I am a photographer and filmmaker based in Porto, Portugal.

My work moves between the intimate and the expansive, spanning portraiture, the food and drinks industry, personal brands and nature based commissions. In both my commercial and personal projects, I aim to bring a distinct sensibility to every frame, revealing not only what is visible but also what quietly lies beneath.

Since 2014, I have been teaching photography and video in various settings, including associations, companies and private classes, sharing both technical knowledge and a reflective visual approach.

My ongoing personal project, inspired by drawings and archive materials created by my uncle who has Down syndrome, reflects my commitment to storytelling, inclusion and emotional authenticity.

Find me on Instagram, Behance and LinkedIn.

Contact

For commissions, collaborations and image licensing inquiries:
jc@joaocruz.com
+351 913 111 950

Career
2012-ongoing  Independent Photographer and Filmmaker, Porto, PT
2018-2022  Senior Photographer and Filmmaker - The Fladgate Partnership, Porto, PT
2016-2018  Senior Photographer and Filmmaker - WOW Agency, Porto, PT
2013  Photographer and Videographer - Multimedia Laboratories, ESMAE, Porto, PT

Education
2025  Masterclass Newsha Tavakolian, NARRATIVA, Lisbon, PT
2024-2025  Masterclass NARRATIVA, Lisbon, PT
2023  Porto Film History Course, Cinema Batalha, Porto, PT
2023  Film Criticism Course “A Forja”, Cinema Batalha, Porto, PT
2022  Documentary Photography Workshop with Miguel Proença, IPCI, Porto, PT
2021  Portrait Photography Workshop with Lara Jacinto, IPCI, Porto, PT
2019  Food Photography Workshop with Pedro Brum, ICPI, Porto, PT
2014  Course of Teaching Skills, Unicenter, Porto, PT
2012  Sound applied to Cinema Workshop, by Vasco Pimentel, Vila do Conde, PT
2009  Lighting Course in Work Context, São João National Theater, Porto, PT
2008-2012  BA Audio-Visual Communication Technology, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, PT
2006-2012  Conservatory of Gaia, Course of Classical Guitar, Vila Nova de Gaia, PT

Teaching
2025  Coliseu do Porto, Porto, PT 
2025  Universidade do Minho, Guimarães, PT
2025  CódigoPro Editora, Porto, PT
2024  MDS Seguros, Porto, PT
2020  WinProvit, Porto, PT
2018  Mercado Bom Sucesso, Porto, PT
2016-2018  Casablanca 112, Porto, PT
2014-2020  Centro de Formação ACARO/Contagiarte, Porto, PT
2014-ongoing Independent, Porto, PT

Exhibitions
2025 Áries Ophiussa, Comer com os olhos, Plato, Porto, PT
2025  Recanto, Narrativa, Lisbon, PT
2024  Mira Mobile Prize, Porto, PT
2022  Ahua, IPCI, Porto, PT
2021  Lugar da Raiz, IPCI, Porto, PT
2016  While Away, LX Factory, Lisbon, PT
2013  Persona, Geraldes da Silva Gallery, Porto, PT
2012  Persona, Portuguese Center of Photography, Porto, PT
2011  Portraits & Landscapes, Barcelona Showcase, Batlló House, Barcelona, ES

Selected Clients
Taylor’s Port
UNESCO
Câmara Municipal de Matosinhos
VERDE
Super Bock
Son of a Tailor
Porto/Post/Doc
Ágora Porto
Croft Port
The Yeatman Hotel
MDS Seguros
Coliseu do Porto
De Gema Hamburgueria
Fonseca Port
Quinta da Bouça d’Arques
WOW - World of Wine
Barão Fladgate
Infante Sagres Hotel
Vintage House Hotel
A Cascata
duforno
Tapabento
A Vida Portuguesa
O Diplomata
Oh! Porto Apartments
Mini Preço
IndieJúnior Porto
Projeto:Canção
Fogo Lento
Gerador
7g Roaster & Apartments
RTP África
SONAE
Nomad - Agência Viagens Aventura
Knot Kids
Ordem dos Notários
Ordem dos Nutricionistas
Fórum Aveiro
Peninsular Artes Gráficas