The One about Lunch with Jasmine Star

I had the amazing opportunity to have lunch with one of my favorite photographers this past week, Jasmine Star. Not only is her work amazing, but she is such an inspiring person! She is always so real and down-to-earth on her blog, that I felt a little like I already knew her before I met her. There's not many people that you can say that about.

Plus, I felt like it was such an incredible blessing to be able to meet the photographer that has inspired me to get into my own work more seriously. It made seem a bit naive to think that ONE person that I only know through a blog could do that, but ever since I started following her blog last year, it has continued to inspire me more and more on a daily basis. Even more so than any other photographer's blog that I read (and I read A LOT. And just so you know, Google Reader stops counting the number of blogs after you have 1000 reads you haven't read because it says "1000+" Don't ask me how I know...)

Those that follow J* know that she is incredibly humble and modest and after meeting her in person, I have say that it's all true! She was incredibly gracious and gave everyone great tips. I found it amusing that she ended sitting in the "Pope chair" at our table. Serena Grace got some funny shots of her in the chair.



Hilarious!

God works in such mysterious ways and I continually find myself amazed at what a detailed, intimate planner He is. Many of the people at the lunch, I learned, were also sisters and brothers in Christ. What a blessing that He brought some of us together. I'm looking forward to keeping in touch with them online. One of things that God has done a LOT of in the past month for me has been giving me opportunities to network with other photographers. And not only just that, but Christian photographers. Amazing.

Plus, it was also God's working that everyone that came to the lunch was JUST starting out in their own photography endeavors. How awesome is that?

I had an amazing time and am thankful for this opportunity to meet someone that inspires me so much. It's going to be interesting to see how He continues to work through me this year and I'm hoping that next year, when I look back at what transpired over 2007... that I'll look back with even more amazement at how far I've come and grown as a photographer.



On a sidenote: Does anyone know how to upload photos onto blogger without it losing so much of its quality? It uploads so small and then when I make it bigger, it's all pixelated. I'll try it with flickr.

UPDATE: Okay I figured it out. :) Not as intuitive as I thought, but it's actually pretty cool. I think I might enjoy flickr!

The One where "I thought the moon looked weird tonight..."

lunar eclipse across sky - timelapse
Originally uploaded by Rygood

I just read on CameraPorn.net (one of the photographers I met on the La Jolla photowalk two weeks ago) that there was a lunar eclipse earlier tonight.

I thought I was just a little crazy (or unobservant) because on my way to my weekly women's bible study ("Sisters") tonight, I did think to myself when I looked at the moon that it looked a little odd. Like it looked like a crescent but a little more like the top of a mushroom. I just thought to myself, "Hey, the moon looks weird... hmm... Oh Jasmine, you probably just don't pay enough attention to the moon. It's SUPPOSED to look like that. Oh and start paying attention to road instead of the moon. You're driving."

Such a dork.

At least now I know I'm not a completely ignorant moon observer. And maybe I should trust my instincts a little more.

The One Wishing You a Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm currently waiting for Adam to get out of class so we can go out on our date...

I'm absolutely horrible with surprising Adam. I usually want to just tell him and blurt it out. So I'm a little anxious at the moment. I made him a gift and I can't wait to give it to him!!! I can't even count the number of times I've almost given away a surprise. It's sad, really.

I was going through the photos my Mom took of our Bride's Cookie Day and found this one.

My parents, Adam and I in December. A whole lotta red goin' on in this photo!

We're going up to visit my parents for a day (and to eat yummy CHINESE food!) this long weekend. I haven't seen them since Christmas. I kinda miss my familia... even if they drive me crazy.

Anyhoo...

The hopeless romantic in me just can't help but delight in these little cheesy celebrations like Valentine's Day. When Adam was still in Jordan, I used to despise these days because it just another blantant reminder of how Adam was not here to celebrate with me. I really actually used to have ill will towards these days... now I'm just cherishing the fact that I can go celebrate, but more importantly, spend time with the love of my life.

Now only if Adam can hurry up and get out of class! I'll try to wait to give him his gift when I get into the car... hopefully I won't just shove it into his face when he comes over.

Here's wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!

The One with the Bridal Party Cards

Back in the fall, I made cards for my bridal party to formally "invite" them to be a part of our wedding. I initially wanted to do this to ask them, but I had the rare opportunity to see each of them before September so I ended up asking each of them in person. I did end up making the cards though. It was a fun diy (do-it-yourself) project.


Some of the supplies.


And the finished product!


All the cards I made, including one for Kevin, my "brides-man"


A close-up of Kevin's card.


I'm so excited to have Jackie, Vaness, Lauren, Amanda and Kevin in our wedding!

The One where the Giants Win the Super Bowl

What a game!

I really wanted the Giants to win, not because I'm a big fan of them, but because I didn't want the Patriots (or Tom Brady mostly) to win.

WOO HOO!

An a-maz-ing game!!! What a great win for the Giants!

(Too bad the Chargers weren't there, but there's always next year.)

image source: Getty images

Diary of a Washed Up Rock Star Wedding Photographer - Episode 1

I came across this while blog-surfing today. One of the many photographers I follow is Joe Photo. His work is amazing, but as a person, he's even more awesome. I often find his blogs inspirational and it's great to see what God has been doing in his life. Seems like a great guy that would be interesting to talk to.

Here is some info for you photographers out there interested in attending the WPPI 2009 (originally posted on Joe Photo's blog):

Spread the Love and Gain Free Admission to WPPI 2009

WPPI has come up with an incredible offer to those of you willing to share this hilarious series. Anyone who posts this or episode 2 on their blog or website will gain free admission to WPPI 2009. No, that’s not a typo. You’ll gain FREE admission to next year’s convention and tradeshow. And it’s going to be the biggest one ever. It will be the first year WPPI will be at the MGM grand. It’s going to be huge!

But wait…there’s more! Whichever posted set of videos (for both episodes 1 and 2) gets the most unique views, that person will get FIVE FREE ADMISSIONS to WPPI 2009. That’s right. You and four of your friends will be able to get into the largest wedding and portrait convention and expo absolutely free of charge.



I've wanted to go to WPPI for awhile now, but seeing as how most of my extra funds this year will be go towards our wedding in July, I won't be attending this year. However, I am super excited to go next year. (Especially for free!) God willing, I'll have much more prepared and off the ground by then. I'm hoping to really build my portfolio this year.

And it's going to be at the MGM Grand. Such fun! Who's down to go with me next year? (I'm calling YOU out Kevin and Amanda!)