I first met Photographer John on a friend’s boat where he had done a great deal of mechanical work and we were invited on the sea trial voyage. He was busy testing and more testing so I didn’t get a great visit but I did learn that very day how John’s a ‘salt of the earth’ kinda guy and we’ve been friends ever since.
Before “retiring” John owned a custom electronics installation company in the Los Angeles area specialising in large home theatre systems, lighting controls and home automation.
John met his beautiful and spunky Liz in 2002. They left the US on their boat in 2006, cruising the Sea of Cortez and mainland Mexico for a few years. Arriving in La Cruz in 2010 and needing a safe place to spend hurricane season on their boat before continuing further South; they spent two more winters cruising Manzanillo, Zihuatanejo and Barra de Navidad. John and lovely Liz returned to La Cruz in the summers… and then in 2012 they never left.
I put quotes around “retired” above because John is far from retired. Every day he’s either helping others with their boats or he’s taking photos of sporting events or contributing to the community taking photos of the many events that locals do for fun and/or fundraising. When I asked John about his work he said:
“My photography biz is focused on real estate and yachts; interior, exterior and aerial from the drone. I also enjoy photographing the many sailing races and regattas in the Bay. I was the event photographer for the Laser World Championships in 2016, which was hosted by the Vallarta Yacht Club. I also provide photography for many local events; I was the official photographer for Ocean Fest most recently. My other work is on marine electrical and electronic systems, although, I’m concentrating more on photography these days.”
John enjoys most meeting new people and seeing spectacular properties and yachts. He says business is very good “the marine electronics business grew so quickly that I have had to limit the projects that I can take on. The photography business is growing at a nice pace.” His clientele are expats for electronics and Mexican nationals and expats for photography. John likes to be challenged and enjoys problem-solving.
When John and Liz sold their boat (a 60′ Trawler, power boat) they bought a ‘perfect, in my mind’ run-a-bout; a 21’ Center Console. John uses that boat when he’s taking photos on the water as the ‘press boat’ and when he and Liz want to get back onto the water. These days he’s into fishing and enjoys scuba diving.
John got involved in the community thru friends and environmental awareness tops his list of causes.
If he could wave a magic wand, John’s wish for La Cruz de Huanacaxtle in 5 years would be that were no homeless animals, there would be better environmental awareness and improvements in education… oh and an Inn & Out Burger; and I agree!!
John’s proudest about building and then selling his business, allowing Liz and him to go cruising and live aboard their boat while still young enough to really enjoy it.
John says he’d recommend La Cruz to others;
- For a vacation: there’s so much to do; fishing, boating, music, restaurants and on top of all that the town is lovely and the people so friendly.
- To move here: All of the above, plus affordable (to US folks) real estate, medical care and a convenient and good airport which is very important for grandbaby visits.
Geo had this to say:
“John’s electrical/electronics knowledge and ingenuity was incredibly valuable in reconditioning my 43’ catamaran after a lightning strike that rendered most of the systems on the boat useless. Faced with either trying to repair proprietary electrical and electronic systems – or – replace a majority of the equipment; John was able to re-purpose and repair the equipment and make it more reliable than it was before. I highly recommend his skills and his work ethic. John sticks to a project like glue and doesn’t stop until the client is satisfied. And he is a great guy!”
Geo Uhrich; www.lunarumba.com
Penny
“As the official photographer for Nayarit Ocean Fest, John Pounder captured the faces, the energy and the spirit of this amazing community…thank you, John!!”
For fabulous photography and more; contact John at 322-160-5563 or at john_pounder@yahoo.com
