Life & Work with Jessica Clough of Santa Monica

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Clough

Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in a small mountain town where there wasn’t much to do, so my friends and I made our own fun. We’d stage photoshoots just because—this was the beginning of MySpace and social media, after all. I naturally fell into the role of creative director, while my boyfriend at the time shot everything on film. I taught myself how to use Photoshop just by playing around with it, not knowing that those early experiments would set the foundation for my career.

By my third year at Cal Poly SLO, I decided to put my skills to the test and applied for my first editing job. That’s when I met Allyson Magda, a seasoned wedding photographer who hired me on the spot. She told me to come back later that day to start work, and under her mentorship, I had the opportunity to refine my craft. Together, we worked on some incredible weddings and events—including Mark Zuckerberg’s surprise wedding.

In 2012, I made the leap to Los Angeles. Those first few years were all about hustle. I shot projects for free, volunteered to second-shoot, and networked like crazy. By 2015, I had started my own production company, and by 2019, I was working full-time creating content for brands.

My first traveling shoot took me to Bali, and from there, my passport started filling up. I’ve been fortunate enough to shoot in Morocco, Paris, Spain, England, Peru, and soon, Egypt, to name a few places. Traveling and creating in such stunning locations never gets old.

These days, as content has shifted, so has my focus. I’ve found myself drawn to wellness and spiritual projects, and I’m doing more video than ever. That said, photography will always be my first love.

Looking back, it’s incredible to think about how far I’ve come from those small-town photoshoots with friends. I absolutely love what I do, and every step of the journey has been worth it.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of all the obstacles I’ve faced, the biggest has been believing in myself and the value of art. Early on, I struggled with self-doubt—wondering if I could really make a career out of something as intangible as creativity. Growing up in a small town, art wasn’t always seen as something “practical,” and I internalized that mindset for a long time. It took years of trial, error, and moments of quiet success to realize that art is not only valuable but essential. It connects people, tells stories, and inspires change. Once I shifted my perspective and started trusting in my own vision, doors began to open. Believing I could do it was the first step; believing it mattered was the second—and together, those two realizations changed everything.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Over time, my work naturally gravitated toward the world of wellness and spirituality, and I’ve chosen to specialize in filming spiritual podcasts—a niche that feels deeply aligned with my values. It’s been such a rewarding journey to collaborate with incredible thought leaders and visionaries in this space. I’ve had the honor of working with Chervin Jafarieh on Wake The Fake Up, Dr. Zach Bush, Richard Rudd, the creator of the Gene Keys, Adam Roa, Robert Edward Grant, and Sahara Rose, among others. Each project has been an opportunity to merge my technical skills with a passion for meaningful storytelling. Filming spiritual podcasts allows me to create content that not only looks beautiful but also carries a message that resonates on a deeper level. It’s work that feels purposeful, and I’m incredibly grateful to play a role in amplifying these voices.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The COVID-19 crisis was a time of profound transformation for me, both personally and professionally. In 2020, I lost my father to cancer—a devastating experience that shifted my perspective on life and work. At the same time, my business was expanding rapidly as brands scrambled to adapt to an online-first world. Suddenly, the demand for high-quality, digital content surged, and I had to find new ways to meet it.

With studios closed and teams unavailable, I pivoted entirely. Brands began mailing me products, and I turned my home into a makeshift studio. I took on every role: art director, prop stylist, videographer, and editor. It was exhausting, but it was also deeply rewarding. I poured my heart into every project, driven by the desire to help brands stay afloat during such a challenging time.

What I didn’t expect was how this period would solidify my relationships with clients. The work I created came from a place of authenticity and care, and I believe that resonance was palpable. People could feel the heart behind it, and that connection helped my business not only survive but thrive. Looking back, I realize that those long, solitary days taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of leading with intention. It was a reminder that even in the hardest moments, there’s an opportunity to create something meaningful.

Pricing:

• $5000 mo retainer
• $2500 photoshoot day rate

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.Saphirismedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saphirismedia
• Other: Jessica@saphirismedia.com

Image Credits
Josie Elle
@josie_elle