Today we’d like to introduce you to Dennise Ruiz.
Hi Dennise, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Since I was young, I’ve loved all forms of art—music, dance, and especially visual expression. I danced like no one was watching and painted every chance I got all through high school. Painting was my therapy, so I pursued that passion in college, nearly minoring in fine art. At UIW, I discovered photography and was instantly captivated. I loved how the camera became a tool to show one’s unique perspective. Freezing a tiny moment in time became such a romantic idea to me. I would lose all track of time in the darkroom perfecting my craft. I loved it so much I had a mini darkroom set up in my tiny apt to continue working after hours. I started with film cameras and moved on to digital; I even started painting some of my photos. In 2009, I graduated with a major in Biology and a minor in Photography, dreaming of merging my two passions—maybe even landing in *National Geographic* someday. (Let me dream!)
After graduation, I followed my love for wildlife and took a position at SeaWorld working with the parrots of the “AZUL” show and “Beluga Educational Show”. I loved to inform the public and show off our beautiful birds. Later, I moved to Louisiana to serve with Americorps at the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. As a Community-Based Restoration intern, I traveled the coast, working on environmental projects and documenting the Coalition’s progress through photography.
In 2012, I decided to start my family; both my biology and photo career took a back seat. I moved back to Texas and motherhood became my focus. After I had my second child, which I thought would be my last baby, I decided to purchase a new DSLR camera to capture all the moments life brings with having kids. Once I picked the camera up this time around, I never put it down. What began as snapping photos of my babies quickly grew into requests from family—and soon, I was brainstorming names for a photography business. Seeking entrepreneurship with two kids under five was wild, but I went for it. It became my therapy again.
Today, I have three children that (mostly) tolerate me using them as models and Pins & Feathers Photography is now a network of photographers and videographers to cover everything from portraits to events. I’m constantly learning, embracing new challenges, and growing with every click of the shutter. The journey continues, and I’m loving every minute.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a mom is a full-time job—and running a business on top of that is no easy feat. Juggling motherhood, a day job, and my small business means relying on caffeine and late-night editing sessions just to keep up. Some months are busy, with so many gigs that I need an assistant; other times, work slows down, and doubts creep in. DoorDash has helped during lean periods, but the struggle between stability and passion is real. Still, I refuse to give up on my dreams—life’s too short not to do what you love.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My business is focused on photography and videography, and occasional graphic design. While many photographers specialize, I thrive on variety, adapting my creativity to every unique project. The artist in me refuses to be confined to a single niche.
My work is defined by meticulous editing and attention to detail – especially when branding my final pieces. Although being a perfectionist is sometimes a heartache, efforts pay off; my clients are consistently satisfied and I have yet to have a negative review.
There have been many moments in my career that have reaffirmed my calling. Once, during a family session, I photographed a reserved teenager unaware of her own beauty. Later, her mother shared how those portraits helped her daughter—struggling with self-doubt—finally see her worth. I heard she blossomed after the session and I couldn’t be more proud. Above all, I cherish helping people recognize their own beauty through my lens.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
As a photographer, your lens has the power to inspire and uplift, seek opportunities to give back, donate your skills to a meaningful cause. Trust me, it pays off ten-fold when you put your name out there for the greater good.
Embrace the change, even when it terrifies you. There will be days when the struggle feels endless, when doubt whispers that turning back is the only option, keep moving forward until you see the light. Make some sacrifices and stay committed, success demands sacrifice. Don’t get discouraged if you have a slip, as I did, dust yourself off and refocus. The Universe can and will provide but you have to be willing to do the work to bring it to fruition.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pinsfeathers.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pandfphotog/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PinsandFeathers
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pins-and-feathers-photography-no-title
