e-session at Chalkidiki Greece

Nadya & Andrei from Russia found me through web and when they visit Chalkidiki for summer holidays they deside to trust me for a 3 hours e-session.

The heat was against us …up to 38 celsius but we have lots of fun and finally the result of imagery help us to keep shooting.We make couple of shoots into the istion hotel (http://www.istionclub.com/) at Potidaia and to nerby coasts of the Potidaia village.

Teresa Beklamy - September 3, 2010 - 4:23 am

These photographs are beautiful too. Love how you captured the blue from the sky and water. And the sunset with the couple sitting on the rock is splendid.

Jacqui Jagt - September 3, 2010 - 5:02 am

Number 6 is my favorite — capturing the reflection of the bride and groom dancing. Nice!

Fred Stuart - September 5, 2010 - 7:47 pm

I have been checking out this site for several months Nik and really appreciate your talent and beauty of capturing the best moments. Thanks!

Martin Tavares - September 5, 2010 - 7:48 pm

Very, very nice work! Beautiful wedding and beautiful photography!

Deborah Edwards - September 8, 2010 - 6:05 am

The colors are so vivid and fresh in both the cafe shots, as well as those by the water’s edge. Nice.

Yvonne Dunnington - September 8, 2010 - 6:07 am

Such gorgeous photos, especially the sunset shots.

Nik Pekridis - September 8, 2010 - 6:10 am

thank you all !!

Germaine LaFountaine - September 10, 2010 - 9:57 am

The second last picture is breathtaking.

Bernadette Kashuba - September 10, 2010 - 10:08 am

I really like the rain drops effect on your first few photographs. Cool.

Wilma Cornelisse - September 14, 2010 - 9:55 am

The shots of the couple on the rock in both the daylight and night are excellent — beautiful and vivid colors.

Mary Fusel - September 14, 2010 - 10:15 am

The colors in the photos of the couple in the cafe are brilliant.

Paula Lukas - September 15, 2010 - 1:00 am

Just browsing this incredible blog at Best of Wedding Photography again, and I am absolutely thrilled to come across your work once again. My goodness, this is the most amazing blog that I have seen with such incredible photography … and I am enjoying yours. Don’t every stop blogging!! I am a fan!

Mary Fabian - September 17, 2010 - 5:48 pm

The colors in the fourth last image are so vivid. Lovely.

Madeleine Jutras - September 22, 2010 - 12:07 am

Another great wedding story from beginning to end. I just can’t help but comment on the extraordinary blue sky and reflecting images that you managed to capture. Bravo!

ImranKhan - April 12, 2011 - 12:39 pm

splendid work. You just took the snaps of great moments. Sunset snaps are simply breathe taking.

Jessica Cameron - January 8, 2012 - 10:08 am

Hello,

I am enquiring about your services. I am getting married in hanioti Halkidki in September, I am searching for the perfect photographer. Is this the usual sort of thing you do? If so p,ease could you supply me with prices and availability.

Many thanks,

Jessica Cameron.

Africa Photograpic Awards. Best Wedding Photographer 2010.

We won best Wedding Photographer in the Africa Photographic Awards 2010. Thanks to the team. Danie & Daleen and Edna for letting Danie work with me every weekend. We are honoured and privileged to be selected. Thanks to my Lord and saviour for giving me the talents to do what I love.

I was told by one of the judges that all three portfolios I entered into the awards made it into the top 5. We only entered the Best Wedding photographer category.

Here are the images I entered into the awards and the award.

Sydney Wedding Photography - August 16, 2010 - 3:59 am

Like to say your wedding images are awesome. Great candid and natural photos using available light.The photography work is highly credible and stylish. Excellent creativity Cheers from Perry in Sydney

Abigail Winters - August 18, 2010 - 5:15 am

Congratulations! Excellent photography!

BOWP Editors - August 20, 2010 - 10:14 am

Jaco, This is an outstanding collection of imagery. I just wanted to let you know that the BOWP staff sends our congratulations on this well deserved reward!

Mariquita - August 20, 2010 - 10:35 am

Jaco, congratulations to you on the winning of this great award. I am loving your images so very much. They are all so very stylish and fashionable and you have captured the light so beautifully and dramatically. I especially like the one of the couple in front of the cottage.

Allison Larman - August 23, 2010 - 7:16 am

Congratulations of this very well deserved recognition! Your work is outstanding.

Jeremy Buck Photography - August 23, 2010 - 7:16 am

Congrats! Amazing imagery.

Maia Chase - August 23, 2010 - 7:18 am

I have always admired your work and can definitely understand why you have achieved such recognition. Spectacular!

Brian Holmes - August 24, 2010 - 12:49 pm

Outstanding imagery!!!! You certainly deserve this award.

Nancy Shaw - August 24, 2010 - 12:50 pm

Oh, I can’t get enough of this mesmirizing art! Bravo!

Dorothy Isber Photos - August 26, 2010 - 4:49 pm

Everytime I check out this blog, I hope to see more work from you. And today was my lucky day! It is incredible and it is nice to see such an outstanding photographer earn this prestigious award.

Shauna Dallamsphum - August 27, 2010 - 1:14 am

As usual, your work is out of this world. Fantastic … enjoying it so, so, so much, Jaco. Congrats on this most recent award/recognition. I’m thinking it is just the beginning of many more to come. I always love perusing your blogs — they make my day.

Michelle Gunton Photography - August 27, 2010 - 11:22 am

This wedding photography is awesome, thank you for sharing your artistic talent.

Lynn@ Chris+Lynn Photographers - August 27, 2010 - 3:00 pm

Stunning, catch-your-breath imagery! Congratulations – your work is simply gorgeous.

Wilma Cornelisse - September 3, 2010 - 4:36 am

Congratulations — absolutely amazing and stunning photographry — the rich colors, the details!

Julis McIntyre Photos - September 5, 2010 - 7:52 pm

A much deserved reward, Jaco — I absolutely love everything that you post. We talk about the Best of Wedding Photography photographers in the world … and I must say you deserve this … but more than that, you are way, way above most of the photographers. Keep on posting your blogs. They knock my socks off!

Matthew Lee - September 5, 2010 - 7:54 pm

Bravo Jaco! Awesome photos! Matthew

Jaco - September 6, 2010 - 12:13 pm

Thank you all for the kind words.

Scott Gatt Imaginations - September 8, 2010 - 6:10 am

Spectacular photography!

Mary Fabian - September 17, 2010 - 5:50 pm

Your imagery is out of this world! Gorgeous!

Deborah Edwards - September 22, 2010 - 12:15 am

One hundred congratulations and kudos to you. Your talent and skill are absolutely amazing. I am mesmirized by your work and could sit and view it all day long — it’s that incredible and addictive. You truly deserve this award … and will probably soon receive more right across the world. There are not many that can even hold a candle close to your artistry.

Jasmine Star Lens & Light Honor

The Lens & Light Honor is awarded to twelve photographers each year who are true leaders in the world of wedding photography. We look for photographers who produce stunning, modern, artistic imagery at the frontier of the field and for photographers who have achieved a rare level of success and recognition among brides, fellow photographers, and others in the wedding industry. We are proud to recognize Jasmine Star with the Lens & Light Honor.

~

© Jasmine Star

‘One of the 10 Best Wedding Photographers in the World in 2009”

~American Photo Magazine

Since 2006, Jasmine Star has taken the industry by storm. Named as one of the ten best wedding photographers in the world in 2009 by American Photo, Jasmine has become known for her intimate and creative photo stories, her dedication to getting to know her clients personally, and her engaging blog.

With more than 12,000 Twitter followers and more than 18,000 fans on Facebook, Jasmine has also developed a strong social media presence. As she puts it, “I developed a voice and online brand by leveraging social media and developing techniques to empower clients to become the voice of my brand.”

Dedicated to shooting in natural light, Jasmine works hard to make her brides feel “beautiful and fabulous” whether the setting is a picturesque garden or a patch of radiant orange gravel. For the dance floor, though, Jasmine uses a Canon Speedlite 550EX and has a custom-designed set up for a PocketWizard Plus II, and she’ll often set up an off-camera flash near the DJ or band.

Based in Orange County, California, Jasmine travels worldwide to cover weddings and to teach courses on wedding photography, marketing and branding.

~

© Jasmine Star

© Jasmine Star

© Jasmine Star

How did you get into wedding photography?

The answer to this question is quite detailed and complex, but the shortest answer could be summed up in one word: Fate.

I was at UCLA Law School in 2005 when I received news my mother had a relapse with brain cancer. The news hit me harder than I can adequately describe and I took a medical leave to be by her side. I moved back home and while I was happy to be with my mom, I felt lost, frustrated, and depressed.

I was at the lowest point in my life and I was desperately praying for deliverance. Thankfully, it came: In the form of an engagement ring. My boyfriend, JD, proposed and we decided to plan a destination wedding in Hawaii. Seven months later – against all odds – my mother walked me down the aisle with my father on my wedding day.

And the best part? My wedding photographer, David Jay, captured it all magically. His photos moved me. Challenged me. Gave me hope and allowed me to believe in dreams again. I saw his life, passion, and art, and I wanted to do the same thing.

So I did. I had never touched a digital camera in my life, but I assisted a few wedding photographers the summer of 2006, and then shot my first solo wedding in October of 2006. From there, my business grew and I ended up shooting 38 weddings in 2007.

My path to into photography is mangled, but it’s beautiful because it’s mine. And I wouldn’t change a thing about my crazy journey.

How would you describe your style?

Lifestyle Photography for Fabulous People.

Can you share some of your favorite images and tell us what went into making them and why you like them?

© Jasmine Star

Kristin and Brandon
I’m a lover of soft, natural light … and any time I can capitalize on its presence, I will. The morning sun worked its way through the trees and cast a beautiful glow around the bride and groom … all I had to do was stand back and click as they enjoyed themselves on their wedding day.

© Jasmine Star

Emily and DJ
I love the simplicity of the image and it’s indicative of my shooting style. I prefer shooting wide open (this shot was at a f/1.2) and creating a clear focal point so the viewer can see life through my eyes and feel the moment as uniquely their own.

© Jasmine Star

Stephanie
I love my brides. They’re all unmistakably fabulous. And beautiful. I shot the following bridal portraits with a 85mm at f/1.2 with allowed me to capture the ambient light and created the perfect setting. I find nothing more rewarding than watching a woman feel confident while being photographed … it’s one of life’s greatest rewards.

© Jasmine Star

Kristin and her bridesmaids
I am smitten with untraditional group formal photos and when I’m given the opportunity to work with a fabulous group of girls, I jump at the chance to have some fun!

~

What cameras do you shoot with, what’s your favorite lens, and what’s your favorite accessory other than your cameras/lenses?

I shoot with the Canon 5DMII and my favorite lens is the 50mm, 1.2. I shoot with this dynamic duo more often than not, and it’s truly helped define my style.

How important is post processing in your final images?

I view post processing like salt on a really great meal. It’s merely the spice and flavor to a meal, but not the meal itself. I use minimal processing and prefer to shoot images in-camera as close as possible to the desired end product. I’m often asked about post processing, so if you’d like to read more about my preferences and techniques, you can read more about it on my blog: Jasmine Star

Who or what inspires you to create great imagery?

I know it sounds cliché, but I promise it’s the truth. My basis of inspiration is God. I photograph people because we are all reflections of something great and beautiful; something far beyond our understanding. I am inspired by people because they are merely small divisions of God.

What is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings?

The pressure. Sometimes I feel like a brussel sprout in a pressure cooker on a wedding day. There’s SO much going on in a concise duration of time and fleeting memories are hard to capture. But the good news is that I thrive on pressure … it challenges me and allows me to feel alive. That’s the best part of what I do.

If not a photographer, what would you want to be?

Realistically, I probably would have been a lawyer. Unrealistically, I’d love to be a writer. With a few books on the New York Times best sellers list!

~

© Jasmine Star

© Jasmine Star

Southern California Wedding Photography - August 12, 2010 - 5:02 pm

Exceptional work! Bravo! My favorite, although there are many, is the shot of the couple in the field of flowers. The military guy. Just the expressions alone are priceless, not to mention the lighting, composition, and just the whole shot!

Lillian Cunningham - August 13, 2010 - 2:42 pm

Amazing imagery. No doubt in my mind why you were voted one of the top 10 photographers in the world and why you are a prominent photographer on Best of Wedding Photography! Kudos!

Wedding Photography Brisbane - August 15, 2010 - 5:36 am

Finally, Military wedding bring unique design in a wedding photography. I like all the pictures…Well done.

Wani - August 17, 2010 - 7:29 am

Well done Jasmine – very well deserved. Just another feather in your fabulous cap 🙂

John97 - August 17, 2010 - 1:31 pm

Very nice site!

Pages - August 17, 2010 - 1:41 pm

I admire your page.

Charmaine Lowry - August 18, 2010 - 5:18 am

A great set of imagery. Your bride shots are amazing!

Mariquita - August 20, 2010 - 10:37 am

Ooh… thank you for this interview. I am always loving how much energy Ms. Jasmine Star seems to have for her work and for life. I would love to attend a workshop … maybe I can catch some of that joi de vive and use it in my own work. Are you having any workshops or seminars coming up soon?

Nora Robinson - August 23, 2010 - 7:22 am

Congratulations on being featured as one of the best photographers in the world. My favorite photo is the last one of the bridesmaids in the natural setting. Excellent!

Paula Lukas - August 23, 2010 - 7:23 am

What a great interview and wonderful photos. Thanks so much for sharing with us.

Beverly Canalab - August 24, 2010 - 12:51 pm

Kudos! Love your work.

Dani Meadows - August 24, 2010 - 12:53 pm

What a beautiful bride. You really captured the joyful moments.

Fred Stuart - August 26, 2010 - 4:51 pm

Very, very nice! Congratulations on the prestigious honor.

Shauna Dallamsphum - August 27, 2010 - 1:16 am

Nice to see you here Jasmine in the spotlight on Best of Wedding Photography. Much deserved and congratulations!

J.D. Smith Photography - September 3, 2010 - 4:38 am

Great photographs. Congratulations!

Sam Obeid - September 12, 2010 - 8:05 am

Always enjoy seeing Jasmine’s work, congrats on the feature!

Peter Bruce - October 4, 2010 - 3:00 pm

Great site. Peter

Roberta Crumplin - October 12, 2010 - 1:18 pm

So inspiring! And such beautiful, fresh photos!!

Rainy Ireland

a selection of some of my favourite images from the wedding of Michelle & Lorcan Dunphy married in Carrigaline, Co. Cork, Ireland in July 2010. Irish summers are becoming typically wet, but the show must go on!

Photography by Shane O’Neill

www.aspectphotography.net

Mariquita - August 12, 2010 - 1:23 pm

Oh… so so pretty. I am loving this blog. I learn so much from the amazing photographers here! I especially am loving the way that this gorgeous series is capturing the emotion of the day. It feels so beautiful and intimate.

… I think I may be a blog stalker now. 🙂

Marissa Anthony - August 13, 2010 - 2:45 pm

I have heard that rain on a wedding day brings tons of good luck and happiness to the bride and groom. What beautiful images — nobody would have guessed that is was a rainy day.

Kawi gurl - August 14, 2010 - 1:35 pm

Great site! much appreciated.

melissa - August 17, 2010 - 3:01 pm

These are fantastic. I love love the black and white…they are SO crazy rich!

Candice Springgay - August 18, 2010 - 5:20 am

The church shots are spectacular. Really liked this black and white collection of photos.

Melissa Paul - August 18, 2010 - 2:18 pm

Lovely photos! that makeup case shot is incredible! great catch!

Teresa Beklamy - August 23, 2010 - 7:24 am

I think the umbrellas added a unique touch to the wedding! Let in rain.

Deborah Edwards - August 23, 2010 - 7:25 am

Incredible photos … just love Ireland in the rain.

Dani Meadows - August 24, 2010 - 12:54 pm

Magic and romance … love these photos.

Ben McIntyre - August 24, 2010 - 12:55 pm

Great Images — especially that spectacular church. Bravo!

Germaine LaFountaine - August 26, 2010 - 4:52 pm

Oh, the luck of the Irish is all over this amazing wedding story. Beautiful photographs!

Shauna Dallamsphum - August 27, 2010 - 1:17 am

Very, very nice! Although it may have been raining, these shots of this wedding and Ireland are magnificent! Thanks so much for your continued blogs — I love them all!

J.D. Smith Photography - September 3, 2010 - 4:41 am

You did a magnificent job of including the rain in the wedding story. Nice work.

Scott Gatt Imaginations - September 3, 2010 - 4:44 am

Splendid wedding images in black and white. Great angles and light and use of natural light.

Maia Chase - September 5, 2010 - 7:56 pm

Being a lady from Grenada (which I was convinced was the most beautiful place on earth) … you have convinced me that Rainy Ireland tops paradise. Beautiful and enchanting photographs.

Romantic atmosphere – Wedding in Trentino Alto Adige Italy

Veronica + Federico  July 10, 2010

Wedding in Trentino Italy – location Trento

romantic atmosphere as in a fairy tale, light, colors, flavors and delicate for a wonderful wedding, surrounded by a landscape of mountains and lakes.

Photos: Luigi Rota

FOTOROTA Studio

www.luigirota.it

+39 0341.283577

Lecco (LC) Italy

Mario Caldeira - July 30, 2010 - 8:26 am

Nice Work!!!

Danilo - August 3, 2010 - 1:59 am

I miei complimenti Luigi, immagini stupende e suggestive! mi piacciono molto.

Roberta Petersen - August 3, 2010 - 5:18 pm

Beautiful photos. Love how you captured the mix of emotions,

Andreas Feusi - August 4, 2010 - 10:10 am

Very nice work. You captured so many different emotions, locations and situations, well done.

Bernadette Kashuba - August 8, 2010 - 7:46 pm

Absolutely gorgeous photos. Love how you captured the many important emotions of the day! Congrats!

Luigi Rota - August 9, 2010 - 3:39 am

Thank’s to everyone for the compliments!

Janelle Smitstone - August 12, 2010 - 3:56 am

Very nice! Love the black and white pics!

Beverly Canalab - August 12, 2010 - 4:06 am

More spectacular work. Thanks. Loved these wedding photos.

Deborah Edwards - August 13, 2010 - 2:49 pm

Absolutely love the photo of the bride sitting in front of the majestic mountains. One of your many photos that will be treasured.

Annalia Nardelli - August 13, 2010 - 2:50 pm

Bellissime foto Complimenti!

Joey Falsetti - August 18, 2010 - 5:24 am

A beautiful wedding story — especially enjoyed the two last photos in black and white with the bride’s veil blowing in the wind – such dramatic imagery.

Germaine LaFountaine - August 23, 2010 - 7:30 am

Simply gorgeous — magnificent shots — with a wonderful background of mountains and lakes. So romantic.

Fred Stuart - August 24, 2010 - 1:03 pm

Magnificent — like the natural shot where the bride has tears of joy — you really captured all the emotions of the day.

Candice Springgay - August 24, 2010 - 1:12 pm

What a terrific location — Italy — for a wedding. Great photos.

Shauna Dallamsphum - August 26, 2010 - 4:55 pm

This truly is a fairy tale wedding, thanks to your excellent photography.

Shauna Dallamsphum - August 27, 2010 - 1:21 am

No matter what anybody says, I am a romantic at heart and #11 is my absolute favorite — the soft photograph of the bride and groom kissing. Fabulous.

Luigi Rota - August 27, 2010 - 9:21 am

A REAL THANKS TO ALL for your compliments
Always, puts passion and CREATIVITY ‘IN MY WORK AND ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW IDEAS! SEE YOU ALL SOON

Isobelle Thornborough - September 3, 2010 - 4:48 am

Spectacular shots — all that greenery and natural light and beauty.

Mary Fabian - September 8, 2010 - 6:14 am

Those outdoor shots are amazing!

Lorenzo Poli - January 9, 2011 - 7:04 am

Bellissime foto Luigi 🙂

Sei riuscito a cogliere quello che io non avrei mai visto, a due passi dal mio studio.

Fantastico…

Lorenzo

Romano Fanì - January 9, 2011 - 7:13 am

Come al solito, gran bel lavoro Luigi….emozionare, emozionare!!!!