Always Carry a Camera – Interview with Edgar Ruiz

Thank you so much, Edgar, for taking the time for this interview. It’s a pleasure to have you with us! Could you start by introducing yourself to our readers?
Hey, my name is Edgar Ruiz. I’m a 32 year old husband, father, and VHS enthusiast from Fresno California.

When did you discover your passion for the world of Photography, and what kind of subjects did you start photographing initially?
It all started in college. I was taking a film photography class and the school had loaned us some old SLRs to work with. Later I got a Nikon DSLR and that became my everyday camera until I switched to Fujifilm in 2019. Much of my early photos were of friends and family, but I eventually found an interest in urban photography.

Observing your magnificent gallery and the type of subjects you have been photographing for a few years, from buildings to billboards, from classic cars to traffic signs or even portraits, there is clearly a common thread that unites your work. To maintain this degree of cohesion in your portfolio, what subjects are you looking to photograph, or better yet, what triggers you to grab the camera and take the shot?
The common thread in the subjects you listed are all things I come across in my day to day life. What triggers me to grab my camera is my consistency in always carrying a camera with me. Even on days I feel uninspired, challenging myself to continue shooting has captured some of my favorite shots.

Are the classic cars or the interesting neon lights that you photograph just “happy accidents” that you come across while moving around the city, or do you do some scouting work beforehand and then return there for the sole purpose of photographing them?
I’m the worst when it comes to planning anything. I would say about 99% of my work is happy accidents.

What cameras and lenses do you currently use, and what led you to choose Fujifilm equipment?
I currently use a Fujifilm X-S10 with an XF 35mm f1.4 as my primary camera. Also an X-T2 paired with various vintage lenses, and an X10 as my snapshot camera. Initially, what drew me to Fujifilm were the SOOC jpegs that resembled my style of editing. Now film simulations are integral to my workflow.

What’s your favourite lens and why?
Easily the XF 35mm f1.4 for its low light performance and the way it renders images. It’s like an analog approach to a digital lens.

Looking at your photos, we wonder if you use any sort of diffusion filter to soften the highlights, giving them a cinematic and dreamy look?
I use a variety of filters to achieve my preferred look. Mainly pro mist, warming, and FLD.

We are extremely curious about the Fuji X10 you use! What reasons led you to buy this little gem from Fuji, and on which occasions do you prefer it over the others?
It was honestly part impulse buy and part nostalgia for older point-and-shoot cameras. Its small size and optical viewfinder help me capture the moment without taking me out of the moment. It’s my go-to for family trips and parties.

What software do you use to process your files? Could you briefly describe your usual workflow to achieve this distinctive vintage look of your work?
I use a combination of Lightroom, CaptureOne, Fujifilm X Raw studio, and Snapseed to process the files. But most of the work is done in camera using the custom settings.

To conclude, we couldn’t finish this interview without mentioning your prints! In a digital world, how does it feel to put your best work on paper? If any of our readers are interested in purchasing one of your prints, where can they find them?
I see printing my work as the final step in the process. A process that began when I discovered my passion for photography, and continues with each new photo I take. If you’re a photographer and have never had your work printed, then I definitely encourage you to do so. My prints are available at https://eruizaerial.darkroom.tech or you can follow the link in my Instagram bio @eruiz.jpeg.