Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin Cruz.
Hi Devin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Oh, where do I even begin… I always knew I wanted to be in the arts, seeing my parents in the tech industry I knew I would never work in an office-type setting. At the young age of 5, I already made this decision.
As I went through the motions at middle school, I stumbled upon an Ansel Adams’s photo- it hit me then, I could make $ taking photos?! Yes, that is what I am going to do. And decided then and there. This decision led me to take all the photo classes in high school, and from there I found a college that was specifically for photography! Woot! I was stoked. So, I went. Busted my ass for 3 years straight, got the BA degree, and from there went to NYC to see if I could handle it (I grew up in a town of 6,000 so this was a big change for me). I lived and freelanced there for 11 years!
I visited Orlando for the first time last year and what a surprise! The people here, the vibe- it’s a city too but it feels more spacious and welcoming. I thought damn I could live here. and so, here I am! Starting a new life once again in a new place. This time, just for me. To discover who I am on a deeper level, something new and a bit scary. I took a huge leap of faith moving here too, with very little cash on hand. But the community I found here, has been so willing to help with my journey- I feel right at home.
My photography business is still alive, yes, I am starting over in a new market, but I simply listened to my heart, and my intuition and it brought me here. And I couldn’t be more excited to see what Orlando will bring.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road! Sadly, one of my biggest challenges in the photo industry has been my gender, the fact that I am a woman! (Crazy I know)
Because of my unisex name, I would land interviews with photographers I admired and wanted to learn from, to find out that my being a woman was an issue for them- laughed in my face sometimes even, ‘Oh you are a girl! That’s so funny’
This pissed me off of course, but I didn’t want to let it get me down. I told myself that I wouldn’t want to work for these assholes anyway, and realized I would have to do it my own way. Challenge accepted.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in fashion photography but have so many skills I also shoot food and wine, products like jewelry, and beauty. I have two brands one that is my personal work that I love like fashion art and travel photography, and one that caters to small businesses to help them get great photos for their site and social content.
I would say I am known for my fashion and studio work, spot-on lighting skills, and clean imagery. I am most proud of my fashion editorials.
What sets me apart is my professionalism and also my ‘chill’ go-with-the-flow attitude. I learned a long time ago that flow is necessary when creating, it’s not always going to go exactly how you planned in your mind, but learning to see what is working and what isn’t- on the fly- is where I shine. Oh, and my attention to detail too
Any big plans?
I tend not to plan too much for the future, because let’s be real it doesn’t exist- but a newfound passion or niche of mine is capturing spiritual retreats. I love to capture the essence of these events and gatherings, where the participants are their most authentic, most vulnerable. Showing up to learn more about themselves and do ‘the work’ to reach another level.
I have stepped into a new role of coaching also, creatives, and really anyone who may feel they are struggling to just be human. I hope to bridge these two passions together somehow, and so far, retreat spaces and creating within them is the way that this bridge is being built.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.devincruzphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devincruzcreates/
