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Scarleth Nightingale Thank You.
Because when I wanted to give up on my Dream of being a Photographer this post came along and a year later I am sitting here Thanking God for this post and His timing. You truly keep it real' and I am thankful to God for your life and your dedication to your Dream.
Dreamin' On...
02.27.12 - 8:03pm Trysha How do you ALWAYS know what to say? I feel like I'm drowning somedays, I'm completely overwhelmed by everything I want to do. (throw three kids in the mix and it's downright madness) I keep reminding myself it doesn't matter how fast you're going if you are going in the wrong direction. I see some photographers with a bigger number of followers and I try to remind myself that it's the quality of clients I have vs the number.
12.11.11 - 12:27am Suz Just finished the magazine.
I LOVED it.
Your words are so inspirational and motivating. While, I'm not exactly a "professional photographer" - i found your words to be helpful in many areas of my life. Thank you for that. I've needed a kick in the pants. Your fantastic, keep up the good work! 11.27.11 - 3:25pm
Shanna I hear ya sista! I was where you were mid-year as well. Had this crazy idea of producing my first pin-up calendar and I wasn't sure it was going to happen. Happy to say I finished it and it's on sale now! My launch party was scheduled for 11.11.11. :) Unfortunately, I suck at marketing so my sales haven't been that great, but at least I finished it! ha ha Love your work Jasmine!
11.20.11 - 10:30pm angie thanks lady.. u brought tears to my eyes, a lump in my throat and gave me a glimmer of hope... thanks:) 11.19.11 - 9:23pm
Romy Israel Hi Jas! I feel like giving up too, then I remembered your blog. It's where I get inspiration when I have a shoot. And reading this entry is refreshing... I hope I could be able to make the best of my wedding coverage later...
11.18.11 - 2:40am karola grabara You can't imagine how much this post means to me, and few other ones you've written.You are real treasure.x
11.17.11 - 6:46am Cindi Jones You are amazing - and real - this post means so much to me and as I sat, crying, at my desk (at a day job that leaves me feeling empty) I'm reminded that thing happen for a reason. Every day is a new opportunity and this desire and without-a-doubt conviction to make my dream a reality is possible. Ive faced (and still face) challenges and obstacles that have slowed me down. I'm not where I want to be in my career. That being said, I'm finding a support system - friends who believe in me and my talents and remind me I am not a quitter. I'm anxiously waiting for my copy of Exposed, and can't wait to be encouraged and reminded to keep moving forward - to stop comparing the pace of my business to others. I've had to fight and for that, I know I love and appreciate it that much more! Thank you! <3
11.16.11 - 12:55pm tardy will there be a party when you hit 50million hits to your site?!
11.16.11 - 10:45am Pua This is PERFECT. This post gets bookmarked for every time I start feeling this way (which is often..lol)! XOXO
11.16.11 - 12:10am Bobbie Brown Loved, loved, loved this post! Thank you for it. I feel inspired :)
11.15.11 - 3:24pm Tardy inspirational. thank you for sharing so honestly and open. it's really helpful
11.15.11 - 2:51pm Marzena Grygielska You have a lot of strength. You are strong. Dreams are real. You prove it. You are an optimist. So you are going to good people. I respect you. I wish you all good. I regret that I can not have your publication. Too far ... but for me you are at hand, because we share a passion. Stay Fabulous, Jasmine:)
11.15.11 - 1:07pm Melina Ruiz I keep on watching the Exposed video over and over ....I love it and I feel so blessed to have been part of the journey. I will keep on thanking you forever!!!
11.15.11 - 12:49pm Chad Pennington Mind Blowing Jaz - I'm watching you. Can you Imagine the "J.Star Network" - I could see you with your own talk show - and Network like Orpah - Like I say, I'm watching you
- Chad Pennington
11.15.11 - 8:47am Jackie Wow! I'm so happy for you! Congrats on taking the leap into the world of publishing. I wish you all the best, and know you will ROCK it! Here's to the success of EXPOSE.
11.15.11 - 12:43am Kat Harris thank you for affirming to me that dreams aren't too crazy to make reality. i am about to outside and grab the towel i threw out last week:)
11.14.11 - 8:03pm Shannon Rosan Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for not quitting! I'm starting to sound like a broken record every time I comment on your blog, but it is so important that I share how inspirational you are to me. Your ability to bare your soul and face fears with such tenacity is amazing! GO J*
11.14.11 - 7:51pm Monica This is an amazing post...it seems like God is always giving us these little signs when we need them most (and especially during those times when we really do want to give up). This post was my little sign today. I LOVE how you mention that your dreams are just dreams until you make them a reality. Thank you, Jasmine, for being my little piece of motivation and inspiration for today :)
11.14.11 - 4:29pm Stacy Hart I love this post and I love you! Just what I needed to hear today :-)
11.14.11 - 11:22am Jeni Brower Jasmine. You've touched my heart. The way you speak about your dreams & your husband are strong & tender at the same time. Thank you for sharing the little things that mean so much. You are wise enough to know that others need to know they are not alone. I thank God that He is using you to guide me. Jer. 29:11 11.14.11 - 10:00am
Sara Porter You are so right, having great, positive people around you makes such a difference. A nicely positive post that needs to be read whenever you have doubts about what you are doing and what you can do xxx.
11.14.11 - 3:09am nattnee A huge congratulations to you Jasmine! It's so inspirational to see how you just chase your dream and really make it happen. Amazing.
11.14.11 - 3:06am Spicytee You will forever be an inspiration. Thank you for who you are. An Angel.
Love ou pieces
11.14.11 - 2:55am christen barnes Just wanted to say thank you. Finished reading Exposed - you are like a Vitamin B12 shot for the soul.
Thank You!!!
11.14.11 - 12:04am Amber Fox You are such an inspiration to all of us. I love that you had an idea and didn't fall into resistance. You didn't let it win. You conquered it girl! Woot!
11.13.11 - 10:52pm Karen (Mikols) Bonar I'm only a few pages into the magazine, but I LOVE it! I would not have gotten it if it were an e-reader (I'm not cool enough to have one -- yet), but am digging all over the printed product. What can I say, my history in print journalism keeps me loving that medium. :)
11.13.11 - 9:05pm Stacy So proud of you, old friend . . . you continually choose to GO FOR IT with passion and gusto! :)
11.13.11 - 6:26pm shelly SO glad you did NOT quit... as I am SO SO SO inspired by reading Exposed... you have no idea! Thanks for giving us freedom to DO it!
11.13.11 - 1:56pm Brianna K Thank you for showing that even You, the professinal, has times where it would just be easier to quit! I promise myself to keep chuggin along:) 11.13.11 - 10:54am
Emma Gardiner Yay :) It makes me want to have a towel that says "Don't throw me in" embroidered on it!
11.13.11 - 8:54am Mandy Pix What an inspiring post! We just moved countries and I felt a little bit less inspired as it has been tough breaking into the new market with new cultures.....but after reading this I'm gonna grab the bull by the horns:-) tx Jasmine!!
11.13.11 - 2:47am Emily K You are so beautiful Jasmine inside and out! Can't wait to have my hands on this magazine :) 11.13.11 - 2:28am
Brent - Live View Studios Jasmine, I know this feeling. You give it your all, but sometimes just don't see the results you want. We've been feeling a little stressed out lately as well .. working long hours, busting ourselves, but not seeing the goal we want happen quite yet. We won't give up though, because we love what we do!
Thanks for the encouragement :)
11.13.11 - 12:46am Kelly Easter Photography Could you be the Latino Version of Oprah? You must be! I get the same feeling relating to you as I did with Oprah. And you do have a rather handsome Stedman of your own.
11.12.11 - 11:36pm Sandy Baca Thank you for your encouraging words. I am also making my dream a reality. I am opening a dress shop in Jan. 2012. I have faith that it will be a huge success. Kandy Koutoure. Thank you for your encouragement. With God all things are possible. I will keep you in my prayers. I just ordered your book /magazine for my daughter who also wants to make her photography her dream job. She graduates this may from high school, and will be going to an art school to pursue her dream.
11.12.11 - 10:14pm
Lydia Every time you do something new at first I'm amazed, then I say to myself of course she'd do something so incredible! Thank you for sharing the behind the scenes thought process and a peek into your heart! What you do always inspires me to be even greater, but knowing you struggle and still push on places the bar even higher. It's just what I need to keep doing those hard things that make all the difference in the end!
11.12.11 - 4:18pm Mary I like you. Period. Thanks for sharing your story. 11.12.11 - 3:04pm
Tara I needed this today. You are such an inspiration to follow your dreams and tell everyone else to deal with all your fabulousness. I can't wait to get my little piece of Jasmine in the mail!
11.12.11 - 12:19pm
Robert Does anybody know what Jasmine's lighting setup is as pictured above? I can't figure out the brand/model of that light on the left... 11.12.11 - 11:42am
Jimmy Rooney Great post Jasmine, and congratulations on such an amazing project!!!
11.12.11 - 11:26am Ricki Ford it wouldn't be the same without you boo!
11.12.11 - 8:58am Tammy I needed this today, Jasmine. Thank you!
11.12.11 - 3:39am Trisha Knight You are lovely... so generous with your time, talents, but even moreso... your encouragement and genuine hope and well wishes for others. Thank you for being so absolutely... lovely. All the best with every endeavor!! Big hugs!! 11.12.11 - 3:04am
Orchid *tears* 11.12.11 - 1:04am
Krysta *takes a deep breath* Thanks, Jas. You have impeccable timing. I needed a reminder that life is going to be okay. That I just need to take things slow but at the same time have a goal so I know in what direction I am heading. <3
11.12.11 - 12:40am gladys jem your words mean so much to me + (everyone). more than you'll ever know. chris even came home and was all "did you read jasmine's post today? i really loved it." thank you for always inspiring. xo
11.12.11 - 12:28am Letitia This was a very inspirational post. It's nice to hear that other people (even Jasmine Star) go through moments of doubt and wanting to quit. I'm going through the same funk right now and have been working to get myself out of it for this past week. I work full-time and am a student. Some people manage to do this effortlessly but it's a challenge for me. Sometimes it's best to walk away from something for a short period of time to give yourself a chance to regroup.
Thank you for sharing your experience, it's extremely uplifting.
11.11.11 - 11:05pm
Claudia This blog post is just fabulous!. Congrats on the mag. I can't wait to get mine in the mail! :)
11.11.11 - 10:50pm LeolaK Wow....congrats to you for not giving in and quiting...and for being so open and letting us know we are not alone when wanting to do the same. I've been in a bit of a rollercoaster with things/life lately, and this came just at the right time. Congratulations to you-keep on rocking!! THANK YOU! XOXOXO 11.11.11 - 10:00pm
Katie Bryant May I just say that reading this post is perfect timing! I have been having serious doubts about my ability as a photographer, about making my business a success, about not having the time or motivation to make my dreams come true, about not having the support when I need it the most. It's always niceto know that other people feel like quitting too 7 also very comforting to know that you can always have another go. Thank you jasmine for not being affraid to let us know that you wanted to quit too - it gives me renewed hope that I will get there in the end. I just need to have another go! 11.11.11 - 9:28pm
Elizabeth at Seaport Photo Thanks for being so open and honest. I've been in HUM (Highly Un Motivated) mode for awhile and feeling very stuck. It's so so great to hear that it's possible to come out the other side. Congratulations on EXPOSED...now get some rest :)
11.11.11 - 9:27pm Redcoat Media Thank you... When I think about quitting, I think about you and your struggle to become this awesome photographer!
11.11.11 - 8:41pm shannon kelley Thank you so much for this post and letting us see the struggle behind the process. I think people forget that there is a journey, and struggle, before the end; thank you for eloquently sharing your struggles. So excited to get the mag in the mail!
11.11.11 - 6:37pm Brittany Schlamp Why, why, why? You always do this. Every time I feel down, ready to quit because of a million reasons, you post something that brings me back up and tells me, keep fighting. And now, you're telling me to fight harder. Looks like I'm going to do the VERY best I can! Thank you, Jasmine. Thank you. 11.11.11 - 6:26pm
Cathy L. You truly are an inspiration Jasmine! Congratulations on your hard work. The magazine looks beautifully!! x 11.11.11 - 6:22pm
Sandy Thank you....
11.11.11 - 6:20pm Paula Franco FOTOGRAFÍA Stay making your dreams real, so you would stay you in esence.
Congratulations for your efforts and your results, usually the path is more interesting than the destiny, but it's good at the end to reach there.
11.11.11 - 6:06pm Elizabeth thank you for this post jasmine!!! it was so encouraging!!! you are an inspiration to me, and many others! thank you :)
11.11.11 - 5:41pm Patrick McGregor You go girl! You are simply put an amazing source of inspiration for me.
11.11.11 - 5:30pm Marysol Im crying and im at work... thanks for this post, it really inspire me to the core.. =D 11.11.11 - 5:20pm
Susannah Allen As always, thanks for the blog post and thanks for sharing. Reading the last sentence felt good today! YAY!!!
11.11.11 - 5:18pm Robyn This was really huge for me.... I needed to read this. I have felt like giving up soooo many times this year. I need someone to help me make an action plan, so I am going to try to find that person.... thanks Jasmine.
11.11.11 - 5:04pm Tiffany Walde Thank you Jasmine. Thank you for putting your true feelings and honesty out there. You have encouraged me more times than you know and for that I am SO grateful and blessed to "know" you!
11.11.11 - 4:52pm Tiffany Walde Thank you Jasmine. Thank you for putting your true feelings and honesty out there. You have encouraged me more times than you know and for that I am SO grateful and blessed to "know" you!
11.11.11 - 4:52pm DK Kilgour I'm about to get out of bed to go and shoot a wedding today. I'm pretty sure God intended me to read this post. Thank-you :) 11.11.11 - 4:19pm
jessica vidmar photography sometimes I hate you...only because you have a way of putting into words what my heart feels better than I (okay...so I don't really hate you : ) I mean c'mon...dreams will always be dreams until they become a reality...that's heavy and exactly what I need to hear...like every second of the day. Thank you, yet again.
11.11.11 - 3:52pm Dana WOW... very pertinent to my life right now... you have NO idea!!! :) Thank you for sharing! & Congratulations again!!! xo
11.11.11 - 3:22pm Michelle Thank you! As always you are incredibly unique but reaching out to the parts of us that connects us all together x
11.11.11 - 3:17pm Vickie What an inspirational post! 11.11.11 - 3:14pm
Nam Loved reading this post. I need the little dose of inspiration and motivated to keep me going! Have thought about quitting a lot recently, but nope. Not gonna quit! :)
- Nam
www.gullian.tumblr.com
11.11.11 - 3:10pm Denise prichett My eyes are filled with tears of happiness for you and hope and relief for myself. There are so many things that I dream of doing - but I am too cautious about doing. Jasmine, you truly do inspire me to try more and harder. Thank you for this post.
11.11.11 - 3:01pm Earle Mason Thank you Jasmine for sharing this and being an inspiration. You are an amazing person. I'm anxiously awaiting the delivery of my copy of your magazine :)
(I'm on that quitting edge)
11.11.11 - 2:47pm Sarah Silver It's always great to know that we are not alone! I am just starting back up after a long "quit". I was letting too many small obstacles stand in my way and I was watching my competitors for the wrong reasons! It feels way too good to be back to work. Even better to know that someone I look up to has felt all the same things. =)
11.11.11 - 2:33pm Jenika Thank you for this post. I recently moved to a new city (and may be moving yet AGAIN in a few months) and my business totally stopped. Not slowed down - stopped. I haven't had a single client here, despite massive, outside-my-comfort-zone marketing efforts and I'm soooo frustrated.
All I needed today was to hear someone say "I FEEL YOU." Thank you.
11.11.11 - 1:59pm Virginia Increible!! Maravilloso!!
Sigo asombrandome contigo!! Gracias por compartir esto. Si ncesitas ayuda en Argentina... mis sueños quizas puedan hacerse realidad... 11.11.11 - 1:47pm
Alexis GREAT advice on making DREAMS a REALITY, Ms. Star! :)
Thanks for sharing the words of wisdom! I'm going to look into buying the magazine! My Christmas gift to me! :)
11.11.11 - 1:46pm Hayley In the last ten minutes, I feel like i've taken a complete blow, and it's damaged my self esteem and what I believe my photography business can be. Then I read this post. I usually don't get tearful, but it certainly made my eyes water because it was exactly what I needed to hear. There can sometimes be a very snobby attitude with photographers- I don't know how it is in the US, but here in the UK, there definitely is. Thank you for not being like that at all, for admitting that it's hard work and for proving that it is possible to learn from putting the hours and effort in, rather than paying for an expensive education. I can't wait to read your magazine, and please, never give up!
11.11.11 - 1:41pm kylee I'm in my last year of photography school, and as thankful as I am to be here, learning about what I love, right now I'm a little burnt out. I keep catching myself saying, "maybe I should just give up." I've been reading your blog for about 4 years now and while I always love your words, today they are extra special. thank you <3
11.11.11 - 1:36pm Tina Mercer J * you know how to connect with me. Every time I get down and feel low and wonder about myself with my photography direction- i always think... What would Jasmine Star do.. and stop and read your blog site and I can pick it up and continue forward - you are such a passion person and gives me the courage and uplifting to keep going. Don't get me wrong, I have passion for photography and I am grateful that you keep giving me the inspiration on for that ultimate goal that I keep aiming for and I thank you for that. I'm super excited to see your new adventure and I can't wait for the mailman come deliver my piece of joy.. I love ya girl. KIR - your friend in Georgia - Cheers~ Tina
11.11.11 - 1:30pm Judy B Jasmine, You article made me cry and be inspired all the same. I feel so many times that my dreams can't become reality because I'm this and that....love your quote." me making it a reality". Your openness is so appreciated...and hats off to the unsung hero JD...thanks need to go make my dream a reality one step at a time..
11.11.11 - 1:26pm
Jane I'm not a photographer and your blog has help me from throwing in the towel. Your words have helped me push forward & slowly see my dreams into reality! I sew personalized gifts & I've bought your magazine already...not just for the pictures, but for the insight in your drive to succeed. Thanks J*
11.11.11 - 1:22pm Jennifer Williams Thank you Jasmine. Definitely something I can relate to in this moment!
11.11.11 - 1:19pm Sara 2.5 years ago I quit. I picked myself up and moved 500 miles away to the ocean, single and by myself. I had to find boundaries. I took the long road to find myself as an artist again. I found your blog shortly after my move and God has used you in my life time and time again. I was just laid off this summer and turned 30 two days ago. Today was so hard to get out of bed. My camera is the only thing I have. Your words are a source of encouragement today. Thank you so much for your transparency. <3
11.11.11 - 1:18pm Lesslie Laurrin Oh Jasmine.... the funny thing is the other day I was listening to you on creative live... the free one because buying it is not in the budget right now. : ) But literally, Im driving home listening to your worshop on my iphone crying... so believe me Im not the only one. The whole drive home I'm feeling pumped, broken and ready to take it a notch up. I turn the corner and find my huge black lab and my smaller black dog had decided to break free. So as Im blawling my eyes out feeling stuck, honking the car horn at my dogs down the street I realized that sometime you just have to break free and take a chance! 11.11.11 - 1:18pm
ashley barnett You always know just what to say. :) Thank you. I am glad you didn't give up, and I'm glad you always continue to follow your dream and push others to the same.
11.11.11 - 1:02pm Tira J Thank you for this post, and for finishing your dream project! If you only knew how many times I've wanted to throw in that towel. I am half way through reading Exposed, and have already shed so many tears with all of the incredible stories. Love you! xoxo
11.11.11 - 12:57pm Lauren Jasmine, what perfect timing. Although I am nowhere in my career just yet, I've been discouraged lately and am left wondering if its even worth it. Today, you reminded me that it's about the journey and that sometimes, if you're lucky, there's a great destination waiting for you. Thank you for your kinds words. 11.11.11 - 12:53pm
Jessica Chavez And i'm crying! This is way I love reading your blog because I don't feel alone in this crazy journey that refuse to give up on my dream, but then I realize if I gave it up I would just be going through life feeling numb, so as much as i would like to give up I embrace all those feelings and remember that's what living is all about. =)
11.11.11 - 12:50pm Evie Perez This makes me adore you more. Thank you for your rawness, wisdom, failures, and encouragement. I so needed this today.
11.11.11 - 12:36pm cherie renee WOWS....so inspiring!! Love this so much!! Needed that encouragement! 11.11.11 - 12:36pm
Ivana Bencic Oh, Jasmine Star, how incredible you are :)
11.11.11 - 12:26pm Tina Nandi Thanks Jasmine! You're a star! :)
11.11.11 - 12:19pm Lida Mathews I'm seriously almost about to cry - I've been wanting to quit - give up...not live my dreams - but as I am here, 6 months pregnant with my first child, I have to think: would I want him/her to do the same?
Nope.
Thanks Jasmine for always being fabulous and ALWAYS posting things at the RIGHT time!
11.11.11 - 12:11pm rich you are so awesome and your encouraging words are so so very appreciated - congrats again on the magazine!
11.11.11 - 12:09pm Heather Alkhateeb Sometimes that "quitting" feeling seems to overcome me weekly. So I took a leap of faith just like you today with a new launch of my own. Thanks again for ALWAYS being open and honest. It reminds us that everyone has their fears :)
11.11.11 - 12:04pm Aubrey Jones Jasmine, I just wrote a blog post about this subject two days ago! "Fight for Your Dreams"... Thank you for being a source of encouragement to another artist who is fighting to make her dreams a reality.
11.11.11 - 12:04pm Antoinette Charles Jasmine, I tend to be very careful how I invest my limited funds on photography magazines, books, etc. ..I bought your magazine the day you released it because your approach is SO sincere. After reading your post here today I am certain I made a GOOD investment in purchasing the magazine. Keep sharing your gift...as you can see by the love that is shared on your blog and on FB, what you send out boomerangs 10 fold.
Cheers to your continued success in all that you do!
Antoinette 11.11.11 - 11:58am
Stephanie Stewart Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jasmine, for this post! I have had the same feelings, being in a funk, feeling like throwing in the towel more times that I care to admit, and reading made tears of hope stream down my face. You are such an inspiration. I wish I could thank you in person...perhaps someday!
11.11.11 - 11:57am Christiana Umm ok so this is a little weird but when I read my comment come up on the blog the time read 11.11am- 11/11/11 11.11am- total reaffirmation from the universe since here its 12/11/11 3.54am!! 11.11.11 - 11:54am
Shanti Exquisite timing. Just yesterday I leaned over my dining table and let the tears roll. Every empty moment of the day is suddenly filled with the thought of how far my dream seems to be. And then I wake up to your post about dreams and reality, your hardas hell work on EXPOSED and being your natural amazing self every day. Even when you don't want to be. Thank you. I stumbled over your excellence at WPPI NYC a couple weeks ago and didn't get to say what I really wanted to say to you when we spoke for that brief moment I had you all to myself. Just a hi-five and a hug! I'm a hugger. 11.11.11 - 11:51am
Jessica Chavez I SO needed this today! Thank you for your encouraging words! As I finished reading the post I remembered the Journey song: "Don't stop believing, hold on to that feeling"... yeah that was me singing... lol! xoxo
11.11.11 - 11:51am Lisa Seyfried I love how honest you are! I hope you spend every minute today smiling and basking in your accomplishment!
11.11.11 - 11:48am heidi thank you for your sweet, encouragement, Jasmine! You inspire me more than you know! I cannot wait to have the honor of meeting you one day soon! Have a blessed day and give Polo a big hug from me :)
11.11.11 - 11:44am fierces I'm so happy you created a magazine instead of an e-reader! I bought the magazine, but I wouldn't have bought the e-reader. Something about it being in print...
Way to keep with it! 11.11.11 - 11:42am
Shannon Wimberly NEVER!!!! I AM GOING TO ORDER EXPOSED TODAY!! We love you and JD Jasmine.....
11.11.11 - 11:41am Heather Bird I second all the commenters that admitted tears. You are an inspiration and I can't wait to get my copy.
11.11.11 - 11:40am The New Diplomat's Wife advice heeded - back to the grind and inspired to have mine done by 12.12.12!
11.11.11 - 11:37am Courtney Thank you! I really needed to read this today. 11.11.11 - 11:34am
Humberto Abed I believe that things happen for a reason and you had to write this post and publish it today while I had to read it today when I was just thinking about quitting.
I'm 45 and have loved photography all my life. But I quitted my dream because everybody told me that photography wasn't a career and that I should get a education degree in something serious as Marketing or business administration. So I did.
About 10 years ago I got Tinnitus, an inner ear damage that causes that I hear pink noise like sounds 24-7 and it was so bad at the beginning that I quitted my job, my girlfriend, my friends and almost life itself.
When I accepted that there's no cure for this and that I could still live with it I started again.
With the little money I had left after almost 2 years without a job I got a camera and everything changed for me.
Photography helped me to go out again and experience the world, my friends, my family, me.
With photography I became more focused in what I see instead of what I hear.
Now I'm 100% focused on photography but think all the time that I'm too late for this.
I do weddings (and with this economy, all kinds of events) but competition is hard and people is hiring others who charge a 3rd part of what I charge.
My next wedding is until next march so I'm broken, with bills to pay and, well..... sad.
This is not the first time I write you. Since I started to do weddings I found in you a fountain of inspiration. In fact, in my checklist for preparing for a wedding, in between charge batteries, get memory cards, don't forget the maps, etc, there's check JS photos, which I do for inspiration every single time. Inspiration not only on photography matters but, as today, in life in general.
Some moments ago I was about to place an ad to sell my cameras and then your blog came.
Thank you Jasmine for not letting me quit!
11.11.11 - 11:33am brianna three cheers for my low-fat muffins!! ;) signed--the lady in pink. XO
11.11.11 - 11:33am Emily Faith Donohue Like walking into church and hearing a message that was made for you. Gave me chill bumps. Beautiful and congratulations on Exposed!
11.11.11 - 11:31am Ellen Thank you J. Exactly what I needed to read today, life has been kicking me in the face a bit recently. X
11.11.11 - 11:30am Ashley Motes I find this VERY encouraging/uplifting. Recently I went through a season where I just dropped my photography & didn't want to do it anymore. Then all of a sudden I get more photo session inquiries than ever before. It revitalized the reason why I love & love to do photography. It makes me feel not so abnormal to know I'm not the only one that struggled with "quitting." You're great, inspiring, funny, & beautiful. You help (inspire) me strive to be better each time I pick up my camera.... & I love your book posts! : D
11.11.11 - 11:28am Rasha Afifi-Talleh Very inspiring Jasmine thx for sharing your journey of making your dream a reality. it hits home in more ways than one!! look forward to reading your magazine. best of luck in all you do... 11.11.11 - 11:26am
Rachel Marie Photography ah! I seriously can't wait for my copy to get here.. I'm very grateful that you didnt give up.
Trevor Hoehne is definitely one of my favorite commercial photographers.
11.11.11 - 11:24am Kamille I heart you for knowing when to quit to take focus and rise up again. Thank you for inspiring me not to quit! 11.11.11 - 11:23am
Lyn Ismael-Bennett Thanks Jasmine...I needed to read this post. You're an inspiration :)
11.11.11 - 11:22am Jodie Lemke Beautiful Jasmine what an exciting project! So so so fun! You rock lady! 11.11.11 - 11:21am
kristaQM I just sent you an email, but lady ... you don't even understand how much I needed to read this today. Thanks.
And congratulations on making your crazy idea a reality.
11.11.11 - 11:21am DeAnne Billings I really needed this today! Thank you :) 11.11.11 - 11:20am
scott westerman Jasmine, I dont know how you do it but every time i feel low or out of sorts i read your blog and i feel all cosy and warm again. Your such an inspiration to me and i have no doubt thousands of others. I cannot thankyou enough.x
11.11.11 - 11:19am Jeff J*, you are always amazing :) Somehow, your timing is always perfect too! Thanks so many for the UBERRRRR inspirational post.
11.11.11 - 11:19am Adriana Morett CONGRATS on the magazine and THANK YOU as always for keeping us inspired, for not hiding this, the fear, the difficulties, the "ugly" part of success. Thank you for reminding us it is HARD, but POSSIBLE. I can't wait to receive my copy of Exposed in the mail. I KNOW someday I will actually be able to afford to bring you and JD to Madrid and shoot me and my husband :) and we'll celebrate it with paella and vino tinto!
Thanks, really. Big hug.
11.11.11 - 11:18am Bethany Cox Jasmine, you have been such an inspiration to me along the way. Thank you for being so open and so honest. Im sure this sounds cliche but i really mean it. God bless you for all you do for photographers worldwide. Im DYING for my issue of exposed. COME ON MR MAILMAN!!!!
11.11.11 - 11:18am Elizabeth Wow, thank you. That is just what I needed to read/hear today! 11.11.11 - 11:17am
promise tangeman Jasmine you blow my mind. I am so thankful for what we got to do together. It was a VERY large undertaking and a very brave one at that. SOOOO proud of you and excited for things to come. You really do raise the bar for us all. and help us all dream bigger. :) LOVE YOU!!
11.11.11 - 11:17am courtney jade thank you for sharing this, it's exactly what I've been needing to hear lately... you are so right, and I am so thankful to have you as an inspiration <3
11.11.11 - 11:17am MartaV That is where I was, thinking about quitting. I am just now starting to head back into it. Just the reminder I needed today. Thanks! 11.11.11 - 11:15am
Ashley A-Photo Atta girl ;) . You ARE the inspiration! Keep drreaming big and living large xox
11.11.11 - 11:14am Christiana My goal date was 11/11/11 too- my goal was to take the step I was scared of, rebranding my business into what I always thought it should have been- and to actually shoot my first wedding for me- not to second shoot or freelance for a video guy, but to shoot for me. I am happy to tell you that although the new showit site is still not quite finished( but will be by tommorrow)- my first wedding for red poppy photography was shot today- all 15 hours of it! Because of your story Jasmine and your -unknown to you- mentoring of me all the way over here in Australia, I took the leap- the crazy chance- at the begining af the year and today I am one solo wedding down and I have you to thank xxxx (and my own amazing version of jd who has cooked, washed, shopped, cleaned, looked after kids and generally been a rock star. Best of all when I felt like I couldn't do it today- when i was sick with nerves this morning, he told me to channel my inner Jasmine and be a star!) 11.11.11 - 11:11am
Bincy This is just I wanted this morning. Jasmine, thank you for inspiring me :) 11.11.11 - 11:11am
Aaron V. Wow...I almost cry Jasmine..funny but true...again thanks a lot for your glorious words....God bless you 11.11.11 - 11:10am
Bincy This is just I wanted this morning. Jasmine, thank you for inspiring me :) 11.11.11 - 11:10am
syreena you are AMAZING!!! I thank God for you! I know youll have 300,000 more comments just like this one... but I hope that my +1 more will make your cup full run over with love :) I love you j*... and still don't even know you :)
11.11.11 - 11:09am Katie I needed to hear this today. Thank you.
11.11.11 - 11:08am Darling Paumen I am so happy you did not give up J*. May this project take you to new heights - you deserve it girl - enjoy it!!!
I'm getting my copy as soon as I can :)
11.11.11 - 11:07am Beria Charles Hey girl! You are such a blessing! Thanks for making this 11.11.11 unforgettable! I so need to refocus, and your words were an inspiration. As always!
11.11.11 - 11:07am Tanya Petraglia WOW, amazing Jasmine. Good for you! In all aspects in your life. You are really blessed. xox
11.11.11 - 11:05am judith castro Thanks! for inspired people! you a great great person. with a big heart!.. your words in this post made me cry. Thanks! I really need those words.. I am just 18 and I am just starting my own photography trip.
God Bless you & JD!
11.11.11 - 11:05am Josephine will someone pls hand me a tissue..or a towel? *sob sob sob*
---
you.make.me.NEVER.quit.Jasmine.
no matter the loooong road ahead of me yet.Thank.You.
11.11.11 - 11:04am Kristie Nicoll I SO feel YOU! In July, I threw in the towel as well. I decided I wasn't "good enough" nor did I have enough direction in my life to carry out this dream of becoming a rockstar photographer. I just quit. But I felt so guilty about it, and torn between moving on with my life somewhere else, doing something..anything else, and doing what I love to do. I even enrolled in college, at 39. Seriously? I had one wedding left to shoot in Oct. and that was it. I shot nothing really between Aug/Oct. And then something changed. I am starting to find myself again, and have redirected my coursework to upper level design/photography classes instead of gen ed. nursing. I am following my dreams and anyone who doesn't grab my coat tails, will be left behind. My husband simply said, "I knew you'd wake up one day. I just was hoping it was sooner than later." And it was. Never again, will I quit on my dreams, and you my dear, are an inspiration. I may just have to come find you on one of my many trips to San Diego to visit my oldest, who is a fashion major there. We could definitely do a latte and low fat muffin date ;) 11.11.11 - 11:02am
adita *Tears* Thank you!
11.11.11 - 11:02am Jillian Tree Jasmine, you inspire me so much! This is one of my fave blog posts of yours, ever. and that top photo....STUNNING. So excited to get my copy in the mail :):)
11.11.11 - 11:02am Sarah I hear the Universe whispering in my ear right now - see? you can do it! Thanks for the heartfelt reminder. 11.11.11 - 11:01am
Amanda Exactly what I needed to hear...God used you to bless me today. Thank you.
11.11.11 - 11:00am
Manik This is so great - I actually just wrote a blog post about doing what you love and following your dreams (just happened to be on 11/11/11 - seriously, uncanny coincidence) I'll put the link at the bottom of this comment in case anyone wants to see it.
It's so great seeing that someone as successful as you and as brave as you also feels like giving up sometimes. You're such an inspiration to us all and the fact that you have the same thought process as so many of us is really inspiring. Also, I bought a copy of the magazine and I am super stoked to get it!
Here is the blog post link I mentioned: http://www.manikratheephotography.com/2011/11/11/dream/
Thanks!
- Manik
11.11.11 - 10:59am John Payne Thanks for the reminder, Jasmine. Can't wait to see the magazine! It looks amazing! 11.11.11 - 10:58am
Tammy Jasmine. I want to hug you like there is no tomorrow. Thank you!
11.11.11 - 10:58am Kristin GIRL you seriously know how to make me tear up! I really needed this today. Thank you so much... for all you do.
11.11.11 - 10:58am Sara Beth Fachetti Amen. This is my favorite line in this post: "On the days when I said the journey was too long, JD reminded me to merely focus on each step along the way." So many times I feel like I'm never going to reach my end goals, but lately I've been reminding myself to just focus on step 1. Take baby steps every day, because eventually those baby steps will lead to the end goal.
11.11.11 - 10:56am Haley Johnston LOVED this post so much. Thank you! 11.11.11 - 10:56am
Betta {Linen & Silk} After expressing to you the other day how much I wanted to be a blogger and planner, last night I went to bed thinking: 'Forget it. Just admit defeat. Tomorrow I'll do my last post and announce that I quit". But I haven't had the courage. And after reading this, how could I?! I've never failed at something I desperately wanted, so why quitting now? Thank you, J*, for always reminding us that feeling like this is just human, and that people around us can be our strength and really make a difference to our world. I'm glad you didn't quit... Can't wait to read your mag x
11.11.11 - 10:54am Betta {Linen & Silk} After expressing to you the other day how much I wanted to be a blogger and planner, last night I went to bed thinking: 'Forget it. Just admit defeat. Tomorrow I'll do my last post and announce that I quit". But I haven't had the courage. And after reading this, how could I?! I've never failed at something I desperately wanted, so why quitting now? Thank you, J*, for always reminding us that feeling like this is just human, and that people around us can be our strength and really make a difference to our world. I'm glad you didn't quit... Can't wait to read your mag x
11.11.11 - 10:53am amanda mann Ohhh, J* I can't wait to get my copy in the mail!!! Your hard work and dedication is ah-maz-ing!!!!! xoxo
11.11.11 - 10:48am kellie Thank you for this post Jasmine! You have no idea how much I needed this today :)
11.11.11 - 10:41am ErynAmos You are fabulous and so inspiring. This post really hit home and put things into perspective for me. Thanks for all you share with us
11.11.11 - 10:35am Kristin Nicole Love it! So happy to see you following your dreams and inspiring others while doing it.
11.11.11 - 10:31am Robyn I was just having a similar "boo!" attitude last evening... so when I read your post this morning, I immediately posted it to my fiance and said "WHY does she just get me?!" Good timing, as always. Thanks, darlin'. Muah!
11.11.11 - 10:30am Nemmie As someone in the publishing field (albeit, scientific publishing - think less strappy stilettos and more nerdy librarian glasses), I can fully appreciate that this project had to be nothing less than intense, given your day job. And from what I can see from your post on the magazine: that is one hell of a gorgeous finished project :) Congratulations, you did an amazing job, as always - keep up the good work!
11.11.11 - 10:25am Anda For all the times you've encouraged me not to quit (without even knowing it) ... and challenged me to really be me (even when it was hard to tell me those things in person, especially because I cried knowing tears in public, haha) ... I'm so happy to know I could do a little something for you. Forever grateful for you, Jasmine. xoxo.
11.11.11 - 10:24am Rachel Tatem What a great story. The end product of your ad for the magazine is great! (Not read the magazine yet but I am sure that's great too). I love reading your blog. You are always so encouraging. I always walk away uplifted.
11.11.11 - 10:21am Michael P. Young I well FINE!....now I'm weeping...as I'm sure with a lot of others who are trying to chase their dreams while enduring the mindless drudgery of living a day job that has to be to support their loved ones...Thank you Jasmine for being you and being fabulous for reaching out to all us other normals that realize we too can be a normal living a dream and reaching the goal someday... 11.11.11 - 10:20am
The Zadge Utterly fabulous! How do I buy?!
11.11.11 - 10:19am jack Jasmine, it's really refreshing to read such an honest post about how hard you have to work! I often look at photographers who have 'made it big' and think that life and work must be much easier for them as they no longer have the hard slog involved in a fledgling business. Your post is a timely reminder that we all have to work very hard to make our dreams become a reality.
11.11.11 - 10:17am Crystal Jasmine, your timing is always impeccable! I recently suffered a set back in my photography goals due to circumstances at my 9 to 5 job. I appreciate your transparency - it is good to know that it happens to someone who is established too. As always, thanks for the encouragement! :-D 11.11.11 - 10:16am
Jackie J. I wish you could know just how much you inspire and encourage me! I thank you so much! xoxo
11.11.11 - 10:11am
Christina yay! love that first frame :)
11.11.11 - 10:03am Kate Douthwright At least once a day I doubt that I can really expand my business to where I want it to be but get little reminders of what I'm doing is exactly what I should be doing. The only limitations in life is ourselves getting in our own way. Congratulations on diving right back in when you felt like it was impossible!! You're an inspiration to us all!
11.11.11 - 10:01am