The Jasmine Star Workshop

The Workshop. Oh, where do I even begin? Let's see. Hhm, If I could use a word to describe it, I'd definitely have to go with epicredibling. Yup, that's a word. I even spelled it correctly on the first try. Booyah! It's short for epic, incredible, and inspiring. But let's be honest, putting together those three words are not enough to fully describe what went down that day. Not enough. So here's a blog post for you ;)

The workshop was more than I could have ever asked for. I'm certain that I was at the happiest place on earth sans Mickey, Minnie, Rides, and the Fireworks. Doing what you love and spending the day with awesome people who love the same thing is better than Disneyland.

We started off the morning with warm welcomes from Jasmine, JD, and her mother Millie. I kid you not, the 3 of them are the kindest people you will ever meet. You can even ask Chris. He'll tell you the same and he wasn't even at the workshop. Once settled, Jasmine proceeded to share the story of how it all began. Everyone in the room had tears in their eyes. Not only did Jasmine share her heart, but she also shared her knowledge. She covered everything from client care, to post-processing, to lighting and use of natural reflectors, and branding. Anything I ever want to know, she covered.

After lunch, she took us out for a shoot. Ashley Rose and her husband were kind enough to model their beautiful faces for us in the heat. We went out at about 1PM and the lighting was harsh. But Jasmine took us out for a reason. To show us how we can use our surroundings as natural reflectors to get the photos we want, even with harsh lighting. During the shoot, we also had the chance to see how Jasmine interacts/poses her clients. It was so fun and refreshing to see how Jasmine works her camera and her clients. I stood back and I watched her do her thang. I learned so much just by watching and listening to her. After the shoot, we headed back and Jasmine shared her post-processing process. She ended the workshop with a Q&A session, and afterwards we all went to dinner.

I attended the workshop to learn and to better myself as a photographer. SO much I learned, but what resonates with me most is the importance of branding. When I got home, I made it a priority to change things up around here. Everyday, I've been searching and gathering inspiration. Change is in the air people. Look out for it. It might blow you away. Get it? Hahaha.

To sum it up, the experience was epicredibling. I am a firm believer that the Lord puts people in our lives for a reason. He doesn't give us the people we want, but rather the people we need to help us, to love us, to shape us in to the person we are to become. Jasmine is one of those people. And so are the 19 other photographers that I met and created a bond with that weekend. I walked away a better photographer, and a better person.

But what is a blog post without photos? During the shoot, Jasmine encouraged and challenged us to take our signature brand images. I shot a lot with the 85mm 1.2 I have never shot with this lens until the workshop. And I'm so glad that I did. I love the tight shots, I love the bokeh, I love it all. The 50mm 1.2 was also there by my side, and it never disappoints. My oh my, I love both of those glasses. Here are my gladys jem images.

Orange County has no doubt the best lighting in California. NO DOUBT! I'm moving down there.

Ashley is just gorgeous. And Jeff...He used to be an Abercrombie model.

Check out that bouquet! Isn't it beautiful? Lauryl Lane is the amazingness behind the florals.

Seriously, Ashley Rose. You are stunning! Vivian Tran of All Made Up is the goddess of Hair and Make-Up. I want her for my wedding.

I just had to post this last one. Makes me smile every time.

Jasmine and JD: Thank you for your kind hearts. You two are an everlasting inspiration to me. Every single second of that day meant more to me than you will ever know. Because of your inspiration, I've found my Joie De Vivre. Because of your workshop, I met 19 wonderful photographers/friends from all over the country and world. Forever, i'm inspired. I am so happy to know you both, and even happier that the workshop isn't the last time we will be together. Chris and I couldn't have chosen better people/photographers for the most important day of our lives. Thank you a million times. Xox!