involves movement helps me not only stay motivated while completing a large gallery, but also gives my mind a break to notice details that can be cleaned up. Taking a break to complete a chore, going to the gym, walking, or doing yoga helps me rest artistically so I can keep the mental capacity to continue my creative process.

Besides establishing a healthy and efficient editing routine, it was difficult figuring out my ideal client when initially pursuing portraiture and transitioning out of live music photography. I reflected on what kind of energy I wanted to convey and attract. I overthought myself to death with editing aesthetics and comparing that to what kind of people would gravitate towards my work. I grappled with the ideation of what type of client I’m perfect for. Then, it hit me; I just need to be myself. I was so focused on who would be happy with the finished product that I forgot to consider how I could use my vulnerability and genuineness to attract the right energy. I truly believe radiating authenticity will attract authenticity. When I stopped forcing a ‘professional presentation’ of myself and allowed my personality to shine as a professional photographer, I attracted the ‘ideal client.’ My ideal client doesn’t have a specific look nor a specific aesthetic. I like working with people that have a specific energy. The energy that is ready to laugh, smile, and get out of a comfort zone. I attract the people that are ready to see themselves or their love with their partner in a new light to promote empowerment, connection, and self love. Photography is more than just taking photos. It’s connection with the world, with people, with energy, with light, and with myself.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Front Row Moments not only illustrates how beautiful you are in a split second, but also inspires artistry! My passion for art and photography came first. So I not only aim to convey fluid emotion in galleries, but I also collaborate with other creatives to bring visions to reality. Let’s break it down!

Delivered galleries from Front Row Moments encapsulate memories from small weddings, elopements, engagements, graduations, and fun days with couples or families. You’ll experience candid moments of your life from a front row perspective when viewing your gallery! In addition to genuine snapshots, you’ll also receive professionally posed images with natural feeling prompts. Photoshoots don’t have to be stressful! We’ll have fun together and your comfort will show. For those that want to illustrate their individuality, you’ll receive a gallery that lets your personality shine. Whether it’s for self love or boudoir, headshots, or even that dating profile, your gallery will exhibit your best self. As far as my editing style, I guess you’ll have to click my Instagram link to see for yourself!

In contrast to candid photos, I’ve also photographed editorial and creative concepts that have made it into multiple publications. These concepts were collaborated with experienced models, talented makeup artists, and dedicated assistants. For example, a model and I completed a 6 hour road trip to the Great Sand Dunes to capture minimalist photo compositions while she wore satin dresses. The black and red satin dresses paired nicely with the smooth, sandy background. We were lucky enough to make it onto a magazine cover! A creative concept that was recently published involved taking photos of a model through giant bubbles. Yes, I said ‘through’ giant bubbles. Using bubble ropes, two jugs of bubble mix, finding the perfect white brick wall and having a lot of patience, we developed a unique gallery that was recognized. The layered colors and textures are something you’ll have to see on my Instagram, website coming soon!

Now that you’ve heard how I convey fluid emotion and editorial concepts, let’s talk about how I design sets with fellow creatives! Front Row Moments periodically hosts styled shoots. A styled shoot is a staged, stylized, and themed photoshoot that’s collaborated amongst various vendors to highlight their skills and promote portfolio building. These events are open to other photographers to attend for networking, developing or enhancing portfolios, and to create in a judgement free environment. I aim to inspire artistry at these events because I believe there’s room for everyone in the photography industry. Front Row Moments styled shoots are for beginner and seasoned photographers so we can learn from each and create together. I understand how intimidating it can be to learn photography and to put your artwork out into the world. Providing a safe space for people to try new shooting techniques, posing prompts, ask questions, or to even pick up the camera for the first time can be life changing!

What do you like and dislike about the city?
There isn’t too much I don’t like about Colorado! It’s very hard to not appreciate what this state has to offer. Although I’d love to expand my photoshoots to smaller mountain towns, I’ve primarily shot in Colorado Springs and Denver. I absolutely love the variety of locations these two areas have to offer. From red rocks to cream colored formations; from fields of golden grass to fields with lush green; from mountain views to flatlands; from overlooks to lakes, these cities have it all!

However, I’ve captured photos at not so traditional locations as well. Both Denver and Colorado Springs offer great urban and downtown scenery for lifestyle photos. I’ve also shot portraits in an abandoned slaughter house, a parking garage roof top, a record/vinyl shop, an Irish pub, and a vintage diner! I love challenging myself by photographing in different environments and seeing the gallery come together in post process. Adventure photos with stunning views and portraits in unique settings both make for beautiful framing pieces!

With years of experience, the ability to emotionally connect, a versatile portfolio, and an absurd amount of passion, I hope you think of Front Row Moments for your next photography experience!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/front.row.moments
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Front-Row-Moments/100087964144753/?mibextid=LQQJ4d