Jasmine Star workshop: Part Deux

So for the shoot part of the workshop Jasmine showed us how she works with clients and gets those incredible shots. I was kinda nervous for the shoot because I am just weird like that. I don't know what my problem is sometimes. The night before we got together and did headshots of each other on the beach and I didn't really shoot. I notice I do this here too at photographer GTG......... I clam up......... I need to stop it! But I finally got in there and started shooting and got some decent stuff. I was lucky and got a few direct looks into the camera shots too! And it was HOT! Don't let California fool you. Poor guy was in a jacket! But he rocked it! He had the sweetest style. And he and his wife......(yes people they are a real life couple!).......were the cutest couple ever!

Location: The Club at Woodbury- so pretty, want to live there
Models: Melinda and Vern- stunning, stylish, artsy, madly in love
Floral: Carissa of JL Events & Design- perfection
Beauty/Hair: Vivian Tran-All Made Up Team- amazing, sweet, artist

Dress: Monique Lhuillier-haute

I could have photographed Melinda all day. She is absolutely breathtaking! Her eyes were doe-like it made her innocently captivating...........

Now let me tell you a little something about a woman named Vivian. She is a master! She can DO hair! When I do hair I throw in a Bump-it and call it a day. Hahaha. This lady sculpts masterpieces out of keratin. Seriously look at that hair! Mad-skillz that Viv!

I love this dress. It fits her body like skin. Delish. And love the uniqueness of the bouquet.

Jasmine's Mom and JD of course were there helping with the food, technical things, and just making sure Jasmine and us were taken care of. Mom must be so proud. She has an awesome daughter. And JD is the sweetest guy ever. Always taking care of his lady. You could just tell he was happy helping her. It was funny because at dinner someone asked him what his and Jasmine's work day is like. He replies scheduled. I joked and said he was a Babywise Husband. He looked at me with the cutest innocent blank face and me and another photographer who is with child just busted up laughing. Don't we all wish we had Babywise Husbands?? Geesh Jasmine's got it all =).

I had the best time at her workshop. Now I just want to just keep going to workshops. I think I am going to be a workshop groupie. Thanks you Jasmine, JD, and Momma Star for everything!

Jasmine Star Workshop: Part One

I'm back!! Betcha didn't even know I was gone huh? Cause I am sneaky like that and set up auto-posts! I am so 2000-and-late and still am the only working photographer without a laptop! I had to check my emails daily from the Laguna Beach public library. I guess whatever gets you to the beach right?? But it was actually nice to be kinda unplugged.


I have been setting little goals. And since I am very limited on money and time, I told myself if I book so many family sessions or another wedding, I can get more gear or go to a workshop. When Jasmine's first workshop happened, I didn't even know who she was yet. Then I signed up for her newsletter and got the notice for her 2nd workshop before it went public. I contemplated going then but ....yeah that sold out in a millisecond. So I told myself I am going to go to her next workshop, and since I get her newletter I will be one of the first to be notified. Well the day it was announced I wasn't notified......Burn! She had technical problems and no one was notified and it went public instead. So the minute I saw it on her blog I jumped at the chance! I either am really lucky I got in or it just solidifies that I have no life except to sit at my computer waaaay too much. I felt like I won the lottery!

I had an amazing time in Orange County learning alongside with so many other photographers. The only thing I do regret is not staying with everyone at the hotel. My family came along with me and we have a place to stay there. So I didn't get that extra time with everyone on a more intimate level. There were so many cool people! I get a little anxious and either don't talk or talk too much. And I think I may have talked too much at the dinners! Then the day of the workshop we go around and introduce ourselves and tell our story. Everyone has these great little monologues and all I say is..... Hi I am Tina....ummm..... Jasmine literally had to finish my sentence and say ........and she is from Arizona and has stagefright..... Feeling like and Arse Part 3!

Having the opportunity to meet Jasmine in person was priceless. She is everything she represents on her blog and more. All around beautiful, hilarious, grounded, smart........but most importantly REAL. The workshop focused on Branding and what defines you. That is a hard question! Because truly at the end of the day we are no better photographers than the next person. So what makes you special?? What makes you stand out?? I guess you can ask yourself this question even if you aren't a photographer. I am still trying to find the answer and not quite sure what I am looking for either! Most of you who read her blog knows she makes up her own words. She actually has her own catchphrases that are HILAR! My favorite is still Don't fake the Funk people! All I can say to that is WORD sista.

The starlet in action.....

Showing us how it is done ANTM style........Tyra would be proud.......that expression......Now that is ferosh......

Jasmine's gun show............

I love this one. She looks so adorable with her freckles! Here she is with the talented photographer/entrepauner Bernie Aho from Canada, whom I unfortunately didn't get that much time to talk to but love his work......

Now some sneaky peeks of the shoot coming up tomorrow with all the yummy details..........