Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Jonathan Ruiz @jonathaniruiz

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

Northern California born, bred, and currently still residing here. I’m a full time elementary school teacher and graduate student. Photography is something I do on the side, my creative muse.

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

I love photographing the outdoors, but I don’t like boxing myself into one thing. Anything that catches my eye really, from a scenic landscape to an inanimate small object. I strive to push myself creatively in my photos and want to tell a story through them.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

Well, my Instagram is just my first and last name. The “i” in between is a reference to my middle name, Israel, not a tech savvy device as individuals have asked.

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

Tend to use a versatile of apps, depending in what I want to do. Definitely, VSCO Cam and SnapSeed are my go to apps. I use those two more than anything when editing.

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

That’s a tough one, there are so many creatives that inspire me on the gram! Cory Staudacher (@withhearts), Joe Greer (@ioegreer), Matt Gee (@mattbg) , the list is endless. These are just a few of many that I love. I doubt any of them have any idea who I am, but they do set the bar high. I love their unique aesthetic approach and transcendent storytelling feel brought about in each of their photos. Simple, but also grand. If that makes any sense.

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

GO. OUTSIDE. There’s so much out there, get out of your house. You don’t have to look far and travel. Take a stroll in town, explore new places in your very own backyard, local fields, or drive up an hour to the lake or beach. There’s so much people take for granted being locked up indoors. Learn to listen, see, and contemplate.

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

Inspiring people to ponder on nature, architecture, and anything that catches my eyes. I want people to be instilled with a sense of wonder.

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

Keep it simple, don’t try to overdo something. People like simplicity, that makes a campaign authentic and refreshening.

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

Don’t be a copy cat, yes one can be inspired, but don’t copy someone’s approach. Learn to look and capture what you want your audience to see. No need to overdo something and try too hard. The best things are natural. Also, you don’t need fancy camera equipment. Most of my photos on Instagram (and my favorite) are mobile taken.

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

Being given the opportunity to express and integrate my creative approach is my favorite part! I love collaborating with other brands, it’s exciting.

Topics:

• Art
• Design
• Nature & Outdoors
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

United States of America