Dreams + Aspirations

   In the past month I have been hiding behind my computer for a reason. No, not because I was avoiding you or the blogging. My one and main reason was to keep my mind clear from thinking nothing but one thing – RE-BRANDING.

 
   Past four years I have been known as Imagine Photography By Jasmine. Over these long and challenging years I learn, I developed and I bloomed. I went from not knowing how to handle my camera to running a successful business. The chances of working alongside with other talented photographers made me develop my skills and see the “wedding day” from different prospective. Yes, no wedding was like the other, and that was the key. Each photographer handled the situation differently and each had their own way of interacting. I have been lucky, as I had the chance of seeing and selecting the fine methods out of all.

   So I grew and now it is time to say YES to risk and do the next step up. From now on I shall be known as Jasmine Photography, still fun, simple and fresh.

   I am currently working on my new website and will announce when it is ready for you to have a look and share your opinions. 

With Love

Jasmine
   XO

Happy Valentine's Day

  "Mummy, why do people celebrate Valentine's Day?" - my daughter asked innocently.

  "This is another reason to say that one person about your true LOVE and why they make you feel so special" - I replied.

  "But I don't have a boyfriend?!?!?"

  "Don't you worry, little one. Your time will come too" - I laughed.

  This year Valentin's Day was more like a family day in, filled with love and laughter. We cooked and baked, we had drinks with frinds and shared the fun. The best thing in our home is that we don't wait 'til Valentin's day to say "I Love You". We love each other every day. And surprise gifts are given whenever we want to. And my husband being himself, surprised our daughters and myself with thoughtful gifts. Alas, this time there was no chocolate involved.

   As we danced the perfect day to the end yet again I felt blessed and loved. I am grateful to God for my family and I am thankful for His love.

  

Happy Valentine's

Jasmine

Wedding Photographer | Booking for 2016

   Today I am beyond excited. Today is the the first day for what I have been working hard for all these months. This is the way it will carry on, since I am on track now. I had a long way of reaching it and a harder way of learning it. But I am proud of myself as I laugh on the face of fear of unknown. I have just booked my first 2016 wedding and I couldn't be happier.

  Last year this time I had no bookings or contacts to make things happen, but what I had all the time was my HOPE. And here I am not only nearly booked for the current year, but taking booking for the following year too. 

   This particular bride found me through my blog, which proves that at least she has been reading my blog. To my question why me, she answered that she liked the way I shoot. "Your photos are natural and beautiful". Well, I am glad to hear you like my style. What she still doesn't know is that she will experience more than naturally beautiful photos. There will be so much fun and laughter involved in it as well.


  

   Stay beautiful.

With love

Jasmine

Parklands Quendon Hall | Nathan + Lisa

   End of last year I had the absolute pleasure of documenting the wedding of Nathan and Lisa with lovely Kate Towers. The love birds got married on 16th October in Quendon Park Hotel in Essex. Surrounded by deer in 100 acres of land and beautiful warm autumn weather, this venue was the perfect and one of the most picturesque places to get married.

                     

   The morning of the wedding started quite nervous for Lisa, but her support team was great - mum, sisters and friends and even the flower girl was there by her side. Flower girl was being extremely helpful - sharing the attention of the bridal party with the bride herself. I mean, she had reasons to behave so: 

• cute
• smiley
• super photogenic

         

    

     The entire bridal party of juniors, that joined her later were all like that. 

   On the other hand, Groom was cool. His Best Man and himself got ready way before the guests started to arrive. When I met Nathan I could tell, that he couldn't wait to meet his bride.

  
    After the beautiful ceremony we left the guests to enjoy their drinks and we headed for Nathan's and Lisa's first portrait shoot as husband and wife. I must say, they both were so in love with each other that they couldn't take their eyes off each other.

   This day was filled with love and laughter, emotional speeches and care. Thank you for inviting me to share your beautiful day. Lisa and Nathan - your wedding was a success, from start to end. 

   And to end this post I want to share this father and daughter special moment. It was very touching and emotional.

   With Love

   Jasmine

Many thanks to the creative team for making this wedding day so seamless:

   Wedding Venue: Parklands Quendon Hall 

   Baloon Decor: The Part Box 

   Chairs: Cover Your Chairs

   Wedding Photographer: Imagine by Jasmine and Kate Towers

Instagram: Imagine by Jasmine

Facebook: Imagine by Jasmine

My Birthday This Year

   I like today's date, honestly. 15.01.15 Looks rather pretty :-) and I feel particularly pretty today myself. After all I am rounding up my age today. I am not having massive meltdowns any more as I grow a year older, instead I am accepting my age as another year wiser. NO, I am not claiming to be The Wise Owl, but If I compare Jasmine five years ago, or even two years ago to Jasmine sitting in front of the computer now, I see big difference. If I could speak to Jasmine from five years ago, I'd tell her not to waste her time on unnecessary things and, quite frankly, people too. I'd tell her not to pay attention to what others say. After all no one can be everyone's friend.

   Last year was a very happy year for me. It was filled with surprises and inspiration, meeting new friends and travelling, tasting the life in a different way and having fun. I am truly bless to have my supporting and loving husband and happy children to surround me. I am One Lucky Gu'l to do what I adore to do - Photographing Women (Brides, Bridesmaids, Sisters, Mothers, Mothers-in-law, Daughters, Aunties and Grandmas)...ok, sometimes men too :-)
   I am a true believer, that if you say your wish out aloud or even write it down, they do come true. So here is to the New Year of New Me. I am ready to do more of what I love to do, meet more people and travel further more.

   Age is just a number. My body is a lot younger just my mind is a lot wiser.


   With Love


Jasmine

Better Than Last Year

   When I was blogging in the beginning of last year (2014) about my journey into the art of photography I had a very little clue of how I was supposed to make it work. One thing I knew was that I loved photographing women. Why women? Because we are BEAUTIFUL. Something inside me was telling me that blogging is the right way to start. Sharing thought, ideas and experiences. Yet I didn't do a lot of it. 
   A year ago I was sat in front of my old laptop and didn't know how to ask people to let me photograph them. A year ago I didn't know how to let them know about my existence at all. I mean, how hard could that be? But all was I doing was chickening out. Yes, just like a chi-cken. Oh for god's sake, I wasn't going to charge them anyway. But I was scared. Scared of rejection and criticism. My fear to be judged was greater. I allowed my fear to guide my action. I know, it was wrong. 

   I had long arguments and disagreements with myself, just like you would have with a child. I gave myself a time frame and if I had no success in a year time I'd just give up on my dreams and hopes and call it 'I have tried it'. Then I started my long and tiring google searches. I  wrote to countless wedding photographers in my area asking them to allow me shoot with them as a second shooter. Some replied with rejections. Some never came back to me at all. Only 3 replied and were happy to take me on board. I couldn't be happier. What more could I ask for. I had real Bride and Groom to practice on and learn about the progress of the day from photographer's point of view. 
   So my year started well as soon as I put myself in time frames. It surprises me how we, as human beings, work well under the pressure.
 

  So what did I learn during past year?
1. Don't chicken out. There are people that are just like you - down to earth and the popularity hasn't killed their humanity. There are people that are ready to help. Just ask. 

2. Believe in yourself. This is a big one. If you do not believe in yourself you won't be able to convince others what you are passionate about photography. No one will ever trust you if you doubt yourself.

3. Set your goals. At the end of the every year take an hour or two to think, analyse and make decision on what are you going to work towards the following year. Some people call it a New Year's Resolution. I call it My New Goals for New Year. 

4. Take action. It's certainly isn't enough being creative, especially now, when there are creatives all around us. Get out there and let people know about you and your passion. Thank God for social media availability. 

5. Be YOU. Be transparent. Don't try to be someone else and don't be hard on you.

Stay positive


With Love
Jasmine


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With Love

   My dear friends,
   It has been very long since I last blogged and I have to apologise for that. It has been 'hard' to concentrate on blogging when we were out all day while on holiday. Not a good enough reason I say, though I wanted to spend as much time as possible with my husband without thinking about work. Those who know us on personal level know that not often we are granted the opportunity to spend the time alone. And I am grateful for that chance.

   Last few months have been like rollercoaster for me - busy in my photography and mummy world. But today's post I wanted to dedicate to Christmas. It is Christmas day and I want to wish you all, whoever is reading this post, whoever is or isn't celebrating Christmas - make today an extraordinary beautiful day and spend it with your loved ones. Tell them why you love them and how precious they are to you. They, who are with us and supporting us on our way, are the true ones. Be grateful to God for having them with you.

 

 I am thankful to God for my beautiful and healthy family. Merry Christmas!

With love

Jasmine

West or East | Germany

   Well, we did not go to Berlin for a beer or wine festival. This destination was part of our summer vacation that was purely to see and with a fraction of our minds imagine the historical events - World War I and World War II.
  As a little child you accept things differently. Stories sound more impressive especially when the story teller has gone through it him/herself. Grandparents who fought, defeated, got injured and won. Separating Berlin from the rest of the Germany. Calling it East and West. But what was the price for the victory? Was it worth it?

I don't want to go into details and tell you about the history. I am sure you have learnt it at school and can refresh your mind about it. Yet one of my MUST see parts of Berlin was The Wall. There is only some of it that is reserved and is covered in graffiti/wall art. So we went for a hunt.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

   I imagined Berlin very different to what I saw. Beautiful wide boulevards, surrounding the main streets, gave this city a relaxed and pleasant feel. Considering the fact that it is only few years that the city became a tourist attraction site (as we were informed by our host), the queues to get into the museums were amazingly long. And while we were waiting...

   Being a wedding photographer I couldn't resist but ask for permission from this bride and groom to take these photos of them looking all loved and romantic. A very interesting experience for me and for them too, I guess. Being photographer in a public area where every stranger is watching you pose, must be nerve-raking. But looking at the photos now it doesn't look like she minds it at all.

   I shall stop my blog post on this pleasant note, but will come back with more from Berlin, Germany. Stay tuned!

  

Happy Saturday

With love

Jasmine

XO

Portrait of a Beautiful Woman | Travel + Work in Spain

   I have been fortunate to have been studying few most inspiring portrait photographers in the world, who's works have truly made me try, practise and get better in my art. 

   For a very long time I was in search of my own style. I felt it, I sensed it, it made my heart jump, but I wouldn't understand what exactly made me feel that way. To figure it out I started to analyse the portraits I loved in details! They are connected, relaxed, feminine and glamorous. It is the connection that the photographer creates with the model, it is the feminine side that is shown and women are normally shy to admit it, it is pure beauty that photographer captures. And the colours. Soft, pastel shades of the colour-wheel pleases the eye and spreads the tranquil mood. I call it fine art!
  
    As I travelled around Europe and had the absolute luck to work with this woman, here is what I learnt. Get to know the person you are going to work with. I mean, don't take your camera out until you spent some time with the "model". Have some coffee and chat (that's what women do BEST, right?). As a photographer it is crucial to know what type of person you are going to spend next two to three hours with. They need to trust you as much as you need to trust them.

   

   I have been very lucky with this lady. Not only she was relaxed and willing to be directed/ posed by me, she also was the most feminine woman I have photographed yet.

    Although it was 33°C in Sapin when we were shooting, it didn't stop my model from being natural and relaxed. Fine, sensual, graceful. This is how I would describe this woman. I feel honoured to have had the chance to work with her. Thank you.   

   Happy Monday everyone

   With Love from Spain

   Jasmine 

PS Any critique or comments are welcome :-) 

Jardin Majorelle | Marrakech, Morocco

   
   Before flying to Marrakesh, Morocco I have been surfing the internet for things and places to do and see. I must say I didn't find much information about this little, but extremely busy city. People visit this city for a day or two to scout the souks for quality items for great prices. This place also appears to have the most motorcycles and bicycles than any other Moroccan city. I am still amazed how an entire family of five can fit and travel on one little motorcycle in the narrowest streets of Marrakesh.

   But today's blog is about one of beautiful and most visited gardens in Marrakech. This one is very special as this is the resting place of greatest and one of my most favoured couturier Yves Saint Laurent. The street named after him looks very much like any other street in Marrakesh - dusty, crowded with people who try to sell things to you for 5 times more that it actually costs. But you forget about outside world as soon as you step in through the big iron gates at the end of it. 

 

 

   Jaques Majorelle, was born in 1886 in Nancy, France. He was the son of the famous furniture designer and maker Louis Majorelle. He first visited Marrakesh in 1919 after being demobilized from military services for delicate health and continued living here and pursuing his career as a painter.

            

 

                       

   Jaques bought four acer land and designed and landscaped his own majestic and mystical garden which today is known as Majorelle Garden. He also commissioned the architect Paul Sinoir to design the villa, where he lived. He later named it Bou Saf Saf. In 1947 he opened the garden to the public, a tradition that continues til this day. After his second accident in Marrakech Jaques had to return to France for medical treatment. Unfortunately, the garden was left unattended and fell in despair. 

   Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge discovered Jardin Majorelle during their first visit in 1966:

  "We quickly became very familiar with this garden, and went there every day. It was open to the public yet almost empty. We were seduced by this oasis where colours used by Matisse were mixed with those of nature" ... " And when we heard that the garden was to be sold and replaced by a hotel, we did everything we could to stop that project from happening. This is how we eventually became owners of the garden and the villa. And we have brought life back to the garden through the years."

                                                                                                     Pierre Bergé  Yves Saint Laurent, “Une passion marocaine”

Éditions de la Martinière, 2010

   

   Yves Saint Laurent used to say that he was able to find an unlimited source of inspiration in Jardin Majorelle and that he dreamt many times about its unique colours. When he passed away in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the rose garden of the Villa Oasis. 

   "It is a way for artist to live on..." After Yves died, I donated the Jardin Majorelle and the Villa Oasis to the foundation in Paris, which bears both our names."

Pierre Bergé, Yves Saint Laurent, Une passion marocaine,
Éditions de la Martinière, 2010

                            

   If you ever visit Morocco you have to pop in to Marrakesh. If there is nothing else that interests you Jardin Majorelle will for sure. As Yves said, the unique colours are endless inspirations. Get inspired, imagine, be creative.

   Happy Friday my dear reader

   With Love from Morocco

   Jasmine