I am not in the habit of reviewing or critiquing anything. The reason for this is because … Who the heck am I? Sure in my own little world I rock! I am not so vain to think my opinion on anything really matters in the greater sense. That being said … I’m going to tell you what I thought about the Jasmine Star workshop from creativeLive.
Do you know about creativeLive? If you don’t and you’re even remotely interested in photography I say get thee backside over to their website www.creativeLive.com and check it out. Do you know who Jasmine Star is? Seriously? Well, I didn’t know who she was either until a few months ago. I watched the previews for the original creativeLive she was on. She seemed alright. A little too fabulous for me but that’s cool. Not everyone is for everyone. Plus, she’s a wedding photographer. That is not my niche. I tend to spend time researching people who do what I like to do … photographing children. I saw Jasmine Star at WPPI as well. I’m kind of a shy person and was feeling out of my element, so when the famous Katie Fulton & Jennifer Wilcox stopped her to say hello, I stood off to the side and waited. She’s amazingly beautiful up close and in person.
Ok, enough with the back story. I wasn’t going to watch this Jasmine Star class on creativeLive either. Once again, she’s a wedding photographer and that’s not my thing. Of course then a friend of mine submitted a video and got picked to be in the class! Yay Erin Oveis Brant!!!!! She’s an awesome photographer and just a genuinely awesome person. Sooo … I decided to watch.
Let me start by saying this: Never EVER dismiss an opportunity to LEARN. Even people who are not doing the same thing you are will have something to teach you.
The class sort of follows the timeline of her career. I’ve heard bits and pieces about her life before but never the whole thing and never from her. The old adage is true … Where there’s a will there’s a way. She wanted to be a wedding photographer and she made it happen. She did it with hard work, smart thinking, thriftiness when needed and a lot of her own unique spirit. Can’t beat that right? She goes through various scenarios and explains a lot of things by telling her own story and experiences. Something that sticks out? Branding. Everyone says building a brand is about being yourself. She takes it to a new level by showing you a bit about who she is and how she chose to implement these things. She drives it home that it is not about doing what she does but being your genuine self and putting it out there in a creative way. Listen up kiddos! Remember when your Mom told you to be yourself? Yeah. She was right. You can tell her Jasmine Star said so. She talks about websites and to think of them as an extension of yourself. Templates are a no-no. How can you be your own unique self with a template everyone else has?
She delves into a little bit about her insecurities and shares somethings that are obviously difficult for her. THIS was HUGE for me. Up until this class, I didn’t think Jasmine Star was someone I could identify with. Being someone who grew up in the semi-ghettos of New York it just seemed unimaginable that the super fabulous Californian Jasmine Star and I could have anything in common. Once again, I was wrong. For one, she’s Puerto Rican. Having a similar cultural background is not something I’ve encountered. I have yet to meet a female Puerto Rican photographer. In fact, I have yet to meet a Latina photographer period. Perhaps it’s in part living in the Pacific Northwest but probably has more to do with being afraid to put myself out there. Her business started off humbly. Everyone starts off small but that’s usually all you hear. No details. She talks about what she had, how she rented equipment and what she did to build her business. Also she delved into personal insecurities about her body. Something I struggle with daily.
I was so taken aback by her class that I felt compelled to thank her. I sent her a message and she very graciously replied (already).
It was an amazing class chock full of information and it’s worth every penny. I walked away armed with new ideas and not only a bigger fan of creativeLive but HUGE fan of Jasmine Star as well.
Kellianna
from one latina to another: you’re awesome. really.
I completely agree with everything you said! I’m a Latina photographer starting out and I was really moved by all of Jasmine’s stories and struggles. I would have never thought I would be so motivated and inspired by a workshop online. Now I’m a huge fan of both Jasmine Star and Creative Live.
Nice! I watched the “workshop” too and Loved it. Still I want to say I loved your post. As a black woman I identify with feeling like the only one. Also I love you blog post. It is insightful and I dig that. Also (sorry I writing my own post) I feel you on never missing an opprotunity to learn. After missing a CreativeLive workshop once because I didn’t think it would help I am now signed up for everyone I can.
Good for you! You’re definitely not alone. It’s easy to feel that way. How big is this world? We just have to put ourselves out there! Find me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WirthImages and let’s be friends. Nobody needs to be alone in this! 😉
It’s a lucky thing no one can see me. Really excessive unattractive cheese smile happening right now!
Thanks Jasmine*!!
I too agree with everything you said. My good friend Ian McCausland introduced me to J* about a year ago. He’s J* biggest fan in the world, he thinks she one of the most talented photographer in the universe, not to mention the best looking one too. I thank Ian every time I see him, J* have given me my vision and inspiration to become somewhat of a successful wedding photographer in my small city called Winnipeg.
So, in closing, I owe a big gratitude to J* for willing to help all us little people and a BIG thank you to Ian for opening my eyes to J*, I love you buddy.
Nghia
You are WAY awesome! Being latina in Washington can be your selling point! Connect and repel girl, connect and repel! You were WAY too sweet, thank you for kicking it with Erin and I and for not killing us. I know we are overwhelming. 😉
Connect & Repel. We’re going to have to talk more about that.
It was really great to meet you. I think I’ve said that ALL over the internet. LOL! You guys are not at all overwhelming. You were fun and full of life. EXACTLY what most of my friends and family are like. I know I come off as sort of shy in person. It really is just a wall of anxiety. Once I’m comfortable … it’s a whole new ball game!
Keep in touch.