Local & Community
Coachella Valley photographer uses passion project to spotlight local athletes
A Coachella Valley photographer is using his passion behind the camera to help local athletes get noticed.
Johnny Eli Trujillo, who also goes by Jet, has become a familiar face on the sidelines at local games, capturing standout moments through photography and videography. While it has grown into a business, he says much of his work is still driven by passion.
Trujillo, who grew up in Indio and attended Lincoln High School, said his journey started simply by taking photos and posting them on Instagram. As interest grew, so did the demand for his work.
At first, he says he was still finding his style and had not yet focused on sports. That changed when he reached out to a local athlete he admired, asking for a chance to shoot a game. From there, his work in sports photography began to take off.
Despite building a name for himself, Trujillo says many times he is not paid to be at games. Instead, he shows up with a purpose — to create content that athletes can use to gain exposure.
He hopes that by capturing high-quality photos and videos, players can share their highlights with scouts and recruiters, potentially opening doors to future opportunities.
For Trujillo, it is more than just a job. It is a way to support his community, one shot at a time.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 11, 2026
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