How long have you been shooting professionally?
4 years
Do you have any formal training or education in photography?
No.
What camera do you use? Which lens is your most-used?
I shoot with the Canon 5DMII and my favorite lens is the 50mm, 1.2. I shoot with this dynamic duo more often than not, and it’s truly helped define my style.
How much digital manipulation do you do to your images and what programs do you use?
I view post processing like salt on a really great meal. It’s merely the spice and flavor to a meal, but not the meal itself. I use minimal processing and prefer to shoot images in-camera as close as possible to the desired end product. I’m often asked about post processing, so if you’d like to read more about my preferences and techniques, you can read more about it on my blog here: Blog: Kubota Photoshop Actions – tips & tricks
Do you have any rituals or mantras that you use to prepare mentally before a session?
Not really… but I will say I do love bumping some loud music and dancing in the car before I shoot. Totally helps with the nerves! ;)
Can you describe your process for getting your subject into that perfect pose?
Well, that’s hard. Because I don’t have a process. I’m sure I’d look way cooler if I did though! ;) I basically just listen to my clients, let them relax, encourage them, test their boundaries, then ask them to stand in good light. I know. It sounds like I should be doing more, but–really–that’s all I got! ;)
What inspires you personally and as a photographer?
I know it sounds cliché, but I promise it’s the truth. My basis of inspiration is God. I photograph people because we are all reflections of something great and beautiful; something far beyond our understanding. I’m inspired by people because they are merely small divisions of God.
What mode do you shoot in?
Manual – 100%
Do you prefer color or black and white images? How do you decide which one for each image?
The majority of images I process are color, but I adore black and white. Most of the time I’ll convert an image to b/w to evoke a different emotion or create a different vibe. Colorless photos are classic, timeless, and appeal to a different side of my aesthetic.
How would you describe your photographic style?
Lifestyle Photography for Fabulous People.
Do you ever get photographer’s block? How do you overcome that?
Yes. Every artist hits a creative block. When this happens, I take a step back. I go for a run…I take deep breaths…I look through pages of fashion magazines…I find ways to pour back into my creative bank. We have a tendency to withdraw often, but it’s quite important to make healthy deposits to ensure our minds can produce the type of work we aspire to.
What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
If it’s fun and fabulous, I want to photograph it, plain and simple.
Who have been your influences?
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.
Do you listen to music while you edit your images? If so, what’s your favorite music for editing?
I listen ALL DAY to Pandora. There are at least 15 stations I switch through every day and I don’t know what I’d do without it! This site helps me get through the day while listening to great tunes. Sitting at a desk all day can make one lose her mind, so this music site is just what the doctor ordered!
How do you handle a shy child, pushy parent, or difficult bride?
I try to make people laugh and I’m 100% myself on a wedding day. I talk to my clients and somehow in the process, they relax and just enjoy spending time in each other’s arms.
How many images do you typically have at the end of a session, portrait or wedding?
After a wedding, a client will typically see 800 – 1,000 images.
What challenges or struggles did you face early on? How about currently?In the beginning, I felt like I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I just picked up a digital camera and didn’t realize everything else that was involved with the process. In addition to learning my camera, I had to learn Bridge (at the time), Photoshop, how to design my album, Quickbooks, how to draft a contract, get a business license, how to learn flash…basically everything. I was so overwhelmed. I learned early on that outsourcing would help my growth process and I still subscribe to the belief heavily. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start finding ways to relinquish control to things that are holding you back from growing.
Have you ever considered ending your career as a photographer? What were the circumstances?
Yes. And yes. In fact, it’s too long to write the entire story here, but I blogged about not too long ago…and you can find it here: Blog: The Day I Quit Photography
What is the best advice you have received regarding photography?
I’ll steal a quote from my good friend Mike Colon : “Jump and the net will appear”. When I first started my business, Mike told me to jump. I was scared, doubtful, and nervous, but once I made the decision to follow my heart and take a risk, the net appeared.
What advice would you give another photographer?
Don’t ever aspire to be someone you’re not. You’re entirely and uniquely amazing, so always aim to be the best version of yourself at all times.
I’m Jasmine Star and I’m an international wedding photographer based in Orange County, California. Though I’ve garnished awards for my work and was voted Top 10 Wedding Photographer by American Photo Magazine, my crowning accomplishment was making meatloaf for the first time last year. I, however, still need to work on making the meatloaf edible.
Beginning just four years ago, I developed a voice and online brand by leveraging social media and developing techniques to empower clients to become the voice of my brand. I live with my husband and fabulous dog, and at times struggle to determine who is my favorite. I love to eat chocolate, run on the beach, and spend too much time writing on my blog. I hope to take the wedding industry by storm. Or learn how to make meatloaf. Whichever comes first.
Website:
www.jasmine-star.com
Blog:
www.jasminestarblog.com
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/jasminestar
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