Hi, I’m Jessica Ruiz — but you can call me Jess!

I’m a photographer, educator, and adventure-seeker based in Orange County, California. I earned my Master’s degree in Multimedia, Photography, and Design from Syracuse University in 2021, but my photography journey began right here in Orange County back in 2013.

Since 2022, I’ve had the honor of teaching Introduction to Photography at Fullerton College — the very place where my love for the art first took root. While I’m the one leading the class, I learn something new from my students every single semester.

A few things that light me up:

• Exploring the outdoors (I've visited 30+ states and over 14 state and national parks!)
• Traveling near and far — from cross-country road trips to a summer in a small Spanish town.
• Telling real, human stories through my lens.
• Making people feel seen, celebrated, and comfortable in front of the camera.

That last one is a big deal to me. One of the best compliments I’ve ever received was, “Wow, that was easy. You made us feel comfortable!” I credit that to my background in journalism, where connecting quickly and deeply with people is everything.

Photography isn’t just about beautiful images (though you’ll get those, too) — it’s about creating an experience where you feel relaxed, understood, and celebrated.

I'm here to capture the real moments — the laughs, the love, and the memories you’ll hold on to forever.

Latina-owned business | Hablo español 💃🏻

Let’s make something beautiful together!

Sometimes I do a little photo-journalism: JessicaRuizPhoto.com 📰