Tell us a little bit about yourself, your education, your first job maybe, and how did you start photography?
I took up Metallurgical engineering in UP Diliman – graduated but not licensed. I also have an MBA degree from Ateneo. So it’s not surprising that I worked in manufacturing and finance before, what’s surprising is that I’m a photographer now. I studied for eight years only for me to succeed in a field where I never have any formal education. Life is all about trial and error, I guess.
What do you love most about what you do?
If I have to choose one thing, it is seeing the satisfaction and happiness we give to our clients. And maybe the free dinner.
#fotografíaSpotlight © Oly Ruiz of Metrophoto, Wedding Photographer
What or who inspires you? Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in the dark side of the moon – not the one in outer space but in things people neglect. I find fascination and value in the overlooked facets of life—unexplored alleys, mannerisms and natural reactions of people, the subtlety of nature, my children’s plea for a new toy, etc.
What is your favorite camera and lens? Could you tell us a bit about the equipment you use?
I use a Sony A7R III, and my favorite lens is a 24-105mm F/4. I go for the lightest possible set-up as it makes me nimble during shoots. By that I also mean, I’ve become lazy but efficient throughout the years.
Name an interesting place you’ve ever photographed? Travel destination? Favorite road trip perhaps?
I guess Aitutaki in the Cook Islands is the most interesting given how remote and exotic it is. It took me five flights, 40 hours, and zero baths to get there. But Kotor in Montenegro and Tibet in China is not far behind. I’ve also made road trips in Morocco, in Peru, in Ethiopia, in Iceland, but the most scenic has been in Slovenia.
#fotografíaSpotlight © Oly Ruiz of Metrophoto, Wedding Photographer
What music do you like to listen when you edit images? And can you name artists?
I have the TV open instead when I edit. Usually, it’s an endless episode of Friends just playing. So technically, my music is an infinite loop of I’ll Be There for You by the Rembrandts and some Smelly Cat now and then.
What is your dream photo shoot, dream photo assignment?
I want to be able to shoot maybe more wildlife or just wild places, perhaps in Georgia Island off the coast of Antarctica. Still with a couple to make it enjoyable, for me at least.
Name atleast 2-3 Filipino photographers you look up to?
Mark Nicdao
Mangored
Dino Lara
Do you ever get burned out? If yes, what helps you get back into the creative process?
Realizing that I’m in a rut and not as good or hungry anymore, is always a wake-up call for me to start putting myself back together. I begin with one shoot, there I put all my thoughts and execute it the best I can. Then I use that one good outing to inspire me for the next ones.
#fotografíaSpotlight © Oly Ruiz of Metrophoto, Wedding Photographer
Non-photography related, any other hobbies you love to do?
I’m into enology and mixology currently. Alcohol, as we all just found out during this pandemic, is essential for survival. I’m also into grooming and some gentlemen-related stuff that I have turned into the Union Station Barbercafe brand.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Always know your strengths and exploit them. Different people are good at different things, and you should always take advantage of skills that give you an edge, not those that throw you off one.
Any photography project or discipline would you like to do after the enhanced community quarantine?
I would like just to shoot again.
Any message to fellow creatives during the pandemic?
I hope that we make use of the downtime to improve ourselves through online classes, podcasts, etc. and I also hope that we develop our relationships with those we value by spending time with them or simply by connecting with them.
#fotografíaSpotlight All images © Oly Ruiz and used with permission. To see more of his work, you may visit his website and follow his Instagram.