Jasmine Star. Gangster.
You may know that I quit my job in July to pursue my dream job of being a photographer. That really wasn't a decision I took lightly; after all, I have a family to provide for, and well, people just don't go around quitting their jobs in this economy. At the same time, I wasn't living the life I wanted to live. I wasn't living the life that God called me to live.
I would read Jasmine Star's blog daily at work, admiring her courage to quit UCLA law school in pursuit of a more meaningful and passion-filled life as a photographer. I prayed for that type of courage; a courage to shelve my self-doubts and fear of failure in order to live a more full life that I LOVE.
Tonight, I got to thank her in person for being an inspiration.
Jasmine came to Sacramento to speak at PPSV's monthly meeting, and I was BEYOND ECSTATIC. She asked the crowd to take pictures of her speech, and she'll choose her favorite to post on her blog tomorrow... and the winner will win a year's worth of Showit websites! I did my best at getting around the crowd to grab a shot, and this is what I was able to capture... PICK ME JASMINE... PLEASE!! =) 
Prentiss, Dianne and I waited all week to meet her. Yep, that's right. We showed up unabashedly with our giant cameras in tow, swearing not to leave until we got to take a picture with her. Despite her acclaim as a photographer and speaker, Jasmine is fabulously down-to-earth and took the time to speak to each of us as if we were old friends.
Jasmine and Dianne: 
Jasmine with Prentiss:
Jasmine telling me NOT to post this one.... ;)
OK. So it was my turn. I told Jasmine that we HAD to do a gangster pose. You know, cause that's how we roll. Now, I grew up in Richmond.... yet I haven't mastered how to look hard. Actually, I look kinda like an idiot. Jasmine, on the other hand.... well, she's a G. 
Jasmine, thank you! And I can't wait to catch you in Vegas at WWPI! Wooooot!
Kira
I can't believe this. I NEVER win anything! (Hold on, I did win $5 once from a lotto scratcher.) Imagine my disbelief when I clicked open Jasmine Star's blog for my daily read today.... and saw my name. Yes, right there on her infamous blog. WHAAAT?!!
Craziness. I (along with two other fabulous photographers: Dianne Jago and Jennifer Brotchie) win a year's subscription to ShowIt sites! ShowIt is a FABULOUS way to create a FABULOUS professional website. It's so easy, a caveman can do it. Soooo.... I guess I'll have a new website in addition to my blog. Stay tuned!
I immediately emailed Jasmine to drown her in thanks. The photography industry is only better with people like Jasmine, who are generous with sharing personal knowledge and experiences to help other photographers. I learn so much from her funny and eloquent blog posts, where she shares tidbits of her daily life mixed in with her fabulous weddings. If you haven't read her blog... well, shame on you.=)
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Reader Comments (13)
Congrats on winning the year of Showit, Kira! Your photos are fabulous, and you captured what everyone else in the room saw: Jasmine's down-to-earth, hilarious and amazing personality! :) I wish I'd gotten to meet you too!
~laura
So fun! Congrats!
congratulations Kira! awesome gangsta shots! love them! I have ShowIt and I love it! You will love it too!!
would love to hook up with you one day, I'm in Roseville...it's just nice to meet other photogs in the area and your work is awesome!
best,
jennifer
awww congrats! i hope to one day be in the area and hear her speak...or maybe she'll Canada! or at the very least the east coast. i've never met her but she oozes down-to-earthness and fabulosity on her blog - lucky you!
Wow Kira! In my "I'm-oh-so-not-a-G" lingo... Super Neato! Congrats! :)
Hi Kira,
Your blog post summed up how I felt about seeing Jasmine speak at PPSV. Congratulations on winning the showit website!! I LOVE that you did the gangsta pose with her and not to mention you captured her fabulously... is that a word? if it's not it should be... :)
Congrats! Many blessings to you on you chosen career path. It seems to me that you are on your way to big things! I really like your writing style. It's very personable and will easily draw people to you.
Again, WTG!
Love it!! Congratulations!!
Congratulations, Kira!!! I subscribe to Jasmine's blog and I saw your winning photo and just wanted to pop over to say hey and congratulations! Great job!!
Congrats on the win! I absolutely loved your shots (and your gangsta pose, for that matter). And meeting Jasmine - that's so awesome. It's hard not to be inspired by her courage, talent, and knowledge. :)
LOL. How cute are you!?? I'm gonna add you to my google reader, now that I know you are so Gang-Star **** love your blog. You are adorable! Good job on the win! Totally awesome! I said totally. I on the other hand am not Gansta. Darn it. I need to practice.
Congratulations!!!! :) :)
Congrats! All the best of luck with your move to full time photography. I know it's not an easy decision to make, however I know God will provide.
- Josh