To be perfectly honest with you, I am not even sure how I managed to stumble across Jasmine Star’s, but boy I am ever glad that I did! I was so impressed by her work, that I decided to make one of her images the inaugural Image of the Week!
I have never seen her work in person, but if I was able to get that chance I am sure that I would see her making a personal connection with each and everyone of her subjects. It shows in her work!
BOPB: Could you tell us a little bit about how you got your start in photography and when it became more serious?
Jasmine: I was actually a student at UCLA Law School when my boyfriend of eight years proposed to me. It was in the process of planning my own wedding—and procuring my photographer—when I was exposed to the limitless opportunities the industry provides. My wedding photographer ( www.davidjay.com ) inspired, challenged, and believed in my ability to succeed, and here I am two years later with my own business!
BOPB: What was your first camera, and what are you currently shooting with?
Jasmine: My first camera was a Canon 20D, and I currently shoot with a Canon 5D
BOPB: What’s the one piece of equipment currently in your bag that you just can’t live without?
Jasmine: I simply cannot live without my 50mm, 1.2 lens. I LOVE IT!
BOPB: If you were able to give one piece of advice to a photographer who is considering starting their own photoblog what would it be?
Jasmine: When starting a new blog, it’s uber important to be real, be yourself. There’s nothing more disconcerting—both to prospective clients and other photographers—to read about someone who thinks too highly of herself. Kindness and humility are often undervalued in the blogosphere, but staying true to yourself and current state of business is refreshing and honest. And the best way to create relationships with readers…afterall, we all want to see people succeed and achieve their dreams!
BOPB: One of the things that stuck me the most from your photoblog (besides the imagery itself) was your about page 
Would you mind telling us a little more about your “passion” for photography and where you think it comes from?
Jasmine: I think my passion comes from people. I simply adore people. And I adore them a thousand times more when they’re in love and happy! I like hearing their stories and about the patches that makeup the quilt of their lives together.
BOPB: What would you tell someone who is considering trying to commercialize their photoblog and/or their photography?
I don’t know what I would tell someone who is trying to commercialize their blog. I started my blog simply to document my life—and struggles—starting a new business. It just sort of mushroomed from there, so I’d be the wrong person to ask for advice in regard to this subject!
BOPB: I was blown away by the shear size of the images on your site. Could I ask what prompted you to use such large images in the first place? Also, there so much fear about copyright infringement, how do you deal with it since your images are so large?
Jasmine: I don’t worry about copyright infringement too much. I protect myself with border around each image bearing my logo, but that’s all I can do. If someone really wants an image, they’ll get it. There’s an element of give-and-take in the industry and I’ve decided to err on side of trusting people in hopes that proper credit is aptly attributed.
BOPB: Could you tell us about a few of your favourite photoblogs and why they are on your list?
Jasmine: I have far TOO MANY favorite blogs to list! I’m a blogaholic and I need a 12-Step Program to recover! 
BOPB: Your portrait work is just amazing, do you use natural light or artifical lighting, or both?
Jasmine: I prefer to shoot in 100% natural light.
BOPB: Would you mind letting us peer into your digital workflow just a bit by giving us a few key areas that you like to concentrate on?
Jasmine: The best advice I can give about digital workflow is to outsource as much as you can in order to free you to focus on growing your business and solidifying your brand.
BOPB: I love the diptych’s on your site, you have a real flare for creating them, what’s your inspiration behind creating them?
Jasmine: Before I was a photographer, I was bride. As I flipped through magazines, I’d see beautiful wedding layouts of details and I was drawn to their simplicity and beauty. When I create collages on my blog, I want clients—both actual and prospective—to feel like their wedding are being displayed in like manner. I love being inspired by magazines, so that definitely influences each design.
BOPB: Finally, where do you see your photoblog/photography career in say 3-5 years from now?
Jasmine: I hope in 3-5 years my blog is the same, yet simultaneously better. I hope to still blog everyday—perhaps even more—and not only cater to a wedding audience, but a broader range of readers. I still want to keep it literary driven, not photo driven. I hope to create stories with pictures, and pictures with stories.
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1 response so far ↓
Awesome read. It’s great getting more insight into one of your favorite photographers, and see how their gears turn.