EXPERIENCE & IMPACT

Creating Images That Matter Since 1991

For more than three decades, I’ve partnered with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies and global media organizations to one of the world’s leading pediatric research hospitals, creating photography that informs, inspires, and strengthens their message.

Every assignment begins with listening. Understanding a client’s vision, earning their trust, and recognizing what truly matters are the first steps toward creating images that leave a lasting impression. My responsibility isn’t simply to document what happened—it’s to create photography that helps organizations communicate who they are and why their work matters.

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Senior Photographer II

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

2023 – Present

Every image created at St. Jude serves a purpose beyond photography. Whether documenting a child’s courage, creating executive portraits, supporting national fundraising campaigns, or photographing corporate partnerships, my work helps communicate one of the world’s most important missions through authentic visual storytelling.

Working alongside executive leadership, researchers, donors, patients, and corporate partners, I create photography that strengthens fundraising initiatives, marketing campaigns, executive communications, and brand storytelling. Every assignment demands technical excellence, compassion, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to the mission.

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Owner | Dave Cruz Photography

2006 – Present

For nearly two decades, I’ve partnered with corporations, advertising agencies, marketing teams, and creative professionals to produce photography that strengthens brands, builds trust, and creates meaningful connections with their audiences.

My work includes executive portraiture, commercial advertising, product photography, healthcare marketing, editorial storytelling, corporate events, and visual branding. Every project is approached with careful planning, creative collaboration, and a commitment to delivering photography that exceeds expectations.

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Staff Photographer | The Arizona Republic

1997 – 2006

Working for one of the nation’s leading newspapers placed me at the center of many defining moments in American history. From Super Bowls and World Series championships to presidential campaigns, international medical assignments, and the Second Gulf War, I learned to perform under pressure while creating compelling visual journalism on deadline.

Those experiences sharpened my ability to anticipate moments, earn trust quickly, and create photographs that connect with audiences emotionally—skills that continue to define my work today.

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Staff Photographer | The Mesa Tribune

1991 – 1997

My professional foundation was built at The Mesa Tribune, where I covered the Olympic Games, NBA Finals, presidential campaigns, the Oklahoma City bombing, the O.J. Simpson verdict, and countless stories that shaped communities throughout Arizona and beyond.

It was here that I learned storytelling isn’t about being in the right place at the right time—it’s about understanding people well enough to recognize the moments that truly matter.

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Trusted By

Over the past 35 years, I’ve had the privilege of earning the trust of organizations that value excellence, authenticity, and the power of visual storytelling. From St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Boeing to Honeywell, General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Disney, Marriott International, Associated Press, Bloomberg News, ESPN Magazine, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and many others, every assignment has been built on the same foundation—trust, collaboration, and a shared belief that the right photograph can tell a story, inspire action, and leave a lasting impression.

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Career Highlights

• More than 35 years of professional photography experience.
• More than 25 years as an award-winning newspaper photojournalist.
• Covered the Olympic Games, Super Bowls, World Series, NBA Finals, presidential campaigns, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the Second Gulf War.
• Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, healthcare organizations, advertising agencies, nonprofit organizations, and global media organizations.
• Extensive experience creating executive portraits, commercial advertising, fundraising campaigns, editorial storytelling, and corporate communications.
• Known for building trust quickly, solving creative challenges, and consistently delivering exceptional work under demanding deadlines.

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Core Expertise

Commercial Photography • Executive Portraiture • Corporate Communications • Marketing Campaigns • Product Photography • Editorial Storytelling • Healthcare Communications • Studio & Location Lighting • Capture One • Adobe Photoshop • Lightroom • Photo Mechanic • Digital Asset Management • Conversational Spanish

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Education

Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications

Lamar University

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Looking Ahead

Photography has given me an extraordinary career, but more importantly, it has given me the privilege of earning people’s trust and telling stories that matter. The relationships I’ve built, the lives I’ve documented, and the experiences I’ve shared continue to inspire my work every day.

As I begin this next chapter, I look forward to helping you tell your story.