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About
Hello! My name is John and I do business as High Orbit Media. I grew up on the California coast and have been photographing full time since 2020. With a degree in film, I bring a very cinematic eye to my photography helping to capture the right moment from the best angle. My style of photography may be best described as 'enhanced realism'. Before messaging me here, do a quick Google for more detailed pricing and packages. Let's make you look good!
Overview
Hired 80 times
Background checked
1 employee
6 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
Services offered
Photoshoot location
Home
Hotel
Photo formats
Digital or online download
Flash drive
Album or photo book
Work location
I travel to my customers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, work quality, and professionalism.
Exceptional 5.0
38 reviews
5
97%
4
3%
3
0%
2
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Jerome S.
Feb 9, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
John did a great job with fairly short notice on the event details -- delivered exactly what we were looking for in the best timeframe possible. Would definitely hire again!
John photographed our family and did a beautiful job capturing both portrait and candid shots. He had beautiful ideas of what to capture and did a great job in the space that we requested. He traveled to the spot and was flexible and patient with the young kids.
Details: Family or children's portrait • Traditional / classic (looking directly at the camera) • Candid (captured in the moment) • Artistic (focus on composition, lighting) • Outdoors • Digital or online download • My home, venue, etc.
Portrait Photography
Page W.
Mar 7, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
John with High Orbit Media nailed it when I hired him to capture the moment! I was planning to propose to my girlfriend and was stumped about how I’d get someone to snap a pic without her catching on.
John was punctual with the initial contact, communicated well with me in making the arrangements and gave me a fare quote.
On the day of I was nervous already and was stressing about how Jonh would find us at the park full of people. Pointless stress, as Jonh had it covered. He located us before I even saw him! He stayed a fare distance away not to ruin the surprise and followed us to the spot I proposed.
John shot photos discreetly from a distance at first, capturing the moment, then snapped a couple afterwards. In under 48 hrs, we had the photos in our computer ready to share with our friends and family.
Last but not least, the quality of the photos were great! 👍👌
Thanks John for making my surprise proposal project so easy!
Details: Couples portrait • Natural / environmental (photographed in an outdoor setting) • Outdoors • Digital or online download • At the pro’s location
Portrait Photography
Jesse M.
Mar 3, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
John was very professional and did a great job on my surprise engagement photos . John was very very nice and punctual and always responded to my questions and took the time to explain how he works and how we can pull off this very special surprise on Carmel beach. Johns work and quality is very good and his prices are excellent. I highly recommend John for any event and will use him again in the future ..Pick John …you won’t be disappointed
Details: Proposal photoshoot • Natural or environmental • Outdoors • One location • Online or digital proofs and prints • My home, venue, etc.
Engagement Photography
Bryant S.
Oct 31, 2023
•
Hired on Thumbtack
John did an amazing job photographing my proposal. From helping me select a beautiful, secluded location to getting the incredible shots of the event. The pictures turned out great and he got them to us very quickly. He was also very responsive which was reassuring in an otherwise stressful situation. I would highly recommend him for your event.
Details: Proposal photoshoot • Natural or environmental • Candid • Outdoors • One location • Online or digital proofs and prints • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Engagement Photography
Credentials
Background Check
John Ruddock
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
When paying for photography services, you are paying for the photographer's time to photograph you, the time to perform any edits and retouches, as well as the quality of the camera and lens. These are all factors in the final cost.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I will determine what type of photographs you are looking for (ex: portraits, maternity, artsy), what type of location (ex: beach, forest, city), and how long a session they desire. We can do multiple outfits and locations.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a bachelor's degree in film from San Jose State and have applied all my knowledge to photography. My skills cover landscape photography, portraits, construction, real estate, and sports. I have filmed in locations all over the world from East Africa to Hawaii.
