Borja Plus

I'm usually behind the camera, so you don't see me too often (except in the reels I'm forced to appear in). But I thought it would be good for me to introduce myself and explain why I've been doing photography for the last few years. I started taking photos in 2018 at Chabot College taking photos of friends and spaces around the campus while pursuing my business degree. At the same time, I had gotten involved at Oakland First Fridays and became a volunteer photographer for their monthly events where I got to practice shooting anything and everything with a janky Nikon D80. Everything kicked off in 2019 when I started a business with some creatives across the Bay Area and worked with various small businesses, typically makers and restaurants where we'd create photos, videos, and graphics to help kick off their marketing efforts. It was a fun endeavor but didn't bring in too much since we just didn't land the right market that could afford our services. After about 3 years we dissolved that business and went our separate ways. On February 2nd, 2022 at 2 am I started up Borja Plus, unfortunately, the only thing I could come up with for a name was CREATIVELY using my last name. At the time I still had people calling me for photography and I knew I could keep going as an entrepreneur so I collected together the main team that still works with me today: Combrio (our editor) and Josue (our exec assistant). Pictured below are moments from where I started to where I am now, featuring collaborations with amazing organizations like Oakland First Fridays , Start Small Think Big and Conjured Events. Grateful for every step of this journey, all the people I’ve met, and the opportunities along the way. I didn't intend to go into business as a photographer, as it all started as a hobby to capture people and things around me, and through a whole lot of emails, calls, AND luck I've been able to make this work. If you're still reading this far down, I'm glad that YOU have been a part of this journey in some way or another so thanks! #EntrepreneurJourney #BayAreaBusiness #SmallBusinessSupport #CreativeEntrepreneurship #FreelanceLife #EventPhotography #BrandCollaborations #BayAreaCreatives #CommunityConnections #GrowthMindset #NetworkingSuccess #StorytellingThroughPhotos

New year, new opportunities—time to refresh those #headshots! Whether you’re gearing up for new career moves, updating your professional brand, or just showcasing your best self, a strong, updated headshot can make all the difference. ??? It’s never too late to make a great first impression. Ready to elevate your professional presence? Let’s schedule your session today! #HeadshotsMatter #ProfessionalPhotography #NewYearNewGoals #BayAreaPhotographer #CareerGrowth #LinkedInProfile #BrandBuilding #FreshStart #Networking

Congratulations to Zac! We’re excited to see the impact your leadership and dedication will bring to the community.

The San Leandro Boys and Girls Club is dedicated to empowering youth by teaching them essential life skills through hands-on programs. One standout initiative focuses on home economics, where kids learn the invaluable skill of preparing simple, nutritious meals with everyday ingredients they can find at home. Programs like these not only equip youth with practical knowledge but also build confidence and independence for their future. We’re always inspired to see the next generation gaining tools that will serve them for a lifetime. #YouthEmpowerment #BoysAndGirlsClub #SanLeandro #CommunityImpact #LifeSkills #HandsOnLearning #HomeEconomics #BayAreaNonprofits #YouthDevelopment

With the increasing difficulty of youth getting opportunities in the current job market, some organizations work to address the issue through upskilling the youth directly to prepare them for 'the real world'. One of these organizations providing workforce development, personal development, and creating a sense of community is, New Door Ventures. In this program the teenagers are given the hands-on training to take apart, diagnose, repair, and rebuild a generator. While most jobs are going to be substantially more complex than this, training on a simple task is the first step to becoming an expert. Many of these teens had never used a wrench in their life with this being their first exposure in utilizing tools and getting their hands dirty. While covering this workshop, we had conducted interviews with a staff journalist on their team. Every teen had reported that they had felt that they were gaining skills that they were actually useful in their day-to-day lives. #YouthEmpowerment #WorkforceDevelopment #Upskilling #JobTraining #HandsOnLearning #SkillsForLife #TeenEducation #CommunityBuilding #CareerPreparation #CareerReadiness #EmpoweringYouth

We had the pleasure of photographing Sulpicia "Sulpi" Caburi, a long-time staff member at Atria Senior Living Walnut Creek, where she has dedicated over 30 years to serving the residents. Recently, she was awarded the 2024 Excellence in Service Award from the California Assisted Living Association (CALA), an honor well-deserved for her commitment to the community. It was a joy capturing her as she interacted with the residents, showing her genuine care and compassion. Sulpi has always gone above and beyond, bringing smiles to the residents’ faces, whether it’s through her daily service or spontaneous singing in the dining room. Watching her connect with the residents highlighted how much they adore her, and it's clear why she's made such a lasting impact at Atria Walnut Creek. #ExcellenceInService #AssistedLiving #SeniorCare #CommunityImpact #CALA2024 #EmployeeRecognition #Caregiving #PhotographyWithPurpose #AtriaWalnutCreek #BayAreaBusiness

An honor to be a part of this and cover such an amazing event. We can’t wait for the next one!

To celebrate International Coffee Day, we decided to highlight a local San Leandro-based coffeehouse that we often visit, Zocalo Coffee Zocalo, directly translated from Spanish to English, is a "public square" or "plaza" and has been a central meeting space for community leaders and locals alike to connect in a lively space with delicious coffee. The employee-turned-owner, Sara Ubelhart bought ownership of the cafe in 2014 from the former owners who started it nearly 25 years ago. Since her purchase, she has evolved Zocalo's from a neighborhood cafe to a brand known across the Bay Area. With a second location opened in Oakland and their beans being roasted and sold in-house, they've expanded beyond their humble beginnings. Take a cup of your favorite #coffee drink today, we'll be sure to pick up a zesty, "Borgia" mocha from Zocalo's. #InternationalCoffeeDay #SupportLocal #SanLeandroBusiness #BayAreaBusinesses #LocalCoffee #SmallBusinessSpotlight #CommunityCafe #LocalRoasters #Entrepreneurship