Photography Friday: Jasmine Star

If there’s a photographer whose work is the perfect recipe of modern, clean, classic and captivating it’s Jasmine Star. Known for her sophisticated and photo journalistic style of capturing weddings Jasmine defines timeless photography. Her work is of the sort that makes you pause effortlessly, lose yourself in the story being told and leave feeling as if you’ve experienced something true and significant, forthright and unadulterated.

Her blog is easily one of the most visited photography blogs in the country, with over 17 million page views since it’s public debut. Jasmine utilizes her online journal as the perfect way to share work and everyday life in a way that leaves you feeling as if she’s a good friend, sitting across the table sipping on her own choice of coffee. Real and honest, yet not self-indulgent, she has a mesmerizing way painting a picture with her words.

Jasmine was recently voted as one of Popular Photography’s Top 10 Wedding Photographers of 2009. An award that is prestigious enough to leave any one of us suffering from a swelled head and yet Jasmine is not one to let it alter her outlook on life. Her gratefulness to be where she is today is evident in every single one of her words written and photos shared. Although she is considered famous among wedding photographers across the country she is still the same girl that she always has been … using her roots to keep her grounded all the while reaching up and out to the world.

These reasons are only a few as to why she was my very first photographer in mind when brainstorming for Photography Friday. I knew that if I was going to do this I wanted to do it well and what better way to kick it off then by interviewing someone such as her?! So, without further adieu meet Jasmine:

Something that has always amazed me about your business is its extreme love affair with Insane Success. Your photography obviously contributes the most to it, but what (or maybe who) else would you contribute your success to?

I attribute everything I am–and who I aspire to be–to God.  I know that likely sounds cliche, but there’s no way I’d be where I am today without divine assistance and sovereignty.  I thought I planned my life path, but God stepped in and changed my direction…and because of this, I’m forever indebted.

Where does your inspiration come from?

The sky.  The ocean.  W and Vogue Magazine.  Renaissance art.  The elderly couple walking in the park.  The sun.  Blender Magazine.  Architecture.  The fabric store.  Window displays.  An art gallery.  Light.  Inspiration is everywhere and I believe it’s my job to create a quilt of what I see, I touch, and I feel for which to drape my clients.  A patchwork, if you will, of my mind’s eye to document their love for eternity.

When you go out for a photo shoot (i.e. engagement shoot) what is your thought process (i.e. How do you guide them? Do you set-up shots or more or less act like the paparazzi)?

I think it’s a hybrid of sorts…I mean, I initially guide my clients because of their inexperience, but once things get going and they’re having fun, I take a step back and silently shoot.  I love to engage and laugh with clients because it makes them comfortable, and if they’re comfortable, they’re fabulous! 

What would you say is the best business decision you’ve ever made? What about your worst?

Best:  Consistently blogging.    Worst:  Not taking bigger risks in the beginning.

Hi, my name is Joe. I’m thinking of starting a photography business. What are three things you’d say to me if we were sitting over coffee?

1.  Get Uncomfortable!  When you’re uncomfortable, you learn and grow.
2.  Take big risks. Make sure the risks are calculated, but don’t hesitate to trust your gut and follow your heart.
3.  Get out and SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT.  Practice and get to know your camera as this will accelerate growth.

Hi, my name is Jill. I’m a new mom and have fallen in love with photography since having my daughter. I’m looking to get my first DSLR. What camera and lens would you suggest me starting out with?

I started with a Canon 20D and I loved it!  However, I’m also hearing great things about the Canon 40D, so I’d check out both those options.  As far as the perfect starter lens, I’d suggest the 50mm, 1.4.

And, for fun … who are a few favorite artists living on your iTunes nowadays?

Ooooh, picking a favorite is much too hard!  I have commitment issues, so I keep my iTunes on shuffle and love all my artists equally the same! 

Jasmine, I thank you for your kindness. I know you have a hundred things on your to-do list for this week so you taking time out for me … for us … well, we’re over the moon for you. Mwah!

++++

Good, gravy! I pulled out my phone tonight to type in a reminder and I saw May 1st pop up. It’s already May!? Had I not I would have forgotten about my Photography Friday debut. I need to go back to Mexico…with an oxygen mask. Happy weekend!