Naturalness and Spontaneity in Javier Ruiz’ Works

Featuring Javier Ruiz Words by Nastasia Khmelnitski

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Javier Ruiz describes himself as a person who favors the all-black wardrobe. A striking nuance when compared to his photographic projects, colorful, bright, saturated. Color appears in the form of styling, the natural shades of the outdoors environment, grass in the park, blue summer skies, complementary props elements. The vibes of the summer, the heat, the light - all add to the relaxed atmosphere of joy, of living the moment and being present.

His studio work is different: toned down both visually and emotionally, still playful, with a focus on the person and their character. Personal photographs are the means to research deeper personages allowing for diversity and freedom of expression. 

Javier Ruiz is a fashion photographer from Madrid, Spain. Javier tells us how photography became his passion. He guides us through the streets of Madrid and his first film photoshoot to the discovery of areas in Cuba during his recent trip. We speak about the distinctive experience working outdoors versus on set in the studio and the upcoming new project with C. Tangana.

‘The model was my girlfriend, Rocio Alvarez, and she was also a stylist. I remember I took my camera with only one roll (because I didn't have enough money) and we went around my neighbourhood with some of her own clothes and took some photos.’

Photography

Which of your works came to be the main statement that made you realize - photography is something you want to develop as a profession? 

It was in April 2013, the first editorial I shot. It's funny because the model was my girlfriend, Rocio Alvarez, and she was also a stylist. I remember I took my camera with only one roll (because I didn't have enough money) and we went around my neighbourhood with some of her own clothes and took some photos. 

Why do you think it became a turning point for you?

The photos were published in an L.A online magazine, and I felt it was amazing someone was paying attention to my work. I was doing something well. Obviously, I don't think they are so special today.

‘I don't know how the future will turn out, but I'll keep doing what I like all the time. It's all about passion.’

People

One of the main themes you introduce is people and individuality. What is the most fascinating personal story of someone you photographed that you remember or a certain bright memory of the shoot you have? 

It was probably my trip to Cuba last year. We went to film a video clip, and I took advantage of capturing some pictures of local people in between. I have a very special memory of this trip and the team. 

How do you think your work and the themes you explore will develop in the future?

I don't know how the future will turn out, but I'll keep doing what I like all the time. It's all about passion.

Madrid

Which places do you tend to visit the most in Madrid? 

I love parks and neighbourhoods, in fact, it's a great inspiration for me, and I always try to include it in my work. 

How would you describe the city in terms of opportunities, fashion, photography as a place to live in and create? 

Despite the creative scene we have in Madrid, I think it's not like Paris, London or NYC yet.

‘All my work is editorial and personal at the same time. I like to mix both spheres. I think they are the base of my style.’

Personal Projects

What is the main difference in terms of topics, or the techniques when comparing your editorial shoots with your personal works, in your opinion? 

None, all my work is editorial and personal at the same time. I like to mix both spheres. I think they are the base of my style.

I Am

How would you describe yourself as a child? 

I´ve always been a nervous person, restless with lots of interests, but it was also difficult to focus on something. The only thing I cared about was hanging out with my friends and feeling free to do nothing. 

What were the things you enjoyed the most while growing up? 

Maybe I really enjoyed the feeling of having an artistic power growing inside me on its own without having an artistic environment.

‘I always wear black, and I feel very identified with this color, so people who know me usually ask how my photos have such bright colors. I think what my work has in common with my personality is the idea of naturalness and spontaneity.’

Color

Your works propose a rich variety of colors so that it appears to stand as a symbol of summer, of a specific mood, and the place. How would you describe your approach to color? 

Actually, I wouldn't relate my work to summer, but it's true, I like to include sunlight in all my photos. I even hadn't used the studio until a year ago because I didn't feel the result was mine due to the absence of the natural light.

In what way your personality is reflected in your work?   

It's funny because I always wear black, and I feel very identified with this color, so people who know me usually ask how my photos have such bright colors. I think what my work has in common with my personality is the idea of naturalness and spontaneity. I don't like to force things.

Upcoming Projects

What are your plans for this year? 

I would like to answer this question at any other moment. Because of the COVID-19, the situation in Spain and Europe has changed, and a lot of projects have been postponed or cancelled. 

What are you working on right now?

I've been working with C. Tangana’s creative direction since three years ago, and we have great upcoming things. I feel very proud to be a part of this project.