The Shutter Sisters Six Featuring Jasmine Star

We are giddy to have wedding photographer extraordinaire Jasmine Star kick off a brand new feature here! We’re calling it The Shutter Sisters Six and—as the title suggests—we are asking some wildly successful professional photographers Six questions we’re dying to know. Actually there are Eight questions but participants only have to pick their favorite Six to answer.

Without further adieu, we offer you Jasmine’s insights into what makes her click!

What's the story behind this photo?

The bride and groom were walking in Downtown and seemingly out of no where their bridal party appeared across the street. A cacophony of hoots and hollers traveled our way, and this was Blake and Brittany’s reaction to the love and support they received on their wedding day! I love moments like this!

What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?

Yes! And this spark comes in the form of two words: David Jay. As I planned my wedding, I knew I wanted fabulous wedding photos, but I just couldn’t find the right photographer for my personality and style. Then I found David’s site...and my life changed. Seriously. I feel in love with photos on a whole new level and when he agreed to be my wedding photographer, I did a happy jig in the streets. And, trust me...my happy jig is quite a sight to see!

What's your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy?

My philosophy is to Have Fun and Be Fabulous! This pertains to both my personal and business life, and I truly believe my clients have embraced it wholeheartedly. I mean, who DOESN’T want to have fun and be fabulous?! ;)

Where do you look for inspiration?

The sky. The ocean. W and Vogue Magazine. Renaissance art. The elderly couple walking in the park. The sun. Blender Magazine. Architecture. The fabric store. Window displays. An art gallery. Light.

Inspiration is everywhere and I believe it’s my job to create a quilt of what I see, I touch, and I feel for which to drape my clients. A patchwork, if you will, of my mind’s eye to document their love for eternity.

What aspect of your photography are you constantly working on, trying to improve?

One of the defining aspects of my business early on was my ability to put a person at ease in front of my camera. I now realize it’s a true gift and skill I’m constantly trying to hone. I love for my subjects to appear in their natural form and I’m always working on extracting the soul of the person in front of my lens.

Are there women out there that you consider your shutter sisters? Who, and why?

I have to admit I have an unhealthy obsession with Amy Wenzel. She’s become more than an industry peer; she’s become a true friend. We met in the craziness of Blogland, and have since become two girls who just kinda get each other. Amy is quirky, random, funny, idiosyncratic, and absolutely passionate about her art. Which makes her just as cool as neon velcro in my book!

You can enjoy the photography of Jasmine Star via her stunning website and on her blog. Be sure to check out the workshops she offers too! Awesome!

Birds of a Feather

I believe we are all born with wings. But it seems as we grow up, we forget how to use them. And so we tuck them away, often to nearly invisible as we navigate the day to day from the earth, our feet leading us step by step along our path. But, there comes a time in our life, when we heed the whispers of our souls, follow our hearts desires, live our lives guided by our passion, our creativity, our courage when we feel our wings begin to unfurl, no longer able to remain hidden, denied.

We look around and begin to notice we are not alone. There are others among us whose feathers are revealing themselves as well. We can’t help but recognize one another. Ah ha, my sister. I see you. And then without effort, almost unknowingly, not unlike an instinct, we flock together. We feel it in our bones; the unspoken security and safety in numbers.

Our wings become visible, useful, necessary as we need more than our legs to carry us. Our wings enable us to reach the highest highs of our potential, to glide on the wind that has been given to us, to come in and land steady and sure on our two feet, touching down on the earth, keeping us grounded. But only as long as we need it and then, it’s back up again in effortless soaring. Together we fly up and down, in and out, weaving our beauty through the sky in an intricate quilt of love. Of goodness. Of sisterhood.

 Share your thoughts on soaring. When all things are possible, what do you see? Have you captured images from your bird’s eye view?

 

 The amazing Kelly Rae Roberts has offered a copy of her latest book of pure inspiration Taking Flight as our giveaway today. Leave your comment her to be included.

 Congrats to Shalet of Peculiar Momma. She is the winner of lovely Friends association bracelet.

Another round of winners

(Drumroll please) 

 Kal Barteski’s Love Life Book goes to Karyn

 JodyAngel won the Chookooloonks 8X10 print.

 The winner of the Lensbaby is Lu of Art Slam

 Jeana Marie won the painting by Steve Geddes and the notecards by Paige Balcer

 The sneaky Spy Lens from Photo Jojo goes to Jag

 The winner of the HP Compact Printer is Claudia

 Aimee / Greeblemonkey’s cool calendar goes to Vanessa

 and Jen gets the print from Traci of Bliss

Hooray for all of you!!

Congratulations are in order

Just catching up...

Congratulations to the five winners of the Zazzle cards –

Stephanie at Time Slides By, Christina of Momology, Kristin of MaineMomma, Shawna of Bella Luna and Buttercup Yaya.

And also to Kate at Little House Monday for winning the Nina and Tom certificate and last but not least Jen/Beebee Mod for winning that last of our America at Home books.

Enjoy!

creature comforts

Through the years I have collected things here and there that make me feel happy inside. Little gifts from Mother Nature, significant bangles, handmade treasures and other various objects of affection surround me in my day to day life and serve as little reminders. My Superhero beads remind me of my power. My ‘relax’ candle gently beckons me to be still and breathe. My heart collection reminds me of how much love I have in my life. I could go on and on.

 Some of these items have been gifts given to me by exceptional people in my life, some are found objects while others are special purchases I have made for myself with because, darn it, I am worth it. There is something really exhilarating about buying something for yourself. Something that isn’t practical, or really needed. Something that makes you happy just because.

A few years ago I discovered Amy Ruppel. I don’t remember how I found her but ever since I stumbled upon her online home, I have had a love-affair with her artwork. It began by buying myself one of her delightful bird paintings –I picked one out for myself on an online sale she hosted. And then I was lucky enough to receive one as a gift from a dear friend. Then came a third (I had to get one for my 40^th birthday). And just recently I treated myself to a pair of her newest, smallest offerings. That brings my total to 5 Amy Birds (the term of endearment my kids and I have given them).

I cherish my collection in a way that is indescribable. Each sweet bird sings to me of simple pleasures and joy reminding me that I deserve a little extra sometimes. Embracing that truth has been not only empowering but comforting as well. My birds share songs with me about the beauty in my life; about being grateful and content, about being curious and courageous and about remembering to fly.

Do you surround yourself with the magic reminders that make your heart sing? We’d love to hear about them.

We are fortunate enough to have Amy Ruppel giving away one of her lovely little works of art today in keeping with A Giveaway a Day here at Shutter Sisters. Thank you so much Amy! Just leave a comment here and you’ll be included in the random drawing. Good luck!

Congrats to the winner of yesterday's Flash Bulb necklace giveaway Lilia (aka Pumpkinoodle) at Babymoon Photography who commented "Oh, dreamy hooray!". Well said.