If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
💼 I am a commercial photographer who has have worked with over 200 brands and over 70 magazines/publications. I specialize in shooting apparel, lifestyle, automotive, sports, headshots, and corporate culture.
👍 I bring all the necessary equipment to each location and can build a studio set on-site. My office in San Carlos, CA, but I cover subjects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
📸 Please take a look at my website for examples of my work.
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🤟🏼 Clients (partial list) 🤟🏼
Audi Sportscar Experience • Bicycling Magazine • Cisco • Gap • Hawaiian Airlines Magazine • Jaguar Land Rover (North America) • LifeAid Beverage Company • Linkedin • Mercedes-Benz • New Era Hats Inc • Nikon USA • Oracle • Porsche • Sapphire Ventures • Signature Aviation • Socksmith • Whole Foods Market • Wired (UK)
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⭑ PORTRAITS ⭑ LIFESTYLE ⭑ CORPORATE ⭑ COMMERCIAL ⭑ SPORTS ⭑ AUTOMOTIVE ⭑ INDUSTRIAL ⭑ TECH ⭑ APPAREL ⭑ ECOMM ⭑
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⭑⭑⭑ FAQ: Do you have a studio? ⭑⭑⭑
I specialize in on-location photography, both indoors and outdoors. However, I can easily set up a basic studio at your office location for your convenience.
If a dedicated studio is preferred, studios can be rented at varying rates depending on the time and location for an additional expense.
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Overview
Hired 2 times
Serves San Carlos, CA
Background checked
2 employees
25 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and punctuality.
Exceptional 5.0
8 reviews
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Kyra H.
Sep 26, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
I worked with Jay several times in my capacity as Director of Marketing and Communications at a San Francisco-based nonprofit. We had headshots taken for our 50+ person leadership team and our Board of Directors on a separate occasion. Both were in different locations (corporate offices, not ours), and Jay was solution-oriented and able to roll with the punches. Jay is quick to respond, punctual, professional, and makes everyone feel at ease in front of the camera. He was happy to learn more about our org and our photography needs, and the headshots came out great!
Details: Professional / business • Office • 21 - 50 people • Digital or online download • My home, venue, etc.
Headshot Photography
Neelu J.
Sep 20, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
I needed new headshots and Jay's work was perfect! He's an expert in lighting and setting up the perfect shot. He set expectations to help me prepare and everything went very smoothly. I now have a set of fantastic and up to date headshots. I was thrilled with the outcome.
Details: Professional / business • Photo studio • 1 person • Digital or online download • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Headshot Photography
Luis V.
Jun 10, 2025
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From Google
Jay is an absolute pro and at the top of his craft. If you're looking for someone who can capture incredible images and is a joy to work with, he's your guy.
Jay Watson Photography's reply
Thanks Luis! I had a great time shooting the Modern Adventure cycling team. Thanks for bringing me on for your project.
Nicole K.
Dec 7, 2024
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From Google
From our first touch point to final delivery Jay is meticulous with details and asks all the right questions to ensure the day of the shoot goes seamlessly. He sets expectations so there are no surprises and the final pictures turned out amazing. He is very responsive and his turnaround time was even faster than expected, as he understood we had time sensitive needs for the pictures. I cant wait to work with Jay again!
Jay Watson Photography's reply
Thanks Nicole for the glowing review! It was a smooth experience from my end, and I’m glad to help you with anything extra beyond the shoot if needed - questions, estimates, additional revisions, etc… anytime!
Emily N.
Sep 26, 2025
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From Google
Jay shot new headshots for our firm and did a wonderful job making everyone look fantastic. He is incredibly organized, quick to respond, and easy to work with. Everyone on our team from our CEO and top executives to our new associates were happy with their photos and we plan book with him again in the future.
Jay Watson Photography's reply
Thanks Emily for the terrific review. I really enjoyed working with you on this project. And an extra thanks for booking me early so we could get everything ready! It was a fun team effort.
Credentials
Background Check
James Watson
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Every shoot is different, so standard day rates don't apply well to photo shoots. The locations, subjects, shot lists, expenses, art direction, deliverables, and usage are unique to each job. I’ll work with you on our budget and suggest ways to save money if needed.
Be honest with your assessment of the project. A “quick shoot” can still take a full day, including travel, setup, photographing subjects, equipment breakdown, culling, sending a proof gallery, retouching, and final image delivery.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
After receiving the client's brief, I follow up with important questions to help build a rough estimate. After we agree on the rate and scope of the project, I will follow up with a formal version along with a schedule for deliverables.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
• BA in photography from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
• 20 years of professional commercial experience.
• Worked with over 200 brands.
• Published in over 70 magazines/titles.
