Today we’d like to introduce you to John Ruggeri.
Hi John, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I moved to Florida back in 2003 after selling my bait shop in New York. Shortly after, I got the chance to manage the marina at the Mission Inn in Howey-in-the-Hills and even operated their cruise boat for a while. But in 2007, during the tough economic times, I found myself laid off with no job opportunities in sight. That’s when I decided to add another endorsement to my captain’s license!
While I was attending a class at Sea School in St. Petersburg, I spotted a flyer in the break area looking for airboat captains in Kissimmee. I had never even been on an airboat before, and it made me a bit nervous, but I really needed a job, so I decided to apply. To my surprise, they hired me, and that’s where my adventure truly began!
These days, I primarily guide at Boggy Creek, but I love exploring many different spots around Florida and beyond. I’m always ready to take folks to the best locations in my vehicle because it’s all about being where the action is. I’m always up for an exciting adventure!
Spending so much time in the marshes has given me the chance to capture some amazing and unique moments with my camera. I’m a big fan of my Nikon mirrorless Z9 and Z7II, and my favorite lenses are the 100-400mm and the 180-600mm Nikon Z series telephoto lenses.
I absolutely love birds of prey! They truly inspire my passion for wildlife photography, and I enjoy capturing their beauty through my lens. I am happy to share all these fantastic experiences with you!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Just like any journey, there are bound to be some bumps along the way! I faced several learning curves and obstacles, but that’s all part of the adventure. One of the first things I realized is that this place isn’t New York; everything moves at a more laid-back pace, and you know what? That’s absolutely okay. My early experiences in wildlife photography were a bit rocky, but I’m so thankful for my wonderful friends who kept me grounded and offered some honest feedback—even when it was a bit tough to hear. Keeping our egos in check is essential, and I really appreciate their support! It also helps to have a mentor like Mark Kostich, who is a renowned wildlife photographer. He guided me on this journey and invited me to travel to Alaska for a chance to photograph Coastal Brown Bears in Katmai National Park. That was quite an adventure!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I take pride in sharing some of the most amazing opportunities and experiences with both photographers and non-photographers. Most of my guests are from big cities and work in regular nine-to-five jobs, confined to an office every day. Taking them into the wetlands and allowing them to experience some of the most incredible moments that the natural world has to offer. Being a Captain and Wildlife photographer is a huge advantage. Knowing your subjects is extremely important; I absolutely love sharing wonderful opportunities and experiences with both photographers and those new to the field. Most of my guests come from big cities and have regular nine-to-five jobs, so stepping away from their office routines and venturing into the wetlands is really special. It’s amazing to watch them experience some of the incredible moments that nature has to offer.
As a captain and wildlife photographer, I feel lucky to have a unique perspective. Knowing my subjects is so important, especially when it comes to capturing birds of prey. There are many exciting layers to photography! Factors such as light, wind, and the boat’s position all play a significant role in helping my guests capture the perfect shot. It’s all about enjoying the journey together to get the perfect shot!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Get ready for an exciting journey! Feel free to ask questions and be open to some feedback. Some of it will be super helpful, while other comments you can smile and let go. However, sometimes negative feedback can help you grow.
You may hear things like, “Wow, that’s a fantastic picture! You must have an amazing camera!” Just remember, it’s not just about the gear; it’s all about how well you know and use it. The correct settings can make a significant difference. So, enjoy your best shots, and don’t forget to learn a little from the ones that didn’t quite hit the mark.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.photosbyjohnpatrick.com
- Instagram: @Airboatphotographer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AirboatPhotographer
- Other: https://bcairboats.com
