I’m Lea Jaye, a photographer and documentarian based in Santa Cruz. Through my work, I explore curiosity, adventure, connection, and the fleeting beauty of life.
I was seven years old when my mom, a professional photographer for over 20 years, first hung her heavy camera around my neck and asked me to look through the lens and tell her what I saw. From her, I learned to see the world differently.
As I grew older, I discovered film photography and fell in love with the way it asked me to slow down. It deepened my passion and taught me to notice the beauty of a moment while I was still inside it.
That belief is what led me to prints. Every piece is produced using archival inks, museum-quality papers, and the same trusted fine art printer my mom has worked with for decades in the small beach town where I grew up, a place that continues to inspire my work.
December, 2008
July, 2015
September, 2017
March, 2024
June, 2024
September, 2025
January, 2026
Collaborations
Alongside fine art prints, my work has been used to help tell the stories of organizations committed to healing, community, and the natural world.
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Environmental Website Photography
Created coastal imagery that grounds the Rights of Nature Santa Cruz mission in a strong sense of place, bringing the landscapes it works to protect directly into its digital storytelling.
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Brand Photography & Creative Storytelling
Created photography, visual direction, and brand storytelling used across The Lotus Collaborative's website, marketing materials, and community outreach, helping communicate the organization's mission through a cohesive and human-centered visual identity.