Rising Stars: Meet Jill Augusto of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Augusto.

Hi Jill, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always lived at the intersection of music, storytelling, and visual content – that’s really been the through-line of my whole career.

I started at Maverick Records / Warner Bros. Records, where I spent over 15 years working in marketing, publicity, and special events. I was deeply involved in artist campaigns, GRAMMY strategy, and producing events for everyone from Josh Groban to Green Day to the Prince memorial. That world taught me how to move fast, stay creative under pressure, and understand what a brand actually needs to feel like – not just look like.

From there, I transitioned to Apple, first through Apple Music and Beats1, where I was producing original content and managing photographers and post-production for live performances and radio programming. That evolved into a role with Apple TV’s Global Creative Services team, where I ended up leading content production for some really incredible titles like CODA, Ted Lasso, Severance – supporting Emmy, Golden Globe, and Oscar campaigns. It was a masterclass in high-stakes, high-visibility production.

Most recently, I’ve been freelancing, doing creative production and a lot of photography work, including on-the-ground content capture for theatrical releases, and some really fun BTS shoots for artists, which have pleasantly evolved into some really cool album packaging. Last summer, I got to do something really cool – I came on board with Eli Roth’s new production company, The Horror Section, right at the ground level. I was part of the core team behind their debut film, Jimmy and Stiggs, written, directed by, and starring Joe Begos – and we literally packed up the alien props from the film and hit the road, bringing the experience directly to horror fans across the country. It was this incredible, grassroots national tour, and I was right there in the thick of it, camera in hand, documenting every wild moment of the journey. It was one of those projects where you just knew you were part of something special from day one.

Photography has honestly been woven through all of it. It was never separate from the producing work; it’s always been part of how I see and tell a story. Even growing up in Massachusetts, I always had a camera with me!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly? Not always – and I think that’s what makes the journey interesting.

One of the bigger pivots was leaving the music industry after 15+ years in-house at Warner. That world was my home, my safe space. I knew the artists, the culture, the rhythm of it. Stepping away from that identity and rebuilding in a completely different space, tech and streaming, was super uncomfortable at first. You’re essentially starting over in terms of proving yourself, even when you have a strong track record.

The contractor path has also had its moments. A portion of my tenure at Apple was contract work, which means you’re delivering at a full-time level without always having the security or recognition that comes with a staff role. You learn to advocate for yourself in ways you don’t always expect to have to.

And honestly, the industry itself has shifted so much. The way content is made, distributed, and consumed – it’s completely different from when I started. Staying relevant means constantly learning, whether that’s new tools, new platforms, or new workflows. That’s exciting, but it’s also relentless.

The through-line for me has always been the work itself. When you care deeply about the quality of what you’re making, whether it’s a GRAMMY campaign or an Oscar FYC shoot, that keeps you grounded even when the road gets bumpy, and let me tell you it’s been bumpy.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Photography has always been the heartbeat of everything I do. It started as a thread woven through my producing work. I was always the one on set with a camera, capturing the moments nobody else was thinking about – and over time it became its own full practice.

My work spans a pretty wide range: red carpet and event photography, editorial and portrait work, BTS, live performance, film photography, headshots, travel, and even recently some e-commerce product photography. That breadth isn’t accidental; it comes from years of being embedded in high-pressure, high-profile environments where you have to be versatile, and most importantly, you have to deliver.

What I’m most proud of are the opportunities and the access I’ve had and what I’ve done with it. Shooting behind the scenes in the early days at Maverick & Warner Bros., Apple TV premieres, capturing live moments at major music events, being the photographer in the room when something historic is happening, those aren’t opportunities you take lightly. I’ve always approached every shot with intention.

What sets me apart is that I’m not just a photographer who shows up – I’m a producer who shoots. I understand the full content pipeline, the brand story, the creative direction, the deadline, and the approval chain. So when I’m on the ground with a camera, I’m thinking about the final deliverable the whole time. That combination is something clients really feel.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you’re a brand, studio, label, or production company that needs someone who can produce and shoot – basically a two-for-one deal that your budget will thank you for…let’s talk. Events, campaigns, press tours, red carpets, headshots, editorial… I’ve done it all, and I genuinely love the chaos of it.

If you’re a creative looking to collaborate, my DMs are open, and I promise I’m way more fun to work with than my resume makes me sound. Some of my favorite projects have started with a ‘hey, this is a little crazy but…’ so bring me the crazy.

If you just want to support the work without actually having to talk to me (valid), follow me on Instagram @jill_augusto_photography. Like the photos, share them, send them to your friend who needs a photographer but keeps putting it off.

And if you’re ready to actually make something happen, head to www. jillaugustophotography.com or just email me directly at [email protected]. I can bring snacks to set, and I will absolutely make you look good.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jillaugustophotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jill_augusto_photography/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-augusto-7193821f/

Image Credits
Personal Photo: ©Nick Spanos; all others ©Jill Augusto