Ruben and Crystal E-Session Preview

Read Full Post »

Sick/Sea Preview

Audrey. Cameron. Miguel. An amazing indie rock trio from McAllen, TX. They’re releasing their debut album next Thursday, April 7, at the Cine El Rey in McAllen. They just released a track off their upcoming album on their Facebook page called Derby. If  you’re in the area, definitely check em out.

Read Full Post »

Charlie and Joanna’s E-Session Preview

Read Full Post »

Anthony and Melissa’s Engagement Session

Anthony & Melissa are two of the raddest people I’ve had the pleasure of photographing lately. They’re seriously some of the coolest, funniest, and laid back people I’ve met. We actually split their engagement shoot into two days because the location we shot at was actually closed when we got there. I had a blast photographing them and can’t wait to shoot their wedding. Enjoy!

Read Full Post »

Tony & Melissa’s Engagement Preview

Read Full Post »

Roger and Kassie’s Wedding

Read Full Post »

Kimmy and Devin Engagement Preview

Read Full Post »

Adios 2010!

I watched an episode of Psych last night where one of the detectives takes up tap dancing as a way to relieve stress and clear his mind. So consider this my tap dance.

I’m sitting here at a coffee shop waiting for an appointment I may or may have not scheduled for today. This week has been a stressful week for me and I’m sure for many of you too. So I decided to take a moment and clear my mind and reflect and scheme. 2010 has been an incredible year. It’s definitely had it’s ups and downs.

This was technically the first official year of business for David Ruiz Photography. I can’t begin to express how grateful and humbled I’ve been by the incredible people I’ve had the opportunity to work with and for. From weddings, clothing line shoots, live shows, and personal projects, I’ve accomplished more this year than I anticipated. None of the work came easy and I would be remiss if I didn’t thank thank the people that helped me accomplish the work I’ve been able to do.

First of all, thank you to all of my clients. Thank you for putting your faith and trust in me & my artistic abilities to create something you will keep and cherish forever. Thanks to my family for their unconditional support. Thanks to my little brother for being one of the best assistants ever. Special thanks to my day job boss, David Pezzat. Dude, you are awesome and an inspiration every day. Special thanks to my photographer friends. What an incredible community and industry to be a part of. And lastly, thanks to all of you friends and readers for the referrals and awesome feedback.

So, now what? Well as the Good Book says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” so allow me to put on my “vision” lenses. Here are some of my goals for 2011 in no particular order.

1. Book at least 20 Weddings
-This year I had the opportunity of traveling around the great state of Texas shooting weddings. I’ve definitely got the itch to travel more this year. So if you know somebody getting engaged or married, send em my way!

2. Spend More Time Behind the Lens & Less Time Behind the Computer
-This is the crux of most photographers. Most photographers meet their demise because they’re stuck fixing and not out creating. I want to create.

3. Lose 25 Pounds
-I’ve definitely gotta cut down the taco and beer intake. I don’t over indulge in either anymore, but my previous endeavors have caught up with me this past year. Time to lose the gut and man boobs. Haha.

4. Tour and Document a Band for Two Weeks
-I’ve been fortunate enough this year to cover some of my favorite live acts. I used to be in a band and most people don’t realize how tough it is to “make it.” ESPECIALLY if you’re an actual touring group. There are stories there that many don’t ever get to hear about. I’d like to tell those stories. Which leads me to my next goal.

5. Tell More Stories
-I had so much fun telling the story of my grandmother. I’d like to document or add that same element in all of my photography. I don’t want to just take a great photo. I want it to have depth.

6. Make the Move to Austin, TX
-Seriously, who doesn’t love Austin? Live music capital. Beautiful vibrant city. Who’s coming with me? Really. Who’s coming? I need a roommate. Haha.

There’s probably more, but I figure you get the point. Thanks again everyone for your continued support. Hope you end 2010 with a bang and start 2011 awesome.

-David

Read Full Post »

Roger & Kassie Wu Wedding Preview

Read Full Post »

Ester

Her name is Ester Rodriguez. She is the wife of the late Jacinto Rodriguez. She’s a mother of seven, grandmother of 22, and great-grandmother of 10. She’s an inspiration to many both near and far. Also, she’s my grandmother. I love spending time with her and asking her about her life. At 78 years old, I figure there is probably a story or two to tell. A video is coming soon, but for now, here are some photos from some iconic locations in her life.

Ester both grew up and began raising her own family in a house just across this tree. The tree itself was planted by her older brother Adrian. The house they grew up in is long gone, but the memories still remain.

The canal next to her home doubled as a place to wash clothes and as she said, “It was also our swimming pool.” Haha.

Growing up, Ester would walk down this road and then walk another mile to wait for the school bus every day. She was only able to attend school up to the sixth grade before having to stay home to help her father raise her brothers and sisters. This only fueled her and her husband to encourage their children and grandchildren to work hard and finish school and go on to college.

Four children into their marriage, Ester and Jacinto decided to build a bigger home to raise their family. The house has one bedroom, living room, kitchen and one bathroom. This later became home to nine. Space was limited, but love was not.

Fourteen years later, the Rodriguez family built another house. A three bedroom home. “It was like a mansion to us,” Ester says about her house. The house is full of photos of her family and their accomplishments. In one room is a wall that commemorates the accomplishments of her children. Even though Ester only completed the sixth grade, all of her children were able to graduate from high school. While to some this may not seem like a big accomplishment, but in the Hispanic culture at the time, it definitely is a big deal. Her children have also gone on to become teachers, a lawyer, and two have served our country proudly in the Armed Forces.

Read Full Post »