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Shoot Q Grant
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T oday, I felt overwhelmed. So overwhelmed, in fact, in left the house in a huff. You know, steps on the verge of stomps...sighing too loudly...blinking in rapid succession. A huff. I was so busy with myself, I forgot about how my energy affected those around me. Early this morning, I quickly kissed JD on the forehead, rubbed Polo's belly, and darted out the door.
Plug cell phone in, bump the music, tie my shoelaces, stop a red light. I sigh. Too loudly. Then I see him. The elderly gentleman in a wheelchair hunched over waiting for the bus. He was alone. Dependent on the bus, his chair, his slouch. And I? I was dependent on myself. And there was the problem. I was so focused on ME, I couldn't see that the things I cared for mattered little. I complained of stress?!? Try waiting for the public bus on a hot day, in a wheelchair. I called JD in tears. I apologized. For the stomping, the sighs, and caring for inconsequent things. For caring only for myself, and not those around me. I'm so sorry. I'm happy to know there are so many people in the world who are better than me. Both literally, and with their cameras. And the Shoot Q Grant rewards such people. People who document the world in order to make change. As described on the Shoot Q Grant website, ShootQ Grant is a $10,000 grant given to a photographer to fund a project that raises public awareness about an important social, environmental or economic issue. |
| I'm fortunate to be one of the judges who chooses the recipient of the grant. I want to take the time to encourage readers to check out the site and if you're a qualified candidate, please apply. It's people like you who make the world better, and who make me believe change--even if it's just one huff at a time--is possible. |
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FAQ : Reader Questions, V
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Y esterday I received an email from a blog reader and it broke my heart. But this isn't the first time I've hurt someone's feelings...I try not to, but it just happens. As much as I want to, I cannot personally respond to every email I receive. Well, because, it isn't humanly possible...even if I sat all day and responded to email, I STILL couldn't respond to them all. For this, I'm sorry.
I try to use these FAQ Posts as a way to connect to my readers' questions and hope they help others in the process. To those of you who I've hurt for lack of personal response, I'll try to make it up to you somehow! ;) Angela asked: My question is how much do you actually use flash/strobes and do you use it off camera? On camera? Does JD help with moving your lights around? What sort of lighting do you use? Your pictures never look flashy - even the night time reception ones and I'd love some insight into how you acheive this look. I don't use flash at all during the day. I bring out my flash for the reception once the sun has set, and I also set up an off-camera light. I blogged about my off-camera lighting a while ago, so definitely check that post out as I think it may answer more of your questions. I have a flash set up on my camera, as well as an off-camera flash I fire with my every-trusty Pocket Wizards...love those babies! Once I set up the off-camera flash, I don't move it the rest of the night. And, really, I think JD might kill me if his main job was to follow me all night with flash! :) Jayme asked: I love how almost all your shots look like you never use flash, I hate flash and struggle to get that look. Are you using flash or a high ISO? If the high ISO, I am curious the most with which camera you are using and your usual ISO setting. :) Like I mentioned before, I don't use flash during the day. I know there are a ton of amazing photographers who do, but it's just not my cup of tea. I prefer using only natural light...but this means I have to work harder finding spots that will allow me to do what I want to do. But I'm okay with that. I definitely shy away from using high iso, and prefer to manipulate my shutter speed instead. I like keeping my photos as noise-free as possible, so low ISO definitely helps. I'm always in search of natural light reflectors and naturally diffused light...I like to think that God designed the perfect outdoor studio...I just have to figure out ways to use it! :) Chris asked: How do you decide when to use flash and not to use flash? I see the ones outside (the majority) are without flash which I understand ( minus the fact that I do that sometimes and get raccoon eyes ) – but inside? No flash? This is a somewhat complicated answer because every situation is different. I definitely don't have a hard and fast rule, but I can say that I haven't used flash indoors (outside of the reception) in my last 20-25 weddings. I prefer to shoot wide open and use ambient light for prep photos and always try to position myself to catch the most favorable light. I asked JD to do the same thing when he shoots the groom because I think this style of shooting yields prettier images, and are much more realistic to the moment. Michael asked: Can you show more processing tips using Kubota actions? I recently bought them, but I don't know where to start. I really like your photos, but I don't know how to make mine look as good as yours. The best thing about Kubota actions is that you can--and should--use them to define your style. It's awesome to look to other photographers as inspiration, but always keep in mind Photoshop actions should only be used to enhance a photo...a photo that belongs to you! :) The best way to best understand Kubota actions is to play with them and see what actions do what. I love mixing actions so they don't look like I simply clicked a button and made it into something that looks like thousands of other photos. If you'd like to see more Photoshop processing using Kubota actions, click here to see my last blog post. For today, here are a few photos with the Kubota actions listed accordingly... Saturation -68% Channel Mixer 70/20/10 Contrast +3 Magic Sharp |
| Daily Multivitamin 35%
Too Warm Daylight Tungsten 1 17% Magic Sharp |
| Mocha B&W 9%
Radiant People 42% Magic Sharp |
| Fuji Snappit 43%
Magic Sharp |
| KevX Process Combo 17%
Magic Sharp |
| Saturation -75%
Channel Mixer 45/32/32 Contrast +4 Magic Sharp |
| I use Kubota's Artistic Tools the most, and always use Kubota Production Tools to finish off my images with Magic Sharp.
I often get asked if I Photoshop every single wedding image and the answer is no. It's literally impossible! :) My editing is done through Lightroom and love the end result. If you're overwhelmed with the editing process, I definitely recommend checking out Photographer's Edit to help you. Nathan Holritz and his team are fabulous and they're always finding new ways to help people...definitely check them out! :) He also extended a 20% discount on your first order when you use jstar as the promo code, so I hope this will help a few people! Happy Wednesday! |
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Amanda and Justin : Wedding
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T heir love is the quiet kind. The soft, unadulterated kind. Like the breeze on a summer day, or the feeling of clean sheets after a long vacation. Amanda and Justin met in high school, and their love reflects the calm and assured sense of self and each other. They communicate in hushed tones and with body language all their own, but invite others to share in joy with a simple, coy smile.
The morning was bright and the sun shone proudly during their wedding. Justin and Amanda surrounded themselves with their closest family and friends, but as Amanda walked down the aisle to see her husband for the first time, everyone felt their bond grow even stronger. Quietly, softly, unadulterated. Amanda and Justin...I hope you're enjoying your honeymoon! Amanda, I'm sure you're bumpin' the Beyonce tunes as you both make your way up north...and Justin, I'm sure you're wishing otherwise! ;) Thank you for inviting JD and I to document your wedding day and sharing your lives with us. I wish you only the best and many years of watching The Office together. That's what she said. Much Love and Appreciation...J* |
| Special thanks to Debbie and Alicia of Flowers Etc for their floral creations... |
| Work it out, Amanda! |
| JD caught this photo as Amanda walked down the aisle with her father... |
| THIS is the way every groom should look at his bride on their wedding day! :) |
| JD caught this photo as they walked down the aisle as husband and wife...woohoo! |
| JD caught Amanda and Justin looking all modelish...luckyyyy.... |
| Gotta love some reception details.... |
| First Dance |
| To see more of their wedding, CLICK HERE for a slideshow! |
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Ask JD : Answers
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W hoa. So last week, when I asked for people to submit questions they wanted JD to answer, I didn't expect such a great response. Silly me. Oh, Internet, you're CLEARLY here to read about JD and not see pictures...obviously! :) I'll keep this intro short because JD answered a ton of questions over the weekend (it looked like he was doing homework yesterday!), but I have to admit I wanted to jump in and change things and make them less honest. Because honesty, well, sometimes honesty is a little too revealing. Then JD reminded me I preach to K.I.R. all the time, so that's what this is...a door inside our lives.
Ooooh, okay, so before we get to JD, here's a photo...because blog posts are always better with a photo! We jumped into the photobooth at our wedding last Saturday and had a little fun... |
| Now, here's my better half, the ever-fab JD...
If you could change one thing about Jasmine, what would it be??? I wish Jasmine wasn't a vegetarian. Sometimes I get tired of tofu...and all the other healthy stuff she eats. Soy bacon...soy chicken...soy hamburger patties...tons of vegetables. Sometimes I just wish she'd BBQ up some old fashion steaks and that's all we'd eat for dinner. Well, steaks and a potato. She'd die before she'd ever eat that! JD, what's your passion besides Jasmine and Polo? I've been thinking about this question for a while now and I hope my answer doesn't sound cliche. I'm passionate about helping people. I gain no greater satisfaction than knowing I was a small piece of helping someone achieve everything they dream of. Where do you see your lives in five years? Five years ago, I would never imagine the business being where it is today. Well, I guess because we didn't have a business back then! From the moment Jasmine voiced she wanted to be a wedding photographer, I always knew that she would do well, but her growth is far beyond my idea of doing "well". In five years, Jaz and I will start preparing for a family. Although we're both business driven, I'm excited to have a child, travel the world, and pursue our dreams of running successful businesses. JD, does Jasmine dress you or are you really just naturally saavy with fashion? :) I have to admit it's a little of both. I'm the type of guy who'll go shopping and return with a few outfits that look like Punky Brewster designed them. Jasmine definitely helps fine-tune my wardrobe malfunctions! At what point did you realize that Jasmine's dream was going to become much more than a reality?? And if her/your success has far exceeded your expectations??? I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't dream this big. In two years, our lives are so vastly different than we ever imagined. It's taught me a valuable lesson: Hope Big, Dream BIGGER. How do you handle "working for the wife"? We consider ourselves partners in our business, but at the end of the day, I (the wife) am the creative leader. Sometimes, it leads to a bit of frustration if we have different vision for different shoots. Do you have to bite your tongue very often? No, not at all. Firstly, I love being a part of the JStar team, but I've never wanted to take ownership in the creative part of the business. Jasmine is the lead photographer, the visionary, the left-brain...and my goal is to make sure everything else is as close to perfect as I can make things. Yes, there are days when we disagree (and the synergy we have now has only come with time) but it's important for a couple to know their roles. Jaz and I are business partners, but it's HER name and brand WE are building. I'm in total support of this, and something I've always wanted to be good at doing. What nationality are you JD ? I'm American, but my ethnicity is Mexican and Chinese. Do you help out on the business plan for J. Star? Can you tell me exactly what your role is for helping her be successful so that I can squeeze a little more help outta my man :) .... or does she do it ALLLLL on her own. Jasmine is my best friend, and I'm her sounding board. I wake up to questions from Jasmine that range from whether she should cut bangs, buy a distressed home as investment, whether she should host a workshop, to whether she should book another wedding. The questions are endless. I'm not lying...she has so many questions that the world can't contain all the answers! Jasmine is successful all on her own. My role is to be supportive, a sounding board, and to help her push her limits. What's your favorite lens? I like shooting with the 85mm, 1.8. I feel like I'm really close to what's going on and caught up in the moment. I really like that. JD, honest, do you miss your mum's cooking? :) To be honest, I miss home cooking in general! It's one of the downfalls of owning a business...we eat out a lot! Jasmine jokes they only thing she's good at making is Reservations, but it's nice because we're close to our families, so our mothers often hook us up with dinners! How did you get get so good, did Jasmine give you some lessons or did you just shoot, shoot and shoot some more? Ha! Jasmine comes from the School of Hard Knocks and believes you just sink or swim according to how badly you want something...I feel badly for our future child! After assisting Jasmine on her first wedding, she mandated that I shoot exclusively in Manual mode, fully understand metering, and nail exposure...all the time. She expected perfection from me because that's what she expects all the time...and if I wasn't up for the challenge, she'd throw darts at me with her eyes! In all fairness, she taught me everything she knew and would tell me her camera settings when I first started shooting with her at weddings. Jasmine knew the more she invested in me, the better off we'd be as a team later. She's kind of smart. What's your real name? Me llamo Jesus DeLaTorre! Pronounced Heh-Seus, not Jee-Zus. JD is an abbreviation of my first and last name. However, these days, people in the industry seem to know me as JD Star...I never thought I'd marry into my wife's middle name! JD, what single thing impresses you about Jasmine the most, (and no you can't say her husband) I mean photography wise? I know she's not the best photographer in the world, and there's a ton of other artistic, awe-inspiring photographers, but, darn, the way she composes her shots (mixed with the way she interacts with her clients) makes me just fall in love with her. I think she's kind of amazing. I love seeing photos through her eyes and I'm challenged to raise to the bar she's set so high. JD, does it make you cringe when Jasmine wants to buy new lenses? In the beginning, I practically forced her to buy new lenses. Jasmine was so afraid of failing that she didn't want to spend our money. It was like she was a terrified of it. Now that she's built up our arsenal, however, I sort of cringe when she tells me she needs more lenses...I think I might have spoiled her! I see that you shoot with Jasmine, are you officially her photography assistant/backup photographer? If so, have you always liked photography or was that something that Jasmine got you to fall in love with? Yes, I am Jasmine's permanent second shooter and she's still making me fall in love with photography. Before we started shooting together, I had never picked up a digital camera, but we both loved the art of photography. We'd go to photography exhibits and shows, but I never dreamed it'd be something we did together. JD, what is the most important piece of advice would you give to the spouse of a budding wedding/portrait photographer, based on your personal experience? Be supportive, at all costs. You're the vital piece of your spouse's success, so take that honor and know the future is bright. |
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Bianca : Anytime
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L et's face it...there are plenty of nice people in the world. And this makes me happy. But the true mark of an even better person is someone who has a good heart. A heart that bleeds genuine care, love, and peace to those around them. A heart that makes the world a better place and envelopes people with joy and warmth. And it's the type of heart I don't have...BECAUSE MY TWIN SISTER STOLE IT FROM ME. At birth.
I've mentioned it before on my blog, but Bianca is annoyingly perfect. She feeds orphans in Mexico, volunteers at the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles, is the youth group leader at church...and is setting her sights on curing world famine, global warming, and ensuring the Lakers make the NBA Finals. All by tomorrow. If I didn't love her so much, I'd definitely hate her from sheer jealousy! ;) Bianca is a motivational and inspirational speaker and is launching her new website soon, so she asked for photos. From her not-so-nice twin sister. I said NO a billion times due to conflicts of interest (umm, like, I needed to wash my hair), but when our birthdays rolled around, that's all she wanted from me. A photoshoot. I started searching for photoshoot locations because I wanted to spice things up, professionally speaking that is. I searched for a studios in Los Angeles and came across Out Of Frame LA, and knew it was perfect for me. It was a natural light photo studio in Hollywood (and accommodates rentals and stages as well!), but I was nervous because I've never shot in a studio before. That's where Robin Manno came in. She handles the Out of Frame booking and she was a total dream to work with! None of that LA stuffy, pretentious, we're-cooler-than-you vibe...just great people who want to help in any way they can. On our way to the shoot, I told Bianca was nervous for the shoot. But don't worry, I said, I'll give you a full refund if I totally suck! When I arrived to the studio, Robin surprised me with the best rental I could've asked for!!! A Profoto 7b light set up with an extra large softbox.....WHAAAAAAAAAT?! She told me she saw my I'm-so-nervous Facebook status and wanted to help me out. Clearly, both Bianca and Robin have good hearts. And while I may not have been born with one, I'm smart enough to surround myself with people who do....I feel so blessed to have these people in my life! Here are a few of my favorites... |
| And in case anyone is wondering...I was the twin who wore cowboy boots first! SHE SO COPIED ME. ;) |
| The best part of my sister is that she always thinks I'm funny. |
| I grabbed a few props from my home and I called my parents for a few things as well and I love the way this shot turned out...thanks Mom and Dad! :) |
| A very BIG thank you goes to Vivian Tran of All Made Up for a fabulous job with hair and makeup! :) |
| I'll end with this photo because it's just SO my sister. She's a total book worm and buys vintage books from libraries...here she is with a stack of her favs... |
| Happy Friday!
**ANNOUNCEMENT** I'll be announcing my next workshop VERY soon, so to be the first know, be sure to Sign Up For the J* Newsletter!! |
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| © 2013 Jasmine Star Photography | Blog by infinet design |
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