Jasmine Star Photography Blog

Kim I've been following your blog for 2 years and you're such a beauty!Girl, we're 2 of a kind! I have 1 leg that's 1/2 an inch shorter than the other! High five for women that tilt!! Haha!! 04.09.10 - 5:20pm

Tiffany So i hate to ask questions that seem like they have obvious answers, but can you explain what it means to focus shoot? I've used so many of your tips recently and it has really helped my work! Thank you so much!! 07.08.09 - 1:52pm

Liz Ness WOW! I just got around to investigating the Showit Web tool -- thanks so much Jasmine and David Jay for the awesome coupon! Y'all ROCK! =) Thanks again, Liz 06.07.09 - 4:30pm

Jamie Hello Jasmine, thanks for all the helpful answers. Could you explain what exactly you mean by "metering precisely". Obviously I know you mean light metering. But how do you manage that when everything moves so fast? I admire your work and stop by way too often to read your blog ;-) 06.04.09 - 1:44pm

Whitney Hoffler Thank you, J*! Your blog post truly answered questions for me & I'm thankful for that! Thank you for still writing from your heart for that ONE person! Even though, you've helped a lot more then one! You rock! -Whitney Leigh 05.27.09 - 8:48pm

Kristen This link was sooo helpful. I am located in STL, MO and love looking at your blog. Thanks for the advise in this post...YOU ROCK! 03.27.09 - 1:53pm

Jonni Thank you for another wonderful FAQ, I LOVE this, I really look forward to each one. Thanks for the great advice and the photo of Polo is so adorable. Hugs, Jonni 03.22.09 - 7:28pm

Lorena Hi Jasmine, I love viewing your site everyday (your the most faithful blogger ever). I have a question for u when u have time.... How do you tell a client that they aren't right for you with out being snobby or unprofessional? We aren't a good fit in personality so it's a little harder to say than if it was for technical reasons. Also do I have to call them or is an email ok? Thanks!! 03.21.09 - 3:29pm

sara westbrook i just love that you are willing to talk with and share tips with the common folks like us. you are truly the people's photographer. thank you. 03.20.09 - 12:47pm

ErikaM Ha! You had me laughing so hard. Your posts always make my day! Love the polo shot too, he looks as though like he is giving you the "fierce" pose. :) 03.20.09 - 2:51am

MiMi You may have answered this question in a previous FAQ post, but what would you recommend to someone who wants to start doing more in photography? I am someone who knows nothing about photography, and just has her trusty digital camera. What classes or camera/lenses would be the first thing you would do? Sorry, this probably seems like the most idiotic question to ask you! But your photos are phenomenal, and I would love to go from "that is something I would love to be able to do" to "that is something that I AM going to do". I just don't know where to start!! Augh! 03.19.09 - 11:48am

Thea It feels strange to tell someone I don't know that I adore them-but I adore you. Thanks for making me giggle on a pms morning when I am struggling a bit with all the weight I have gained in my first year of business, and nerves about taking my business to the next level. You have a greeat sense of humor and a generous spirit. Thanks for this post. 03.19.09 - 9:07am

dan yea man..its not happy and its so not you lol...wheres the laughter! these just seem like theres no connection between the models...amazing lighting though!! 03.18.09 - 10:00pm

Andi Diamond Your are so extremely helpful! I LOVE it! I feel like I know you and that we are friends- not in a weird way! ha! I can see how clients gravitate to you- you personality is infectious (agin0 not in a weird disease type way- but in an awesome way! ha!! :) 03.18.09 - 9:20pm

Onsite Minnesota Photography For the first question, maybe the person asking is getting veiling flare? It might be the lens choice leading this this. My 70-200 has this issue, but my other lenses perform better! 03.18.09 - 8:24pm

Audrey Cute! This gives a nice little peek into your home decor. When will you show us pictures of that!? I'm still waiting to see how the anthropologie chinese restaurant drapes turned out. :P (I'm an interior designer, so that's probably why I'm the only one interested in this!) 03.18.09 - 4:04pm

Tina Harden Photography LOL Practice Shoot Practice Shoot Practice... It's my PSPSP rule direct from Jamine Star on MCP. Thanks! POLO is doggin' me. LOL 03.18.09 - 3:38pm

Maele Thank you for this Q & A... all questions that are running around in my mind. Thank you for all your inspiration and encouragement. You're amazing! 03.18.09 - 2:37pm

Leah Charbonneau I love the reader questions! They help more than you'll know. I go back and reference them later. It's so good to know there are others out there too! 03.18.09 - 2:04pm

Yvonne LeBrun OK I don't think it's said enough but yu're awesome... you're a "star"! You really are, your name even says so! I always enjoy your FAQs and you can rest assured now knowing that you have helped. You know something else - you're lucky you only have one leg shorter than the other. BOTH of mine are short! 03.18.09 - 1:48pm

Kelly | Purple Lemon Designs Hello, shorter legged Kelly here...I just found out I had one leg shorter than the other too! Love, love the Polo shot. You should start a "Polo Shot of the Day." I think it would work, 'cause he is do darn cute! 03.18.09 - 11:39am

Stacy Reeves "Help others, and help will also come your way! " Oh man, thank you SO MUCH for mentioning this and telling this story. So many new photographers got angry or discouraged when they e-mail local pros asking for help or answers or a second shooting position and don't get any responses.. What they don't realize is that most pros get several e-mails like this a DAY! If you want to learn from a photographer, the best way to start is by becoming their friend first. 03.18.09 - 11:29am

Geanette Jasmine..thanks again for your giving nature. Hey...you can't out give God, so I am excited to see how He will bless you! Take care! 03.18.09 - 10:17am

Katie Thank you so much for this post! I absolutely love how you love what you do and share it with others. It's honestly an inspiration. You're so talented...thanks for sharing! 03.18.09 - 10:09am

kate that's so true--help others and then you'll be helped. I took a lot away from that part of this post... thanks so much for posting this! <3 03.18.09 - 10:05am

Chris c. THANKS so much for answering my Q! I truly truly appreciate all your help. You are my 'virtual' mentor and as always, an inspiration! If you are a book, you'll be a BEST SELLER! : ) 03.18.09 - 9:45am

Annie Patrick I, too, suffer from the shorter leg thing. However, I went to a chiropractor and it's now back to normal. I guess one of my hips was high because of some bad habits that I unknowingly formed. Anyway--I can't say this enough, thanks for being genuine and authentic! 03.18.09 - 9:17am

Feuza I luv how you share! and the last part about the mentor must be so true. I have been seeking one, trying to be assistants, offering to work for free and nothing. I know it will happen, when you give you get in return. 03.18.09 - 9:10am

Jasmine* Hollllla! I'm glad to hear this post helped out a bit! :) @Tonni: I wrote about what lenses I use and how I use them on this post: http://jasminestarblog.com/index.cfm?postID=437 . I hope it helps! @Christa: Great question! Yes, I still do things very similarly as I did two years ago. Any changes that have occurred have been updated in my blog as well! :) @Tish: There shall be no burying your head in the sand on this blog!! :) Yes, I was referring to rotating the red dots. I use the red dot closest to the subject's eye. @AshleyRose: The scarf was actually a gift from http://lyralyra.com . Totally contact her as she has all the ins with cute doggy stuff! :) @Missy: I meter for the skin. 03.18.09 - 9:06am

Miz Booshay "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." ~ Einstein Thank you for this wonderful post! I think you are so funny! And wise. 03.18.09 - 8:56am

Stephanie Stewart Count me as at least one person who has been helped by this FAQ post! Thank you!!! I've been experimenting with shooting wide open on manual mode, and I'm liking it. I need tons of practice, but when I do get a good one, I love the results! Thanks again! P.S. Polo, just when I thought you couldn't get more adorable, you throw on your scarf! 03.18.09 - 8:53am

Rick Fernandez Thanks for educating me today.....and most of all for making me laugh with the Art of eating and drumstick replies :) 03.18.09 - 8:44am

Mandy Sroka Yeah for FAQ posts! I really am glad about the question of shooting wide open from Kevin. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. 03.18.09 - 8:42am

Regina Your awesome! I have met some great people online who will extend a helping hand with info for someone like me who is new to this buisness and it does take greatness in someones personallity to open up themselves and knowledge to others. You stated the securing a mentor well. I love how you just help everyone out with thse Q&A's. OMG Polo is about the most adorable pup out there that scarf had me cracking up and then I was like "awe" in the next second. I think your heart and personality are great who cares you have a short leg. lol =) 03.18.09 - 8:04am

amy I love your answer to the question about securing a mentor. That is right on. Great job Jasmine. Thanks again for your FAQ posts, they help tremendously! Keep rockin' it sister! 03.18.09 - 7:48am

mag Thanks for the morning laugh! the good thing is, everyone has a shorter side (shorter arm, shorter leg, one smaller "ya know"...) You are truely wonderful to take time to answer these question and teach the rest of us. 03.18.09 - 7:14am

Christa I was actually going through your old FAQ posts just yesterday and was wondering when you'd be doing your next one, I just love them! Also, the stuff you wrote two years ago, do you still do the same today? Just curious :) 03.18.09 - 6:58am

Kare I love the FAQ posts - always so helpful! I'm going to start asking questions just so I can see my name up in lights, er, bold. :-þ 03.18.09 - 5:30am

michelle cunningham jaz, i love that last note on helping others. the other thing about helping others is you learn in the process as well it seems. it's kinda funny actually that you had this post coz i just thought the same last night and offered some lightroom help on [b] school. 03.18.09 - 1:21am

Jewelielyn ok. i am not a photographer. well, i mean, i take pictures with my canon point and shoot camera, but no one is logging online to see my latest images! so, i didn't understand much of what you said in your blog today (except the part about eating into oblivion--i am familiar with that!) but i loved it anyway! there is always so much personality and honesty in what you write, and i look forward to every one of your blogs! 03.17.09 - 11:03pm

Melissa Thank you so much for this FAQ post.. this I take as a Great Mentor.. thank you for taking your time and aswering these questions. I L.O.V.E Polo & his Brown Scarf.. such a Diva =) 03.17.09 - 10:27pm

tish Can you please elaborate on "rotate my focus points?" I'm not a photographer and just have the center red dot (to be very technical about it) as my auto focus point. Do you mean that you use all of the red dots? Now I will go bury my head in the sand, thankyouverymuch! 03.17.09 - 9:08pm

Rene Skrodzki Great post, good thing someone writes these as is appreciated for them. I have started hearing from potential clients that they don't care what we write on our blogs and would just prefer images and prices. Must be nice to live someplace where what you do is appreciated. 03.17.09 - 9:08pm

brittney hale Thank you so much--- If I can take just one tidbit of your information and put it to good use, I will be delighted! Focus problems seem to be what haunts me most so thanks for touching on that subject!! 03.17.09 - 8:40pm

Ashley "That'll be all"! LOL! You never cease to help me learn more and make me laugh at the same time. You're fabulous. That's all. 03.17.09 - 8:16pm

rebekah girl, you ROCK! thanks for always being so willing to share your knowledge, experience and those super cute shots of polo! :) 03.17.09 - 7:54pm

Jess My gosh is that a dog scarf?! Hilarious! It's so cute though. Thanks so much for the tips, your attitude about sharing and teaching is really inspirational. I bet the good karma is piling up on you ;-) 03.17.09 - 7:20pm

Ashley Rose As always Jasmine =) thanks for being soooo helpful!!! And I must have that scarf!!! Where did you get it? Mr. Bubbles needs one =) 03.17.09 - 7:15pm

jess@studio3z eyes, eyes, focusshoot....focusshoot....focusshoot....Haaaaa!! I can picture you doing this...and it reminds me of myself to a T. :) 03.17.09 - 7:03pm

Leah Godfredson Thanks so much for the FAQ's-always my favorite posts! And I totaly commisserate with you on the short leg thing-I have one nostril hole that is WAY bigger than the other. I thank my lucky stars that it is only noticeable when viewed straight on-thus I avoid looking down my nose at anyone! 03.17.09 - 6:23pm

Ami @ Elizabeth Anne Designs do i only comment on the polo posts? perhaps i do. but he is SO dashing and debonair in his scarf! 03.17.09 - 6:09pm

Kate Callahan Thanks for sharing : ) As for your short leg ... I just have to say ... mine used to be too. But, they're even now and my back pain is all gone thanks to Egoscue therapy. It ROCKS! egoscue.com 03.17.09 - 6:05pm

Elaine Thanks for taking time to do this. It really helps...ALOT!! :) Love Polo's photo. The brown in that scarf really bring out the colours in his eyes! He's got excellent fashion sense. 03.17.09 - 5:56pm

Leigh So, my follow up to your answer to Michele's question...What can I do for you?? LOL. Seriously..love your spirt of kindness and your humor. 03.17.09 - 5:48pm

Jamie Sheasby Jasmine, I sympathize w/ your abnormalness. I too am short w/ one leg longer than the other and a freckled face. It's nice to know I am not alone :) 03.17.09 - 5:45pm

tonni.g Hi! Thanks for your FAQs! Gotta question... shooting my first ever wedding this summer, and definitely need to rent some equipment. I've got a 50mm 1.8 lens... what other lens would you recommend for rental, and what sort of lighting equipment might I need for reception stuff? Thanks! 03.17.09 - 5:39pm

diane (www.sagephoto.com) Hey Jaz, love the questions and answers portion of your blog...please keep them coming....it's great to grow and learn and we can all learn something from everyone we meet. Love it. Tks for posting! 03.17.09 - 5:31pm

Missy Thank you so much J. You are so sweet to share! One additional question on the backlit images that I adore so much - when you say "meter precisely" are you metering for skin, gray card, or something else? Thanks, and give Polo a little hug...he's so cute :-) 03.17.09 - 5:30pm

Megan I love Polo pics! And you know what's crazy? I never thought of practicing on my pez collection...hhmm great idea! :)THANKS so much for the discount on showit web!! 03.17.09 - 5:18pm

Marissa Rodriguez Thank you so much for these posts! And Polo is just too cute! I LOVE his scarf! oh and to Tomislav kovacicek, I think SOOC means "straight out of the camera." I just figured that out not too long ago :) 03.17.09 - 5:08pm

Kayleen T. I love freckles! My brother has them and I missed out in the gene pool! Oh and my husband found out one of his legs is shorter than the other too! And he thought his back pain was from his flat feet but nope it's because of his shorter leg! lol! 03.17.09 - 4:47pm

Becka Knight (Studio222 Photography) I completely agree. Helping others is the number one way to success. It's become our mantra. :) 03.17.09 - 4:43pm

Tomislav kovacicek What is SOOC (from 1st question)? And, Jasmine, any chance you will be having any classes in Europe in 2009? GB 03.17.09 - 4:41pm

Fishgirl Hello Jasmine, when my PE teacher told that I had a leg larger than the other (My right leg is larger) I measure myself, I was so traumatized for awhile and even thinking on asking for a handicapped tag… so don’t worry you are not alone, and I also thank my hubby because still there with me the most far from being perfect wife.. Have a nice day!! 03.17.09 - 4:40pm

Tira J Oh how I love you J*. You will be happy to know that my last portrait session was shot 95% wide open. Buttah, shaaarrrrppp, and wowzers! And I am loving my SOOC images. Thank you soooo much! See, I learned! Gotta go get my self a drumstick now. 03.17.09 - 4:38pm

Paula Herko Jasmine... thank you so much for sharing with the crew! :) It truly is because of your heart for people that I took the "dive" into the industry. 03.17.09 - 4:35pm

Adam J*. Thanks again for opening the little black box that is photography! It's folks like you that keep folks like me thinking "I could do that!" (Even if my learning curve looks more like a straight line). Hope you had a good walk with Polo. Keep it real! 03.17.09 - 4:25pm