About Juan Avila Photography

You deserve visuals that feel real, intentional, and connected. At Juan Avila Photography, we don’t just take photos—we partner with you, tell your story, and support your success.

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We live and work right here in Salinas, and we’re blessed to serve a diverse mix of clients. From local small businesses like Lyfe Plants, Monterey Med Ink, and Don Elías Tequila, to real estate associations like NHORA (National Hispanic Organization of Real Estate Associates).

 

We also work with wonderful nonprofits, including the American Cancer Society, Boys & Girls Club, and local schools, making a difference.

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Our services cover headshots, branding photography, event coverage, and more. Whatever your photography needs are, we support your goals.

 

We craft visual stories that help you connect with your audience, and we put your best face forward—whether it’s for your personal or professional brand.

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Clients love our work because we prioritize images that feel current, authentic, and truly representative. In today’s digital world, generic stock isn’t enough—we create visuals that belong to you.

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Welcome to Juan Avila Photography. We can’t wait to build something meaningful together.

Hi — I’m Julia Ruiz, and I’m thrilled to join the Juan Avila Photography team.

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My path into visual arts started with film. After high school, I studied filmmaking and photography at California State University, Monterey Bay, where I earned my bachelor’s degree. Over the years, I’ve also worked on projects such as a spec ad campaign for Sony Headphones and directed my first short film, Goodbye Friend, which premiered at the Watsonville Film Festival. This experience helped me refine my eye for lighting, composition, and storytelling.

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What I love is taking the skills I learned in school—both technical foundation and theory—and fueling them through creative, personal projects. I’ve done side photo shoots (including branding work for friends and others) where I get to experiment, push boundaries, and grow.

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Being part of Juan Avila Photography means a lot to me. I can bring what I’ve learned so far, but also learn from Juan’s experience and portfolio. I want to dive in, collaborate with a talented studio team, and do work I’m proud of.

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I look forward to meeting many people in the area and helping them tell their visual stories.

Hi — I’m Nathaniel “Nate” Eramaa, and I’m honored to join the Juan Avila Photography team.

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Storytelling has always been part of who I am. As a kid, I used old film point-and-shoot cameras to capture moments; today, I still chase expressions, emotions, and connections through both photography and filmmaking.

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The biggest shift for me came in 2018, when I was gifted my first DSLR camera — a digital camera that gives photographers full control over how each image is captured. That moment changed everything. Since then, I’ve been committed to pushing my limits, learning constantly, and growing as an artist.

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Over the years, I’ve worked with media agencies and nonprofits, often serving as an all-around media producer — shooting photos, creating videos, and helping to tell stories across various platforms.

 

In 2022, I began working on film and commercial productions for companies such as Crunch Labs, Adobe, and Story Inc. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on a short documentary for Artists Ink. Alongside that, I continue to photograph portraits and cover events.

 

I’m grateful to be part of the team at Juan Avila Photography and look forward to working on events and outdoor portraits with the group.