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Jasmine Star the WORKSHOP :: Review

SMART. WITTY. INSPIRING.

Yep, Jasmine Star is really all that and a bag of chips! I first heard of Jasmine before ever planning to become a photographer. After spending hours perusing her blog one day, I was hooked and kept coming back for more. If Jasmine and I were two kids in grade school, I would totally be the one to pass her a “will you be my friend?” note and shyly run away hoping against hopes that she checks the box “HECK YES.” Like, seriously, the girl is that cool.

When J* announced her April 2014 workshop in Orange County, I knew it would quickly sell out so I immediately texted hubby to convince him to let me attend. After a bit of negotiating and bribing, bam, I was in!

What I admire most about Jasmine (aside from the photography part) are her business and communication skills. She went from a no-name photographer to a shining star in a short period of time, and she willingly shared her entire experience with us. She spoke of pitfalls and successes and inspired us along the way. Jasmine also has a way with words. Now, I am kind of a blunt person (which some people don’t appreciate hehe) so having Jasmine show me things like: “how to say no without saying no” is a huge eye-opener! Seriously…test me…I’m gonna reject your idea and you won’t even know it. Ha! 😛

I loved the full day of lecture/exercise/shoot, but I must admit the mixer and dinner were among my fav. I got to know Jasmine and her husband, JD, on a more personal level and they are such kind and genuine people. We got to talk about their dreams, fears, vulnerabilities, future plans…all of which make them even more real and endearing. If possible, I think I love Jasmine-JD-the-couple even more than Jasmine-JD-the-photographers. 😉

Some random cool facts:
– Jasmine and I use the same presets to edit our photos.
– We both shoot without a camera strap. (I could seriously hurt myself with that thing while shooting.)
– During the afternoon shoot, Jasmine was shouting out her camera settings and I was on point the majority of the time. Oh wuttt!
– She’s awesome; I’m awesome; we’re both awesome. End of story. 😛

Jasmine, thank you SO much for letting me pick your brain and learn from you. JD…you’re a true gentleman, that’s all I gotta say. Oh and I heard there’s a part deux of the workshop coming up…where do I sign up!?

p.s. here are some behind the scene photos with Jasmine and our lovely couple, Katrina + Peter. More photos of them will be up next week!

jasmine_star_posing {Jasmine posing our bride and groom}

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{talk to the hand!}

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{pay attention or I’ll karate chop you!}

engagement

Quynh + Huy :: Malibu Vineyard Engagement Photography

Sweet couple, check. Vineyard, check. Lavender…omg…did you say lavender? CHECK CHECK CHECK.

I documented Quynh & Huy’s engagement on a very hot and sunny day while a gazillion bees swarmed around us, yet we escaped mostly unharmed. Malibu wine country makes for the perfect backdrop for this nature-loving couple. While planning for the shoot, they left it up to me to choose the location as long as it’s surrounded by trees and nature. I think I did an okay job right? 😉

Quynh & Huy are currently geographically separated by a few state lines  and I can’t wait until they’re husband and wife so they can be reunited for good! Quynh and Huy, much love to you now and always–I already know the future holds many exciting things for you two. <3

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boudoir

Bridal Boudoir :: Los Angeles Boudoir Photography

When it comes to boudoir photography, I tend to embrace the more feminine, romantic, and delicate sensuality over outright sexy. I’m pretty much a prude, but there’s something about capturing the beauty/vulnerability/shyness/confidence/all of the above plus more that is so empowering to both the photographer and photographee. Don’t believe me? Try it out for yourself and see. 😉 Have a boudoir session done for your husband-to-be and see his jaw drops to the floor…or have one done just to celebrate your beautiful self. Disclaimer: I’m not responsible for how fabulous you will look and feel! 🙂

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