I have always loved photography but I thought of it as a hobby. I never thought it would become my life.
My name is Cata Ruiz, and I am a 22 year-old living in Riobamba, Ecuador, trying to achieve my dream of being a photographer and storyteller.
A year ago, I decided to leave my home in the United States and move to Ecuador. I had never lived anywhere but Florida, but within 1 week of declaring my decision, I was on a plane to Quito, Ecuador.
Most people were confused by my impulsive decision but I left because I feared I would bow to societal pressures of stability and financial prosperity.
Once, I truly believed and wanted the societal guidelines of success: go to college, find a stable job, buy a house, get married and retire at 65. But this comfortable life plan crumbled when my twin sister was diagnosed with cancer. I realized that life was not a guarantee, and I did not want to spend my time entrapped under white-florescent lights making money.
I decided to create my own path, and I am starting it here in Ecuador.
My dream is to travel the world capturing the lives and personalities of people from diverse backgrounds. I believe human beings are truly beautiful. Their diversity, complexity and realities are so different and mesmerizing — that is what I hope to capture in my blog.
This blog will provide an in depth story to my projects and photographs. It will relay the captivating stories of the “everyday people” I capture here in Ecuador and during my travels. It is my hope that it will foster human connection.
I hope you enjoy my posts!