We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dennise Ruiz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dennise below.

Alright, Dennise thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

Since I was young, I’ve been drawn to all forms of creative expression—art, music, dance, and especially anything visual. I danced like no one was watching and painted every chance I got throughout high school. I went to college with a clear plan: major in biology, with minor in some type of art form. It wasn’t until my time at the University of the Incarnate Word that I discovered photography and was instantly captivated. There was something powerful about using a camera to freeze a moment, revealing a perspective uniquely my own. I would lose track of time in the darkroom, fully immersed in refining my craft. I began working with traditional film cameras, learning the fundamentals from the ground up, before eventually transitioning into the world of digital photography.

True to form, I followed that path and graduated in 2009 with exactly what I set out to earn. I spent several years working in the biology field before life offered me a different but equally meaningful direction – starting a family. I chose to press pause on my career, and it was a decision I embraced wholeheartedly.

When my second child was born, I treated myself to a new DSLR camera to capture all the fleeting, beautiful “firsts” that come with motherhood. What started as documenting my own children quickly grew into something more. I found myself drawn not only to photographing my kids, but also nature and wildlife. Soon I was saying “yes” to photographing friends and family as well.

Then came the question that changed everything. A friend casually asked, “Why don’t you start your own photography business?” Brilliant, right? I couldn’t believe the idea hadn’t crossed my mind before, but once it did, it stuck. After all, I had the training, the tools, but most importantly, the passion. I hadn’t initially seen myself as an entrepreneur, but over time I began to consider the possibility of following in my late father’s footsteps, building a career from the ground up, inspired by his passion.

That moment sparked a realization: I didn’t have to choose between family and creativity—I could build a life that honored both. A career that allows me to be present for my children while doing work I genuinely love? That felt less like a risk and more like a calling. With equal parts excitement and curiosity, I began to imagine what this could become, and just like that, the brainstorming began. Pins & Feathers Photography was born.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to work in the field of biology. I’ve always had a deep love for nature. At the same time, I was equally drawn to the arts, including dance, music, and especially visual expression. Painting, in particular, was a form of therapy for me, so when I attended UIW, choosing an art minor felt natural. It was there that I took a photography class that unknowingly changed my path for the better. Once I picked up a camera, I couldn’t put it down.

I started my business with moms like myself in mind. I wanted to create a way for families to have beautiful, lasting memories of their children without breaking the bank. Affordable, high-quality photography became my mission. Starting Pins & Feathers Photography was an exciting venture, but I quickly realized I needed more knowledge of running a successful business. I dedicated many days and nights to research, learning the craft, attending virtual seminars, and teaching myself through online tutorials. Slowly, it started to feel like this was an attainable dream.

After a few years in business, I realized my creativity didn’t stop at photography. I found myself drawn to other forms of visual art, and each new client brought fresh challenges. I leaned into every one of them, growing my skills and gaining confidence in my craft. Along the journey, I’ve built a strong network of talented creatives who both inspire and collaborate with me. Together, we’re able to take on a wide range of projects with confidence.

Pins & Feathers Photography now offers professional photography, videography, and custom design services. Whether a client needs a single photographer or a full production team, we can cover weddings, quinceañeras, concerts, music videos, portrait sessions, and more. From sourcing a scenic location with a trained horse to coordinating travel across the state or incorporating drone footage, I take pride in making each vision come to life. The most rewarding part of my work is seeing a client’s excitement when their vision has come to fruition.

Looking through my portfolio, you’ll notice there isn’t a single defined style, it evolves from project to project. While many photographers choose to specialize in a niche, I’ve embraced versatility. The artist in me thrives on experimentation, creativity, and the opportunity to approach each project with fresh perspective.

There have been several moments in my photographic career that have reaffirmed my sense of purpose. One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to help clients see themselves in a more positive light. We don’t always recognize our own beauty or strengths, but a thoughtfully captured image can offer a powerful outside perspective and truly shift how we see ourselves.

One experience that stands out was a portrait session with a teenage girl who had recently moved to Texas and was struggling with her confidence. There was a few extra minutes at the end of the session so I invited her to step aside for individual portraits. When the images were delivered to her family, her mother reached out to inform me that her daughter had never truly seen her own beauty before. That single photo helped her begin to come out of her shell and build the confidence she had been missing.

At Pins & Feathers Photography, moments like that are at the heart of what I do. They serve as a constant reminder that photography is about more than just creating beautiful images, it’s about making a meaningful impact and helping people feel seen, valued, and confident in who they are.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation in the photography market has been built on not only the quality of my work but the relationships I develop with my clients. Word of mouth has been the most valuable form of marketing for my business. The majority of my clients come through referrals from previous clients. I take great pride in creating a positive, long lasting experience. Many of my returning clients begin to feel more like family than customers. I’ve had the privilege of documenting meaningful milestones in their lives. Many range from their high school graduations, weddings, maternity and eventually family sessions. This intimate relationship allows me to capture their stories over time.
I am committed to delivering my best work, taking time to refine each final image while aligning with my clients’ expectations. My attention to detail can occasionally extend my turnaround time but this ensures that the final product consistently meets a high level of quality. Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword, sometimes exhausting, sometimes frustrating, but the effort has its rewards. My clients leave consistently satisfied, and to date, have never received a single negative review. I am truly appreciative of every client who trusts me with their memories and recommends my work to others.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the strongest examples of my resilience comes from how I built my photography business while navigating significant personal and professional challenges. From the very beginning, I was raising two young children, just two and six years old, while I was learning how to balance motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship. After a difficult divorce, I found myself managing single parenthood, working multiple jobs, and continuing to pursue a creative business that I deeply believed in.

There were years when financial progress was slow, causing me to rely on additional income streams, such as DoorDash, to make ends meet while I continued to grow my business. I persistently sought out opportunities to further market my brand. This often meant taking on work that offered little more than exposure versus financial return. Still, I couldn’t walk away. This work, this art, was never just a business; it was an extension of who I am.

Over time, that persistence began to pay off. As my children have grown, I’ve been able to invest more time and focus towards my business. Pins & Feathers Photography has since provided my family more stability and continues to be rewarding. What once felt like survival is now gaining momentum, I will continuing to work toward the goal of making this business my full-time career.

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?osq=pins+and+feathers+photography&override_cta=Get+pricing
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@pinsfeathers