The WORKSHOP : August 2013

As a kid, I dreamed of going to sleep away camp. In my imagination, camp rested up there with Santa, Lisa Frank unicorns, and bottomless cake. You know, the stuff you want to believe, but just can't for fear of being deceived. To pack my bags and live in a cabin with nine other girls for an entire summer seemed simultaneously brave and downright stupid.

And I so wanted in on the action.

I never got my chance to go, but years later, I think I have an idea of what I missed. Last week, I had the honor and privilege of spending the day with 20 amazing photographers. They signed up to attend theWORKSHOP and they traveled to Orange County for a photography workshop that focuses on how to build a brand. I was completely blown away by this group of people and I didn't want the night to end…I've made new friends and I'm excited to be a part of the wedding industry with them in it!

theWORKSHOP is broken into eight sections about brand building as a photographer and I also host a shoot so we can learn how to shoot for our brand. We work in harsh lighting conditions to showcase how to leverage the sun in a complimentary way, but I have the say our models could make any environment downright pretty…

Erin looked gorgeous and I'm happy to have had Beauty by Melina on hand for hair and makeup…

Just look at that bouquet! The succulents gave such a richness and depth to the bouquet and the colors were just stunning! many thanks to my amazing friend and florist, Krista Jon for creating such a stunner…and for providing the tandem bike from Archive Rentals! So much fun…

Note to self: don't wear this shirt again…you resemble Quasimodo's cousin.

“To say her workshop was one of the best investments I've made would be an absolute understatement. Jasmine spoke to us with such honesty, with an open heart and we got down and dirty and I learned so much from just one day with her.”Tami Melissa's blog post

“Let's just say theWORKSHOP was real and honest. Admittedly, there was a lot that she spoke about that I already practiced – but to me, it was validation that we are for sure on the right track with our plan for our business, and all the exciting changes we have coming up. Jasmine took time to sit down with each of us workshoppers individually, and really help us figure out how we can improve as a photographer and business person.”Ashley Durham's blog post

theWORKSHOP was better than Christmas. We talked shop, heard stories…and then, we photographed. Truly though, the day was filled with “aha” moments, laughter, and cookies. And priceless photos… Obvs.”Kelly Sarah's blog post

“It was amazing. Life affirming. Life changing. So glad I did it.”Hazey Lane Studio's blog post

Part of the shoot was me offering directions on what I'm looking for, how to manipulate light, and how to move clients into the pose I want…later throughout the shoot, students worked with the models and we challenged each other to shoot with intention and desire…

Many, many thanks to our lovely models, Grant and Erin Muller, who made the day nothing short of amazing…

I'm VERY excited to announce the next Workshop will be on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 here in Orange County and I'd love to see you there! For more information and registration, you can visit JasmineStarWorkshop.com!

It was like 873-degrees during the shoot…it was an especially bright afternoon, but this crew made everything come to life in no better way than I could have imagined…Erin, Grant, and Melina…THANK YOU!

Like always, I end each Workshop post with my favorite picture of the day. This group of amazing photographers melted my heart. Ten times over. They were kind, considerate, and inordinately supportive of not just what I do, but who I am. I'm honored to call them peers. My favorite memory of the day was during dinner and they started clinking their glasses, the way it's done at weddings. I'd just proposed a toast to their success, but they wouldn't drink until their clinking requests were satisfied. JD and I kissed at the dinner table and though I was beet red with embarrassment, it made me feel incredibly loved. For all this and more, I'm happy to call them friends.

If you'd like to join me for the next J* WORKSHOP, be sure to register and you'll be notified no later than tomorrow if you've secured a seat! Hope to see you soon!