Juan Avila Photography

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the first 201 Paint the Town Purple Mixer! 🎨💜 It was a fantastic evening filled with creativity, great conversations, and fun. Your support made this event a success, and we can’t wait to see you September 21st at Relay For Life

Running my photography business allows me to do what I’m passionate about every day. I help businesses enhance their brand with professional portraits and imagery that make a real impact. It’s about more than just taking photos—it’s about providing visuals that genuinely reflect the essence of a business. Seeing the difference strong imagery can make for my clients is what keeps me motivated. I’m grateful to be able to do what I love while helping others succeed.

Gratitude is at the heart of what I do as a photographer. I had the absolute pleasure of working with Victor Tafoya, an Associate Planner for the County of San Benito.

After the shoot, he left me a wonderful Google Review, which I truly appreciated:

“Mr. Avila is an exceptional photographer whose work truly stands out. Every shot shows his attention to detail, creativity, and professionalism. The photos he took for me exceeded expectations, capturing the essence and personality perfectly, as you can see in the attached image.”

This review made me reflect on the true value of service and what I can do as a photographer to help clients showcase their profiles to the world—whether on LinkedIn, a professional website, or through other social media platforms.

Helping clients like Victor is the biggest reward. Their satisfaction and success are the true measures of my work’s value. I am deeply grateful for my clients’ trust in me and the chance to tell their stories through my lens.
I always strive to ensure my sessions are a great experience by:
➡️ Listening to their stories and understanding their career journeys
➡️ Valuing their time and maximizing our sessions
➡️ Creating a relaxed and welcoming environment
➡️ Making them look their best and crafting a compelling digital narrative

It’s a privilege to showcase talented professionals from all walks of life here in San Benito and Monterey County. Victor, I can’t thank you enough for your trust and for sharing your story. Working with you and helping to create a professional narrative for you was an absolute pleasure.

See more of the faces of our professional community on my site. We have some amazingly talented people.

I recently finished a photo shoot for a business that’s doing important work in Monterey County. Ashley Hernandez, the owner of Monterey Med Ink, a paramedical tattoo studio, asked me to help her with her branding photography and create a suite of images she would use on her website, social media, and advertisements.

Ashley specializes in paramedical tattoos, creating realistic-looking tattoos for breast cancer survivors and skillfully concealing surgery scars. As Ashley puts it, she helps people feel “whole again” after facing significant health challenges.

Projects like this reinforce why I love what I do. Good branding photography isn’t just about creating visually appealing images—it’s about helping important services reach the people who need them most.

I’m grateful I could use my skills to support Ashley’s mission and help share her remarkable work with a broader audience.

If you or someone you know has had breast cancer or has surgical scars they’d like addressed, Ashley’s expertise could be invaluable. Visit www.montereymedink.com to see the branding photos and learn more about Monterey Med Ink’s services.

I will put together a longer blog post about branding photography, but here’s a small sample of the work Ashley and I did for her business. It’s sharp, client-focused, and tells a story.

Your brand is more than just a logo; it’s a story waiting to be told. And the right headshot can be the perfect introduction.

I love capturing the essence of who you are and what you stand for through my lens. Whether it’s for your LinkedIn profile, your business website, or just because—your headshot should be as unique as you are.

Let’s tell your story together, one shot at a time.

Congrats to Samantha on graduating as a registered nurse! Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring. Honored to capture these special moments. Here’s to a bright future in nursing!

Had a fantastic shoot with Salinas and Watsonville State Farm teams, capturing headshots and branding photography.

Delivered some stunning images for their social platforms and website.

The past few weeks have been incredibly rewarding, working with professionals eager to update and amp up their image.

DM me for details on updating your social profile photos. I’m happy to help.

Thanks, Team Flopez !

A note to professionals, entrepreneurs or contractors—don’t forget to build your brand!

I recently went on location to work with my friend Marcos Rocha—a talented cinematographer based in the San Francisco Bay area. He’d asked me to capture him in action. Marcos needed some behind-the-scenes shots for his new website, showcasing him doing what he does best.

(If you’ve watched National Geographic or CBS Sports, you’ve likely seen Marcos’s work without realizing it.)

The experience reminded me of something important: Many professionals, entrepreneurs, and contractors forget to build a solid library of images for their websites and marketing materials. This is crucial for showcasing their work and building their brand.

The shoot went well, and I’m not going to lie, it’s cool to see the photos now live on his new website. He’s now building his personal brand and, hopefully, getting some new gigs from it as well.

Have you considered updating your professional image library recently? Whether you’re a cinematographer like Marcos or in any other field, high-quality visuals can make a significant impact.

Check out some of Marcos’s work on his new website at www.marcosdp.com

Are you interested in learning more about how I help clients (and friends) build their image libraries? DM me for details.

 

At Juan Avila Photography, we truly enjoy collaborating with talented actors and models across Monterey County.

I recently met Christopher Rhee in the studio, and we had a fantastic photoshoot together. During our discussion, he talked to me about what he hoped to accomplish in the business.

Christopher, it was a pleasure having you, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll achieve. Thanks for trusting us with your vision.

Chase those dreams!

Excited to share these new headshots of Moises, the dedicated Restorative Justice Facilitator for El Puente High School, Mount Toro High School, and Carr Lake Community Day School. Moises is committed to creating positive change and fostering a supportive environment for students across our community.

La luz de su mirada
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Your LinkedIn headshot says a lot about you before anyone even reads your profile. 📸

Still using that iPhone selfie? It might not be doing you justice anymore.

LinkedIn is all about showcasing your professional side. Imagine your future colleagues or hiring managers checking out your profile photo—does it reflect the professional image you want to project?

A sharp, professional headshot can elevate your profile and make a lasting first impression. It’s a key part of standing out and showing your best self.

Let’s make sure you shine. Want tips on upgrading to a pro LinkedIn headshot? Feel free to DM me—I’m here to help!
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You know, it’s always important to acknowledge others’ milestones.

Today, I just want to shout out to Gerardo Villegas for landing a new role as Chief Business Officer at the Washington Union Elementary School District. It shows what a lot of hard work and persistence can achieve.

Congratulations, Gerardo! Your dedication has truly paid off. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish in your new role. Best of luck!
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Putting the Snap in Snapchat Last year, our photography business transformed.

Thanks to our membership in .matter , a global headshot team of 150+ photographers from NYC to Berlin and beyond.

We had the opportunity to represent California with a highly recognizable brand: Snapchat.

It was an amazing project and I’m so grateful to have worked on it with such talented photographers.

We were able to help 100s of Snapchat employees with their corporate and LinkedIn photos.

Curious about how it changed my business? Check out my blog by clicking on the link in my profile.

Meet Eric Wason, powerhouse Assistant to the Broker of M² Realty Group, Monica Wason!

We had a great time capturing Eric’s vibrant energy and dedication. His headshot exudes confidence and a client-first mindset, which are essential for success in the mortgage world.

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📸✨ Excited to share some stunning headshots I took for Jacquelynn Ramirez (DRE #02095373) of Las Palmas Realty & Lending, Inc (DRE #01977822)! Jacquelynn’s professionalism and dedication to her clients shine through in every shot. It’s always a pleasure working with such passionate individuals who are making a difference in the real estate industry. Looking forward to seeing these photos on all your professional profiles and marketing materials!
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Able’s energy and enthusiasm were infectious, making the shoot so much fun. Whether he was laughing or striking a pose, every moment was pure magic. Capturing his vibrant personality through the lens was a true pleasure.

Norma brought an incredible blend of grace and confidence to our shoot, and it was pure joy capturing her essence. Each photo tells a story of strength and elegance, from her radiant smile to her powerful presence. So grateful for this inspiring session!

Unveiling the mood, one portrait at a time.

Dive deep into the soulful essence of Jasmine as we explore the depths of emotion and light. These moody portraits capture her inner strength and beauty, reflecting the shades of her spirit. 📸✨

Swipe to feel the vibe. .matter

In Portraits: Exploring the Creative Heights with Jasmine Diaz

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to work with Jasmine Diaz, an inspiring model and veterinarian.

In our session, we explored different lighting techniques, and I’m thrilled with the results.

I love working with creative people—bringing out their best in front of the camera is my passion. This shoot was a perfect blend of artistry and inspiration.

Stay tuned for more from this unforgettable session!

📸 Feeling Nervous About Getting Your Photo Taken?

I always hear it: “I feel so uncomfortable getting my photo taken.”

But in today’s digital age, having a professional LinkedIn headshot is critical.

Here’s what I tell my clients: My goal is to make you look and feel your best. A little bit of nerves is normal, but don’t worry—I’ve been doing this for a long time. Even the most nervous clients leave looking relaxed and confident.

Don’t believe me? Well, let’s just say photos like this ones ⬆️ are 100 percent me trying to make my client relax and laugh. While I take photos seriously, it also doesn’t mean we can’t have fun.

Been putting off getting your new LinkedIn profile photo? Send me a direct message or email me at [Your Email].

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Great event!!

Elevate your game with a headshot that commands attention. A great headshot isn’t just about looking good; it’s about unlocking new opportunities. Ready to make that happen? Book your session with Juan Avila Photography today!

Ready to make a bold first impression? Your headshot is more than a photo—it’s the start of your professional story. Let’s craft that story together! DM or email us, and we’d be pleased to chat.

Meet Saray Sanchez, Licensed Esthetician. She specializes in Full Body Waxing, Lash Lifts, and Brow Laminations.beauties

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So many folks don’t realize that Instagram and other social media sites are sometimes the first chance to make a good impression. That’s why it’s important to showcase yourself and bring people in with that “image.” I want to help you get the most out of your image. Working with Judy was a joy, and I’m so glad I could play a part in her journey. Now go take Salinas by storm, Judy!

Judy Ortiz Licensed Cosmetologist

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Loving the new Abstract Dark Green Texture Hand Pinted Canvas Backdrop by

Model:
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Beauty is being the best possible version of yourself, inside and out.
@— Audrey Hepburn

A few more images of , inspired by the iconic Audrey Hepburn.
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