Stefan Ruiz studied painting and sculpture at the university of California, Santa Cruz, and the Accademia Di Belle Arti, Venice, before turning to photography.
He has taught art at San Quentin state prison and was the creative director for Colors Magazine from 2003 to 2004.
His photographs have been exhibited at The Photographers’ Gallery, London; Photo España, Madrid; Les Rencontres d’Arles, France; New York Photo festival; Havana Biennial; and the Contact Photography festival, Toronto.
In 2012, Aperture published his monograph, The Factory of Dreams, a book on mexican soap operas. His work has appeared in magazines around the world, including the New York Times Magazine, Details, L’uomo Vogue and Rolling Stone.
His award winning advertising photography includes campaigns for Caterpillar, Camper, Diesel and Air France.