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