Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Ruiz.
Maria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Photography has been a love of mine since the moment I held a camera for the first time over 30 years ago. From that moment on, a camera has always been by my side.
After graduating with a degree in Film I’d start my career in TV as a Production Manager & Producer. I left to work in news at Univision Orlando where I was their first female photojournalist and satellite truck operator. I went on to join affiliates of NBC & ABC in Orlando and NBC & Telemundo in Chicago, garnering multiple Emmys along the way.
When I wasn’t carrying a video camera, I was building a still-photography portfolio. I’ve been honored to have my Fine Art Photography repeatedly shown & sold at the Orlando Museum of Art and City Arts Gallery.
During that journey, while at WFTV in Orlando, I met the man of my dreams. Yes, so cheesy, but it’s true! Even after all these years. He also happens to be an amazing photographer/editor.
We decided to start a family and I retired from news. That’s when we co-founded Gavilan Commercial & Lifestyle Photography. Named after our son, Hawk. (Gavilan is Hawk in Spanish)
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road professionally has been so incredible. I’m really fortunate to have spent nearly two decades full of amazing experiences and opportunities capturing stories all across the country with some talented people. I was often the only (or one of the only) women lugging a news camera & driving a sat truck. I loved helping break the barriers & stereotypes.
Personally however, the road has had heartache. While working in Chicago my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Fortunately, I had compassionate managers that allowed me to work freelance and travel back and forth to FL so wouldn’t miss her treatments. But I wanted to be closer and not miss a single day. I moved back to Orlando, where I was lucky to be welcomed at the ABC affiliate. Financially it was a real struggle. I was suddenly supporting myself and my parents, plus the expenses that come with cancer treatments on a reduced income. But you know what? When it comes to family, there is no amount of money in the world that could replace time with them. The financial challenge was worth it a million times to be by her side.
Please tell us about Gavilan Photography.
We specialize in Commercial and Lifestyle Photography. We bring unique skill-sets and perspectives to the table. Having a combined 35 years of Emmy Award Winning experience working in every environment, under incredible deadlines really sets us apart.
We take pride in our passion for storytelling through composition, lighting, thoughtful editing and attention to details.
Our Commercial Photography portfolio includes & caters to businesses of all sizes from retail to restaurants and corporate.
What’s really fun is we’ve seen a dramatic spike in demand for social media content. It’s creative and opens the doors to build long term relationships with local businesses so they always have new professional vibrant photography and/or video for their posts & marketing.
Our Lifestyle Photography is true photojournalism style. We’ve worked with thousands of people over the decades from all walks of life. We love the uniqueness of each one. The best pictures are the genuine smiles and moments. I do my very best to make it a relaxing, fun and memorable experience.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I think every lesson along the way has brought us to this point and made us stronger for the experience. We founded Gavilan Photography together, each bringing our life’s journey to the table.
Trials and tribulations are assets, they build character in life and in business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.GavilanPhotography.com
- Phone: Office: 847-696-6677 Cell: 847-217-8721
- Email: Maria@GavilanPhotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schaumburgcommercial/
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/gavilanphoto
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