Erik Jay

I was born and raised in Palos Verdes, California—a place that feels less like a hometown and more like a natural canvas. Its cliffs, coves, and open spaces shaped how I see the world and continue to influence my work today.

I grew up in a rare hybrid of creativity and precision. My grandfather was a photography partner of Ansel Adams in the late 1960s and early ’70s. While my memories of joining them in the field are faint, photography was never something I chose—it was simply always there.

My father was a leading scientist in the aerospace industry, working on early laser and digital technologies, with work now housed in the Smithsonian. Despite his technical brilliance, his greatest passion was nature. That balance between art, science, and the outdoors became foundational for me.

In high school, I wandered open fields and empty coves with a camera in hand. Photography followed me everywhere—present, familiar, and constant. I attended Chadwick School, completed high school at Rolling Hills High, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Even while studying business, I spent every spare moment in the darkroom, learning through experimentation and repetition.

Before photography became my profession, I built a career in hospitality. I began as a desk clerk at the Sea Sprite Motel in Hermosa Beach and eventually became General Manager—spending my twenties living on the Strand while running a beachfront property.

I learned that experience matters. By implementing thoughtful standards and policies, I helped increase occupancy from 32 percent to an average of 96 percent year-round.

That success led me to Immersion Hospitality, where I served in multiple roles including Interim Manager and Marketing Manager. I became the youngest partner in the company, helping drive record-breaking revenue growth.

When the Great Recession hit in 2008 and Immersion closed, I took the moment as an opportunity to pursue the dream I had always carried with me: becoming a professional photographer.

Transitioning from film to digital required letting go of one chapter and fully embracing another. I adapted quickly, developing a refined digital workflow while maintaining the discipline and intention learned from film.

My work soon gained local attention, including from the Editor-in-Chief of M Music and Musicians Magazine, who hired me as a contributing photographer.

That opened doors to experiences I never imagined—photographing events and artists such as the Grammy Awards, Boyz II Men, Tyler, The Creator, NAMM, Herbie Hancock, Joni Mitchell, Cheap Trick, Ringo Starr, and more. I was also fortunate to work alongside Henry Diltz at the Fonda Theatre, gaining rare insight into why legends truly endure.

I later joined Palos Verdes Magazine as Director of Photography, working closely with owner Kristin Borden. Together, we built the publication into the number one magazine in the region. The photography played a central role in that success.

Through this work, I published two books:

• The Great Peninsula – a pictorial journey through Palos Verdes, told from the perspective of a true local
   
• Coastal California: The Wild Life – an eleven-conservation-backed book featuring a foreword and introduction by Jeff Corwin of Animal Planet
   

Giving back has always been important to me. I volunteered for five years with the Marine Mammal Care Center and have supported organizations including the Cougar Conservancy and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. I actively participate in and lead fundraising efforts for animal shelters and conservation-focused causes.

I’m fortunate to call world-renowned artist John Van Hamersveld a mentor and friend. Our ongoing friendship has provided more direction, structure, and insight than any formal education ever could. I’m honored to be collaborating with him on a local art show planned for 2026.

Today, I’ve come full circle—combining photography with decades of experience in hospitality, branding, and guest experience. I run a commercial photography business built on intention, quality, and personal service.

My clients include real estate professionals and hospitality brands such as Best Western franchises, Terranea Resort, Catalina View Wines, Infinite Hill, Port of Los Angeles, Accor, Marriott, Wyndham, and a range of locally owned boutique properties. My work delivers depth and color to walls, websites, presentations, and spaces where images truly matter.

I use cinematic-grade equipment, including medium format and full-frame cameras, native lenses, and two top-tier drones. I hold an FAA Part 107 Unmanned Pilot’s License, ensuring full legal compliance on every project.

2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year—filled with growth, collaboration, and new opportunities to present my work on larger stages. Through it all, my focus remains the same: delivering photography with care, craftsmanship, and a level of personal attention that reflects both my work and the people I serve.